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.

COVID-19 update on parks and tracks

The Government is asking for everyone to stay at home. Their advice is that you can go for a walk or exercise outdoors for a short time, but to stick to simple walks or exercise spots close to home. 

If using one of our parks, always stay two metres away from anyone not in your household. If you take your dog, please keep it on a leash at all times to help avoid contact with other dogs. Take your dog poo home and dispose of it in your red bin.

Where there are gates and latches in parks, please avoid using your hands to open and close them. If gates are off their hinges or left open, please leave them as you find them.

Cemeteries are open for pedestrian access only. 

The following are closed:

  • Public toilets.
  • Playgrounds, play equipment or exercise equipment in parks.
  • The Botanic Gardens.
  • Car parks within parks.
  • Visitor and information centres.
  • The Spencer Park animal area and fenced dog parks.
  • All Council-owned sports facilities

Unite Against Covid-19, visit covid19.govt.nz

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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.

Sports and clubs

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.

Important information

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. 

The Canterbury Agricultural Show

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).

Walks

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.