Ashburton Aviation Museum is a community-supported aviation museum in Mid-Canterbury, New Zealand, built through the enthusiasm and hard work of its members and local community. Celebrating 50 years in 2024, the museum presents a collection of more than 40 carefully preserved aircraft, including rare examples from aviation history. Visitors can explore the exhibits up close, look inside cockpits, climb the old control tower and see a “space ball” that descended from the Soviet satellite Cosmos 482 during its breakup over the South Island in 1972.

The museum also offers a flight simulator, providing an interactive way to engage with aviation. Alongside sharing the history of flight, the organisation is planning a modern complex to house its aircraft and other exhibits. The museum is open seven days a week, with visiting hours varying by day, and offers admission for children, adults and families.

Located on Seafield Road in Ashburton, it invites visitors to discover the stories and enduring spirit of flight through its collection and experiences