Ōtūkaikino Walk

Ōtūkaikino is a 13 ha freshwater wetland reserve within Christchurch that is being restored as a living memorial since 1992. This long term project is a joint venture with Lamb and Hayward. See the Ōtūkaikino Living Memorial web page for more information. 

The flat track is suitable for strollers. Most of the track is gravelled, with 40% being grass. Depending on ground conditions, there may be wet and muddy patches. 

From the car park the track crosses a bridge over a stream, which is a great spot to look for water life, such as eels/tuna. From there the track loops around the outside of the wetland, with interpretation panels to look at and pleasant places to sit along the way. There is a raised lookout point for a view over the area.

The wetland is a 'Wai Tapu' site, therefore there is no eating in the wetland area (beyond the bridges) and no dogs are allowed. Picnicking is allowed only in the grass area next to the car park, where there is also a toilet. This area is suitable for wheelchairs.

Ōtūkaikino wetland is on the outskirts of Christchurch City, by the northern suburb of Belfast. The entrance is off Main North Road, between Chaneys Corner and the Belfast end of the Northern Motorway. The address is 985 Main North Road, Belfast. 

Car park closed from 6 pm

The gate to the reserve is closed each night from 6 pm. The site is still open, but visitors after hours will need to park on the roadside, and use the pedestrian assess around the gate.

As the track goes across ponds and there is a nearby stream. Young children must be supervised at all times.

The boardwalk is closed due to land changes caused by the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes. Use the available track instead.