Frequently asked questions about booking a spot in one of our parks or gardens.
Book a park
Please note that all parks bylaws(external link) must be complied with. Public access must be maintained at all times, you do not have exclusive use of the park. Please leave the booked area clean and tidy after your visit.
Placing a booking means:
- You have first priority over the bookable area.
- The area will be in good condition.
- We know not to carry out park maintenance in the area at the same time.
You can book an area for up to three hours.
Please note that the booking does not give you exclusive use of the park.
Depending on your event and location, there may be a fee.
In most parks, the fee is $90.
For weddings in our Garden and Heritage parks, the cost is higher depending on the location.
Beaches and most Port Hills locations are free to book, as we can’t guarantee they will be maintained at the same standard as our other parks.
There are no fees for a small, public not-for-profit event that does not require an event permit. You will need to contact us first to make this kind of booking.
Private events
Private events do not need an event permit.
Your event is considered private if it’s for a specific group and not promoted to the wider public. Examples include:
- birthdays, weddings, work functions
- club prize-giving or picnics
- events where everyone is personally invited or an invitation is shared to a limited audience on Facebook/social media.
Events open to the general public
If your event is open to the general public, it may require an event permit.
An event is considered public if anyone can come along – even if tickets are required. Examples include:
- festivals, markets, concerts, expos
- community or charity events (like fun runs).
If your public event does not require a permit, follow the guidelines on this page and book on our online portal(external link). Not-for-profit public events may be exempt from fees. Contact us for more information.
If you require an event permit, there are specific guidelines for running your event beyond what is given on this page.
Cancellations made before 48 hours of the event commencement will receive a full refund.
If you cancel the booking within 48 hours of the event the full hire fee will apply unless there are exceptional circumstances.
The Christchurch City Council reserves the right to cancel any bookings due to circumstances beyond its control.
We recommend that you have a back up venue in the case of bad weather.
Fires are banned in our parks and beaches.
We also recommend that you don’t let off fireworks in our parks.
For details please see our Parks and Reserves Bylaw.
Several parks have fixed BBQs that are first come, first serve and cannot be booked.
The BBQs are free and work by electric ignition; push the start button for 15 seconds to operate. Simply use the BBQ when it's available then leave it clean for others.
You can also take your own gas BBQ to any park except the Botanic Gardens and Mona Vale. Only gas BBQs are permitted, due to the risk of fires.
Trailer BBQs may be allowed but you will need permission from the park manager. Please contact us for more information.
Parks with BBQs
- Barnett Park
- Burnside Park
- Cashmere Valley Reserve
- Centennial Park
- Hagley Park North
- Hagley Park South
- Heathcote Domain
- Hoon Hay Park
- Margaret Mahy Playground
- Scarborough Park
- South New Brighton Park
- Titirangi Reserve
Private events cannot have a bouncy castle or fairground rides.
A mobile food vendor may be hired for an event provided it only caters for that event and does not sell to the public. They cannot go on the grass.
You may hold a food fundraiser if it complies with Government guidelines.
If you wish to sell alcohol, then you will need a licence.
If you wish to perform or trade in a park you will need a permit.(external link) Email tradingandevents@ccc.govt.nz if you have any questions.
Commercial photography may be allowed, for a cost, depending on impact and location.
A small portable stereo may be used - no amplified sound or music is allowed unless express permission is given.
Contact us for more information.
In general, you cannot bring any structure to the park that requires pegs or stakes.
In some cases, it may be allowed depending on the park. Contact us for more information.
Some of our parks have indoor facilities on site if you wish to have a covered area option.
No vehicles are allowed off the park roads. If you have people at your event that require special accessibility then please contact us.
Trailer BBQs may be allowed but you will need permission from the park manager.
You cannot bring vehicles or Trailer BBQs into the Botanic Gardens or Mona Vale. The Botanic Gardens has mobility scooters available.
Contact us for more information.
People are asked to refrain from smoking or vaping in Council-owned playgrounds and parks, including sports parks, as per the Council's Smokefree and Vapefree Public Places Policy.
Most bookable spaces have a limit of 50 people, but there are some venues that can accommodate more.
A maximum of 12 chairs may be used for elderly or less mobile guests. Chairs with wide, flat-bottomed tips only can be used.
All people, including photographers, must keep to the pathways and lawn areas and must not stand on or among any of the plant collections.
Marquees and other structures, including free-standing umbrellas, are only allowed with permission from the park's manager. At the Botanic Gardens and Mona Vale they are not permitted.
Items must not be attached to trees, buildings or other fixed structures. Decorations, balloons, rice, petals, birdseed or confetti are not permitted. Please be responsible with your rubbish and take it home with you.
A small portable stereo may be used - no amplified sound or music is allowed unless express permission given.
Parks staff aim for a high standard within the grounds. However, sometimes there may be maintenance work close by the areas booked.