Port Hills and Banks Peninsula volunteer days

Join Christchurch City Council Rangers for planting and maintenance days across the seasons in our unique and stunning Port Hills and Banks Peninsula parks and reserves.

The volunteer programme restores and maintains native forest in designated areas of the Port Hills. Volunteers plant native trees each winter and maintain them in spring and autumn to reduce competition from grass.

Maintenance is the most critical part of ecological restoration success. Without regular maintenance for the first three years, plants wouldn't survive due to grass competition.

Port Hills Volunteer Days

On the day, come prepared for all weather and wear sturdy footwear for hill work.  

A limited number of hedge clippers and gloves will be provided by the rangers, but feel free to bring your own. 

For more information, please contact Fiona Fenton on 027 506 1425 or fiona.fenton@ccc.govt.nz.

Autumn maintenance

Where Date Time
Barnett Park Saturday 17 February 1pm to 3pm
Bowenvale Reserve (Huntsbury) Saturday 24 February 1pm to 3pm
Dry Bush Saturday 2 March 1pm to 3pm
Eastside Bush (with BBQ afterwards) Saturday 9 March 1pm to 3pm

Winter planting

Where Date Time
Barnett Park Saturday 25 March 1pm to 3pm
Bowenvale Reserve (Huntsbury) Saturday 8 June 1pm to 3pm
Dry Bush Saturday 15 June 1pm to 3pm

Spring maintenance

Where Date Time
Barnett Park Saturday 28 September 1pm to 3pm
Bowenvale Reserve (Huntsbury) Saturday 5 October 1pm to 3pm
Dry Bush Saturday 12 October 1pm to 3pm
To be confirmed Saturday 19 October 1pm to 3pm

Banks Peninsula Volunteer Days

Stay tuned for the next event.

Halswell Quarry Volunteer Days

Look for directions outside the single storey stone cottage on the main driveway of Halswell Quarry Park.

Contact Nigel.Morritt@ccc.govt.nz if you have any queries.

2024 planting days

Date Time
Saturday 25 May 10am to 12pm
Saturday 8 June 10am to 12pm
Saturday 22 June 10am to 12pm
Saturday 20 July - in association with Trees for Canterbury(external link) 10am to 12pm

What to bring

We recommend:

  • Weather-appropriate clothing and lots of layers - rain jacket, hat etc.
  • Sturdy footwear for rough and uneven ground.
  • Gardening gloves.
  • Hedge clippers if you have them. These will be provided if you don't have your own.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Water bottle and a snack.

Contact us

Bookings are essential.

To confirm your place, contact our park ranger Fiona on 027 506 1425 or fiona.fenton@ccc.govt.nz

For more information email parks.volunteers@ccc.govt.nz