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Christchurch Parks & Reserves

Parks & Reserves

In Christchurch city and its big backyard of Canterbury, you’ll find an abundance of gardens, parks, forests and native wetlands. Blow off some steam with a bit of exercise or simply kick back and relax, taking in nature’s beauty.

Walkers in Spring at Hagley Park Christchurch

Hagley Park

Sprawling Hagley Park sits at the heart of Christchurch. The park offers green spaces, dotted with century-old trees and stunning floral shows in springtime. Walk, run or cycle its pathways, or hop on an e-scooter and zoom under the blossoms.

 

Exploreyourplace Godley Head

Godley Head

Starting at surf-spot Taylor’s Mistake, this stunning track offers epic views of Pegasus Bay and the Kaikoura ranges. With World War II gun emplacements, rugged coastal cliffs, and the potential for dolphin or even whale-spotting, this is one that really can’t be missed.

Riccarton House and Bush

Riccarton Bush and Ilam Homestead Gardens

For a great first-hand experience of New Zealand native plants, a quick drive from the city will lead you to Riccarton Bush. An ancient native forest reserve lays hidden with manicured gardens and historic buildings alongside the Avon River. Tucked away nearby is one of the city’s best kept secrets. Visit Ilam Homestead Gardens in spring or summer, and you’ll be dazzled with scores of azaleas and rhododendrons in a secluded natural haven.

Travis Wetland Observation Room

The Groynes, Styx Mill Reserve and Travis Wetland

North-east Christchurch is home to an abundance of flourishing reserve land to explore. Head north for the popular retreat of The Groynes, where you’ll discover a wealth of picnic spots, walking trails amid wildlife and lush greenery. Nature lovers will be in heaven at Styx Mill Conservation Reserve – home to an array of vegetation and birdlife to spot on its many walking tracks. For bird lovers, Travis Wetland hosts 55 species, living within a huge wetland park.

Christchurch Port Hills View of Christchurch City at Sunset

Victoria Park

A gem of the Port Hills is Victoria Park – a vast parkland boasting panoramic views over the city, the Southern Alps and the coast. With an epic picnic spot, several bush walks and a dog park for your furry friends, what’s not to love?

People biking and walking dogs in Bottle Lake Forest
Credit: Aaron Campbell Photography

Bottle Lake Forest

For trees as far as the eye can see, visit Bottle Lake Forest Park, just on the outskirts of Christchurch. Wander through the vast exotic pine forest under the cooling tree canopies, or weave through the extensive tracks on a mountain bike!

Halswell Quarry People At Look Out

Halswell Quarry Park

Heading south of Christchurch leads to Halswell Quarry Park, a former quarry offering a fascinating mix of attractions. Once a rowdy, rocky area is now a quiet amphitheatre surrounded by grasslands, beautiful gardens and you guessed it - more wetlands! Along with six sister city gardens and a Canterbury botanical collection.

Ashburton Domain

Around Canterbury

Walks, picnics, barbeques and camping. This is what to expect when you visit Waimate’s Knottingley Park, located on the Waihao Back Road.

Waimate’s Victoria Park is set in 6.9 hectares of trees, shrubs and flower beds. Get the heart racing when you use the athletic track and cycling oval, while the kids enjoy the animal enclosure, children’s playground and camping facilities.

Pack a picnic of local treats and enjoy hectare upon hectare of lawn, mature trees, plants and flowers at the Ashburton Domain.

 

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