New walking loop along the Waimakariri River
Three Christchurch walking tracks have been merged to create a scenic 22km loop and people can experience it for themselves during The Breeze Walking Festival 2019.
The project involved Environment Canterbury, Christchurch City Council and The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust working together to connect Templars Island trail, Ōtūkaikino Trail, and the Isaac Farm Walk.
Join us for a guided walk
Walkers who want to see what the Ōtūkaikino Waimakariri area has to offer can join rangers from Environment Canterbury, Christchurch City Council and The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust on Saturday, September 28 for a guided six-hour walk (8:30AM–2:30PM).
Starting at the Groynes Reserve, walkers will follow the Ōtūkaikino Stream to the Waimakariri River on an adventure on Christchurch's northern edge. Find out more about the Ōtūkaikino to Waimakariri Long Loop Walk and register, spaces are limited.
Great new recreational option
Environment Canterbury parks team leader James Page said this network of tracks represented a great recreational asset.
“This is a positive example of what can be achieved when the public and private sector come together to create something valuable for the community,” Page said.
“The loop is close to the city and has some important biodiversity areas for Canterbury.”
The loop can be walked in parts with entries at The Groynes, Dickey’s Road, Ōtūkaikino Bridge, Te Rauakaaka, Ōtūkaikino confluence, White’s Crossing, Templars Island, Clearwater Resort, and Roto Kōhatu Reserve.
Take care of the area
Christchurch City Council ranger Robbie Hewson requested that walkers were respectful of the conditions.
“We’d like people to be mindful that the track through the Isaac Conservation Park is on private land that may be grazed so may be closed from time to time for farming operations and that dogs are not permitted on this section of track,” Hewson said.
Templars Island Trail has extensive areas of regenerating native vegetation beneath the exotic river control plantings. It is also home to many water fowl and braided river bird species.
The Ōtūkaikino Track takes in The Groynes Reserve and newly planted native shrubs when you meet the Waimakariri River.
The Isaac Farm walk passes through the Isaac Carr where the presence of a rare native musk, mazus novaezeelandiae subsp. impolitus f. impolitus has identified this area as a site of ecological significance.