Ashhurst is sited 14 kilometres northeast of the city of Palmerston North and a satellite community of the city. The town stands under the Ruahine Ranges, beneath Wharite Peak, which is the most notable peak on the south end of the Ruahine Range, upon which is the television and radio transmitter.
Transport
Ashhurst's importance stems from its location at the western end of the Manawatu Gorge. As such, it was close to the easiest road and rail link between the east and west coasts of the southern North Island. However, the Gorge has been closed since April 2017 and the road link to the east coast from Ashhurst is now via Saddle Road. Ashhurst is the location of Palmerston North's second bridge crossing over the Manawatu. There are four buses on weekdays and one on Saturdays linking Palmerston North with Ashhurst.
Parks and reserves
Ashhurst Domain – A large multipurpose park which includes a camping ground, a lookout to the wind farm, a cemetery and canine area.
Ashhurst-Fitzherbert Ward is Palmerston North's largest ward covering the area from James Line to part way through the Manawatu Gorge, to just north of Ashhurst township. Recently Fitzherbert Ward was amalgamated with Ashhurst Ward. The ward is predominantly rural, with most of the population living in Ashhurst, Aokautere and Linton. The area varies from the suburban to the foothills of the Tararua Ranges to the river valleys of the Manawatu and Pohangina Rivers. The Saddle Road Bridge, which crosses this river, had to be recently replaced due to floods in 2004 when a flooded Pohangina River swept the bridge away. Saddle Road is the alternative route east now the Manawatu Gorge is closed. There is an increasing amount of development in the area especially around Aokautere and Summerhill. Because of the higher ground on the south bank of the Manawatu, there are views of the Ruahine Ranges and the northern parts of the city. On a clear day it is possible to see Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Taranaki.
Ashhurst School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students, with a roll of as of. Hiwinui School, located north-west of the Ashhurst township, is also a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students, located north-west of the township. It has a roll of.
