Regional parks

Spencer Park, Brooklands Lagoon and Seafield Park

Wildlife

The diverse range of habitats in this area supports a wide variety of birdlife including forest birds, waders, waterfowl and coastal birds.

Brooklands Lagoon is an important wildlife area, with 74 species of birds recorded here. Common resident birds include oystercatcher, red-billed gull, spotted shag, white-faced heron, banded dotterel, and pied cormorant.

The animal park features animals such as rabbits, kune kune pigs, goats and guinea pigs, along with aviaries and a variety of free-range birds including ducks, geese, peacocks and guinea fowl. This is an especially popular attraction with children. It is open from 9.00am to 4.30pm.

Beach access and the Waimakariri walkway provide access to the Waimakariri River mouth, where fishing (whitebait, salmon, kahawai etc) is popular.

Plant life

Spencer Park and Brooklands Lagoon have a diverse plant life. The lagoon has large saltmarsh areas. To the south of the lagoon are freshwater wetlands. Along the windswept coast, dune vegetation protects the area from migrating dunes, and provides habitat for wildlife. Large amenity trees are features of the picnicking areas and roadside.