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Fully Certified
Rokowhiria Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
General Information
329 West Street, Ashburton 7700
03 307 7890
Opening Times - Check before visiting as might change
Open everyday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Overview
Serving the growing population of Mid-Canterbury and Aotearoa New Zealand at large, Rokowhiria is a vibrant cultural facility operated by the Ashburton District Council, located in Whakatere Ashburton. Rokowhiria cares for extensive art and heritage collections, and offer a wide range of exhibitions, programmes, and events that promote innovation and cultural engagement.
Rokowhiria has a rich history that evolved from two separate, community-led operations – the Ashburton Museum (established 1972) and the Ashburton Art Gallery (established 1995). The Gallery and the Museum moved into a new purpose-built facility in 2015 and merged into a single organisation under the Ashburton District Council in 2021. The name Rokowhiria was gifted to the facility by local iwi in 2025.
Home also to the Ashburton Family History Group, Rokowhiria has become a hub of creative and diverse activity, maintaining a busy programme of exhibitions that promote and exemplify the works of local and national artists and explore local and national histories.
Notes for Cardholders
Please call or email us if you have any further questions about our facility or would like to organise a group visit. We would be happy to discuss how we can support you to have the best experience possible.
Hāpai Access Card holders will also receive a 10% discount on all full-priced items for sale in our gift shop, excluding artworks.
Standing and Queuing
If you are unable to queue and there is a queue anywhere, please get the attention of one of our friendly team and they will let you jump the queue.
Level Access
Our building has level access throughout, including one lift and accessible parking located just 10m away from the entrance, the best entrance is our main entrance.
Distances
Our building is large, however, there is plenty of seating throughout that you are welcome to use, our accessible parking is 10m from the main entrance. We have an onsite wheelchairs available for you to use which can be booked in advance or speak with one or team when you arrive and they will do their best to assist you.
Urgent Toilet Access
We have two accessible toilets, one on each floor of the building, and six standard toilets on the second floor. If you present this icon to us we will ensure you are next to use the toilet in a discrete way.
Disability Assist Dogs
We comply with the NZ law with respect to Disability Assistance Dogs. The staff will offer you water for your dog and will indicate the nearest place for the dog to relieve itself if required.
Essential Companions
We do not require payment to enter so your companion is more than welcome if they want to purchase something or not.
Difficulty Accessing Visual Information
The staff are well-informed about adapting their communication and assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision.
Our staff will be able to advise on which current exhibitions or activities are most suitable for blind or low vision individuals i.e. exhibitions that have a significant tactile component.
Difficulty Accessing Audible Information
Through the training that the staff have done with the Hāpai Access Card, they are aware of how they can modify how they communicate with you.
This includes making sure you can see their face when speaking, speaking clearly, use of pen and paper and being patient.
The staff are aware of the NZ Relay service, so please use this if you think it appropriate when ringing if needed.
Hidden Disabilities
We welcome visits from individuals, large groups and organisations that may have specific accessibility needs. Please contact us in advance and we can arrange for a staff member to develop a free bespoke tour or activity related to our exhibitions that caters to your needs.
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