VR session + burger/pizza meal
Suit up for more than fifty VR experiences, then refuel with a burger or pizza from Flashbacks Ashburton next door. This compact, social combo is perfect for families, groups, or a weatherproof stop between Canterbury adventures.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; suitable for people comfortable standing and moving in short bursts.
Wildlife
History
Ashburton developed as a service town for the surrounding farmland and rail networks in the 19th century and retains a straightforward rural character.
Conservation
Braided riverbeds near Ashburton are ecologically sensitive; avoid disturbing gravel bars and nesting birds and follow local access guidelines.
Virtual and Retro
VR session + burger/pizza meal
Virtual and Retro is a virtual reality venue based in Ashburton in the Canterbury Region. The business focuses on immersive digital entertainment with two primary offerings: VR Games & Experiences and VR Escape Rooms. The VR Games & Experiences catalog comprises over 50 unique titles spanning action, exploration, puzzles, and social multiplayer formats. The VR Escape Rooms collection includes more than 30 themed virtual escape scenarios designed to test teamwork and problem solving.
The venue accommodates a range of visitors, from solo players seeking short immersive sessions to groups looking for collaborative challenges. Hardware and software selections support varied gameplay styles and difficulty levels so guests can experience clear objectives and engaging interactions. Staff familiarity with titles and scenarios helps ensure efficient session setup and safe headset use.
Located in Ashburton, Virtual and Retro serves local residents and visitors to the Canterbury Region seeking an accessible VR outing. The business combines retro gaming appeal with contemporary virtual reality technology to present a concentrated catalogue of digital experiences. Public listings and local features document the breadth of content: over 50 VR games and over 30 VR escape rooms, making Virtual and Retro a notable local destination for gamers, families, and groups interested in immersive digital entertainment.
Visitor information and specific session details are available through local listings and The Adventure Collective online or by phone.
Location
Ashburton, Canterbury
Local VR venue in Canterbury Region
VR Games
50+ titles
Extensive selection across genres
Escape Rooms
30+ rooms
Themed virtual puzzle experiences
Experience Types
Games & Escape Rooms
Two main immersive offerings
Select VR Games & Experiences or VR Escape Rooms at Virtual and Retro and check local listings for session availability.
Book ahead for evenings and weekends
Slots are limited and group size caps at ten—reserve online to secure your preferred time and avoid waits.
Arrive comfortable and ready
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes; some games involve bending and stepping, and headsets fit best over light layers.
Sanitation and headset sharing
Expect staff to clean headsets between uses; bring a personal face covering if you prefer extra hygiene.
Pace the gameplay
If you’re prone to motion sensitivity, start with seated or slower exploration titles and take breaks between rounds.
Comfortable shoes
Supportive footwear helps during active VR titles that require standing or short movements.
Light jacket or layers
Useful for evenings in Canterbury when temperatures drop after sunset.
spring
Phone with booking confirmation
Displays your reservation and helps coordinate group meetups.
Small hand sanitizer
For personal hygiene before and after headset use.