Natural areas

Christchurch, New Zealand enjoys an astonishing range of natural areas, providing both recreational and ecological opportunities.

Within half an hours drive from Cathedral Square in the central city, you can discover beaches, wetlands, forests, or grasslands. You can be swimming in the sea, fishing off the New Brighton Pier, kayaking in the estuary, peering from a bird hide, mountain biking through a pine plantation, or tramping and enjoying the stunning views from the Port Hills.

Christchurch’s natural areas are a rare resource to be cherished and encouraged. The Christchurch City Council works in conjunction with other organisations and the community to provide facilities for recreational purposes, and to enhance our environment. The re-establishment of natural areas is ongoing. As these areas are restored they provide important habitat and food sources for our native wildlife.

• Beaches and coastal areas
  The coastline of Christchurch has much to offer for both recreational activities and for our wildlife.

• Grasslands
  The grasslands are significant for their ecological and landscape values, representing prehuman grasslands, shrublands and woodlands of the Canterbury Plains.

• Regional parks
  Christchurch's regional parks provide protection for natural areas and plenty of places for exploring, walking, biking and family picnics.
  • Bottle Lake Forest Park
  • Groynes, The
  • Halswell Quarry Park
  • Spencer Park, Brooklands Lagoon and Seafield Park
  • Styx Mill Conservation Reserve

• The Port Hills
  The Port Hills are one of the best-loved landscapes of Christchurch. The tussock grasslands and rugged rock out-crops contrast the flatness of the Canterbury Plains. Remnants of podocarp forest are reminders of the past.

• Waterways
  Four rivers, the Avon, Heathcote, Styx and the Halswell meander through various suburbs, and in case of the Avon, partially through the central city, adding to this special ambiance of a unique city.

• Wetlands
  The wetlands in Christchurch offer a number of easy walkways and viewing areas, with opportunities to see many bird species and plant communities.
  • Bexley Wetland
  • Horseshoe Lake Reserve
  • Travis Wetland Nature Heritage Park

A location map of Christchurch's natural areas is available here.