The Ashburton River, also known as Hakatere, is a significant braided river system flowing through the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It is characterized by its wide, shingle riverbed with multiple shifting channels, typical of the region's alpine-fed rivers. The catchment includes distinct North and South Branches that converge, flowing through pastoral plains before reaching the coast. The river and its surrounding Hakatere Conservation Park offer a diverse angling environment, from mountain headwaters to lower reaches, known for holding quality trout.