The Avon-Heathcote Estuary

Description
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 The Avon-Heathcote Estuary is located on the eastern side of the city and covers an area of approximately 880 hectares. From an ecological perspective, it needs to be considered in conjunction with the adjacent oxidation ponds and the estuary's undeveloped margins. It is an excellent area to study the migratory and wetland bird species, invertebrates and salt marsh plant communities.

South Brighton Reserve and McCormicks Bay also have an excellent playground and picnic areas as well as being suitable areas for buses.

Access points

Facilities

Off Rockinghorse Road to the spit

Information Board
South Brighton Domain via
  • Ebbtide Street
  • Beatty street

    • Playground, jetty, bird hide, information boards at the bird hide and the Ebbtide Street entrance, toilet facilities

    Wind Surfing Corner

    Information board, toilets, wind surf hire

    McCormacks Bay

    Childrens playground, toilets, information board
    Best time to visit
  • From November to March. Birds are easier to observe when the tide is falling (eg 1-4 hours after high tide)
    • Educational
    Opportunities

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  • Birds - wetland bird species, migratory birds
  • Mudflat animal life - crustaceans, monovalves, bivalves, worms
  • Plant life - seaweed, salt marsh
  • Wastewater Treatment - treated effluent is released into the estuary on the outgoing tide.
  • History associated with Ferrymead
    • Recreational
    Opportunities

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  • Walk around the perimeter of the estuary.
  • Wind surfing
  • Children's playground at the South Brighton Domain and McCormacks Bay.
    • Tours:
    Park Rangers are able to provide guided tours on different aspects of the estuary. Please contact Ian Ellingford on Ph (03) 383-0405 to arrange for a suitable tme.

    Health and Safety Information:

  • Public Toilets are available at the South Brighton Domain, the Wind Surfing Corner and McCormicks Bay.
  • Do not eat the shell fish.
  • Make sure hands are well washed after digging in the mud.
  • Only go onto the estuary mud flats when the tide is going out. This will avoid being trapped by the incoming tide.
  • Do not walk onto the soft mud at the mouth of the Avon and Heathcote Rivers or near the oxidation pond outlets.
  • Dress for the weather

    References
    Publications that can be purchased from the Parks Unit, Christchurch City Council

  • "An overview of botanical information & recommendations for the management of the freshwater reaches of the Avon & Heathcote Rivers" Prepared by Amanda Baird Canterbury Conservancy Technical Report Series 5 1992 Cost $3.00
  • "The Avon-Heathcote Estuary Wildlife and Recreation Potential of the Western Margins" Produced by the Parks Unit Christchurch City Council in association with R Harris and A Crossland 1990 Cost $2.50
  • "Vegetation of the Avon-Heathcote Estuaru Christchurch" Written by Kate McCombs and Trevor Partridge Produced by the Parks Unit Christchurch City Council Cost $5.00
  • "Foreshore Vegetation from the Waimakariri River to Taylors Mistake" Written by Kate McCombs Produced By the Parks Unit Christchurch City Council 1992 Cost $6.00
  • "The Estuary, Where our rivers Meet the Sea" Edited by S-J Owen Produced by the Parks Unit Christchurch City Council 199 Cost $19.95
    • Christchurch City Council
    PO Box 237, Christchurch, New Zealand
    Ph +64 3 371-1270, Fax +64 3 371-1384
    Email     		© Christchurch City Council