New section of Waimakariri River Regional Park takes shape

Ten kilometres of horse riding trails and picnic areas are among the developments underway in the latest stage of the Waimakariri River Regional Park.

Environment Canterbury is currently developing the final section of the lower Waimakariri River Regional Park scheduled for significant park development. The new section runs for about five kilometres along the north bank of the Waimakariri, between Harrs Rd and Madeleys Rd. It will be accessed from Baynons Road at Clarkville.

As well as the horse trails, it includes a car park for horse floats and another for the picnic area, access to the river for walkers, biking access to the cycle trails at Kaiapoi Island, and fishing access for licensed anglers.

Environment Canterbury Commissioner Tom Lambie said it was very heartening to see the latest section of the park taking shape.

“Following submissions from the local community, the commissioners made funds available specifically for this latest segment of development to proceed,” he said.

“The Clarkville area has many lifestyle properties and many recreational horse riders. Until now the park hasn’t provided for horse riding. The areas available are quite narrow along the banks of the river and it has been important to separate activities such as horse riding, trail biking and mountain biking, for the enjoyment and safety of all park users.”

Mr Lambie has met with community representatives who are already pleased with the progress and changes evident in Baynons Rd.

“Work on this new section of the park started a month ago and it will open in late September. I know a lot of people who enjoy horse riding are going to be eagerly anticipating its completion and I am expecting that it will be well used by them and the general public.”

The river park covers more than 15,000 hectares of the river and its banks and since its beginnings in 2006 has been progressively developed through eight stages.

David Ayers, Mayor of Waimakariri District Council, said it was good to see a variety of recreational opportunities being allowed for in the park.

“The horse trails will be well used by the local community and are a great inclusion in the park. This is a naturally beautiful area along one of Canterbury’s largest braided rivers with a mixed forest of predominantly poplar and willow but with lots of opportunity for the re-establishment of New Zealand species and habitats. Looked after properly, it is a wonderful environment for a multitude of recreational opportunities.”
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