Ashhurst is a small town in the Manawatu-Wanganui region of New Zealand's North Island. It is sited 14 kilometres northeast of the city of Palmerston North. It has a population of 2526 (2001 census).

Ashhurst's importance stems from its location, at the western end of the Manawatu Gorge. As such, it is close to the easiest road and rail link between the east and west coasts of the southern North Island.