More than 400 red-zoned properties are scattered across the Port Hills between Sumner Beach above Governors Bay and along the coast from Redcliffs, Heathcote and Avoca Valley.

Christchurch City Council took over the management and ownership of the land from Land Information New Zealand on 31 May 2021.

Our responsibilities for the land include maintenance, plant and animal pest management, security, traffic management, communications and land access.

Restoring the unique biodiversity of the Port Hills

A 10-year programme to revegetate 200 of these red-zoned properties in the Port Hills will get underway in 2026.

The programme aims to transform the area and restore its unique biodiversity. 

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to restore the indigenous biodiversity of the Port Hills and create connections to other sites of ecological significance.

The planting will support climate and ecological resilience and expand habitats for native birds, insects and lizards.

 View the 2026 planting locations. [PDF, 20 MB] Other sites will follow in coming years.

Find out more about slope stability hazards, GNS reports and maps(external link).

Subscribe to the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor updates e-newsletter(external link)

Land use

We also manage any transitional and permanent land uses enquiries and applications on the Port Hills properties. For more information email transform@ccc.got.nz.

You can view a list of land use proposals you can provide feedback on by visiting our Using the regeneration areas(external link) page.