Last updated October 2026
Avonhead Park is a suburban sports park at 146 Hawthornden Road in Avonhead, western Christchurch. It has sports fields used for football, a public tennis court and open grass for casual games and picnics. The park itself has no children’s playground; the nearest is the Hyde Park playground next door at 8 Audley Gate.
Practical Information
- Address
- 146 Hawthornden Road, Avonhead, Christchurch
- Facilities
- Sports fields, one full public tennis court, open grass
- Playground
- None in the park; Hyde Park playground is next door at 8 Audley Gate
- Access
- Street parking nearby; public transport serves the suburb
- Cost
- Free
- Managed by
- Christchurch City Council
About Avonhead Park
Avonhead Park is one of the main green spaces in Avonhead, about nine kilometres west of central Christchurch. Its playing fields are the home ground of FC Twenty 11, a Christchurch football club, and are busy with club football in season. Outside game times the open grass suits a kickabout, a run or a picnic.
Christchurch City Council lists one full tennis court at the park, open for public use.
Families with young children usually pair a visit with the Hyde Park playground next door, which is a short walk across to Audley Gate.
History of Avonhead
The suburb of Avonhead takes its name from the homestead built by engineer William Bayley Bray, who arrived in Canterbury in 1851. Bray established his home near the headwaters of the Avon River in an area known for its springs. Early records referred to the locality as Avonwood before the name Avonhead became standard and received formal adoption in 1959.
Avonhead developed from rural land into a residential suburb during the twentieth century, and the park reflects the suburb’s growth into a family-oriented community.
Access and Getting There
The park sits at 146 Hawthornden Road. Street parking is available nearby, and public transport routes serve the suburb. Paths link the fields, courts and open spaces.
Where to Learn More
Christchurch City Council: Tennis courts: public courts by park, including Avonhead Park.
Christchurch City Council Parks and Gardens: listings and maps for Christchurch parks.
Wikipedia: Avonhead: background on the suburb’s naming and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Avonhead Park?
At 146 Hawthornden Road in Avonhead, western Christchurch.
Is there a playground at Avonhead Park?
No. The nearest playground is in Hyde Park, next door at 8 Audley Gate.
What facilities does the park have?
Sports fields, one full public tennis court and open grass.
Who plays at Avonhead Park?
The fields are the home ground of FC Twenty 11, a Christchurch football club.
Is there parking?
Street parking is available nearby.
Where does the name Avonhead come from?
From the homestead William Bayley Bray built near the head of the Avon River; the name was formally adopted in 1959.
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