These two parks form a large combined open space area in south-west Christchurch. Home to the Canterbury A&P Show, this area is sometimes referred to as the showgrounds.

Getting there

Canterbury Agricultural Park and Ngā Puna Wai are situated beside each other, five kilometres from the centre of Christchurch. The main public access is off Curletts Road, between the suburbs of Wigram and Hillmorton.

The nearest bus route is the Orange line. Please visit Metroinfo(external link) for the latest bus information.

Gates and opening hours

  • Ngā Puna Wai is open all hours.
  • The Canterbury Agricultural Park is open during daylight hours.

Dogs

Dogs are required to be on a leash while on the boardwalk surrounding the retention basin pond.

In all other areas of Canterbury Agricultural Park and Ngā Puna Wai Reserve, dogs are welcome under effective control.

Overall, the reserves area comprises 83 hectares to be used for a variety of recreational opportunities from organised sports to informal recreation. 

Ngā Puna Wai is home to a new athletics and sporting facility, replacing what was lost at QEII and around the city post earthquakes.(external link)

Nga Puna Wai Sports Hub is opening in stages throughout 2019 with some fields available to book now.

The Agricultural Park is primarily used as sports grounds but is also home to a number of organisations such as: 

Find more information on sports grounds, closures and bookings at Canterbury Agricultural Park and other locations.

Animals

You may see horses tied to floats, horse riders and loose animals in Canterbury Agricultural Park - it is important to keep gates closed not approach, touch or chase animals.

Etiquette

Historically, this park has been used by agricultural organisations. As a multi use facility it is important to be courteous to all park users.

If you are using the park for recreation in the weekend, please download the flyer [PDF, 1.4 MB] to see where you should park as not to block through-ways. 

Country meets town at the Canterbury Agricultural Show, the largest A&P show in New Zealand.

Running for over 150 years, the Show is an annual event running for three days every November. It has been held at Canterbury Agricultural Park since it was purpose built in 1997.

Celebrating rural life with a schedule of livestock and equestrian events, dog trials, family entertainment and delicious food and drink, there's fun here for all the family.

Find out more about the show(external link).

Read about the history of the show.(external link)

Ngā Puna Wai has some great walking and cycling tracks.

The short Ngā Puna Wai Loop Walk for an attractive stroll around the lake and past native wetland plantings.

The slightly longer Ngā Puna Wai Walk runs from Augustine Drive to Curletts Road via a small section of native forest.