Mayfield: A&P Show and Landscape

Mayfield lies on the Inland Scenic Route, which runs through Mid Canterbury, about 35 km from Ashburton. Its location on the route and the Mayfield A & P Show provide two different points of reference when considering the town as a base for holiday accommodation: the route for orientation and the show programme as an event to explore.

The Mayfield A & P Show: Programme and Local History

The Mayfield A & P Show was founded in 1926. Depending on the edition, the programme includes livestock judging, equestrian events, home industries, arts and crafts, pig racing and tractor pulling; family entertainment is also offered. If you would like to plan your visit around the show, check the programme for the relevant edition, as the events may vary.

Mayfield’s community dates back to 1879, when the first post office was established. This gives two specific historical reference points: the establishment of the post office and the later founding of the show in 1926.

Mayfield Domain and Its Surroundings

Northeast of Mayfield, Mayfield Domain is located on Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road (Inland Scenic Route 72). The Ashburton District reserve plan from November 2024 describes the grounds as mostly flat and predominantly open grass, with some mature plantings. The plan lists tennis and netball courts, a swimming pool, rugby fields and touch rugby fields. Beside Mayfield Playcentre, it notes a small playground designed mainly for preschool-aged children.

The history of the domain also dates back to 1926, when the first Domain Board was appointed. The Mayfield A & P Show began using areas of the domain. This means the area around the town offers both a long local history and a range of recreation and sports facilities.

Golf North of the Town

North of the settlement is Mayfield Golf Club, a nine-hole golf course in a rural setting. An 18-hole round involves playing the same nine-hole course twice. This makes the difference between a round and the longer option clear for your planning, without implying how long play will take.

Hiking and Mountain Biking in the Tenahaun Conservation Area

The Tenahaun Conservation Area includes the highest peak of the Moorhouse Range. Above the Rangitata Gorge, there are public rights of way for hiking and mountain biking. The area is in the wider vicinity of Mayfield; the rights of way are outside the town.

To get there, follow Arundel Rakaia Road (Highway 72) to Mayfield. At Montalto, turn left onto Mayfield Klondyke Road; at the intersection, continue straight onto Klondyke Terrace. This road leads to the Rangitata Diversion Race water intake point on the Rangitata River; a public right of way begins there. Road conditions and access arrangements may change. Check the latest information from the Department of Conservation before setting out.

Another Look at Ashburton District

In the wider Ashburton District, Ashburton Domain is a 37-hectare open space with lawns, gardens and recreational facilities. These include a paddling pool, a small playground for preschool children and a track for children learning to ride bicycles, as well as older children with skateboards or roller skates. A rose garden, mature exotic trees and seasonal flower beds complete the grounds.

Discover more destinations: Ashburton, Mount Hutt, Methven, Hinds.

Go to the main travel overview: Ashburton District.