Last updated July 2026
Avonside is a residential suburb in eastern Christchurch, New Zealand, situated along the Avon River / Ōtākaro. It ranks among the city’s earliest European settlements, with the district first mentioned in 1855. The suburb developed around the Anglican parish and Holy Trinity church, which was consecrated in 1857. Parts of Avonside suffered severe liquefaction and land damage in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, leading to red zoning of many properties. Today the area blends remaining residential streets with red zone parkland and river pathways.
Practical Information
| Location | Eastern Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Key Feature | Avon River / Ōtākaro frontage |
| Earthquake Status | Portions in Residential Red Zone, now council-managed parkland |
| School | Avonside Girls’ High School (co-located with Shirley Boys’ High School on Orua Paeroa campus) |
| Access | Public roads and river paths; some former streets closed or converted to green space |
| Council | Christchurch City Council |
About Avonside
Avonside lies on the eastern side of Christchurch along the meandering Avon River / Ōtākaro. Early European records note the district in 1855 when Bishop Selwyn referred to it in the Lyttelton Times. The Anglican parish was formed that year, and the first church on the site was consecrated in 1857. The suburb grew as a rural and then residential area with strong ties to the river for both settlers and Māori mahinga kai practices.
The original Holy Trinity Avonside church building was damaged beyond repair in the February 2011 earthquake and demolished later that year. A replacement church has since been constructed on the site. Heritage elements such as the lychgate remain recognised for their historical value.
Avonside Girls’ High School continues to operate in the suburb, now sharing the Orua Paeroa campus with Shirley Boys’ High School. The school serves a large roll of students from Year 9 to Year 13 and forms an important part of local community life.
The 2011 Earthquake and Recovery
The February 2011 Christchurch earthquake caused extensive liquefaction and lateral spreading along the Avon River corridor. Large sections of Avonside were placed in the Residential Red Zone because repair was deemed impractical. Thousands of properties were purchased by the Crown, and many homes were demolished.
Red-zoned land in Avonside has been progressively converted into public parkland and ecological corridors under Christchurch City Council management. These areas now provide open space, walking routes and habitat restoration along the river. Recovery continues through council-led projects that balance heritage recognition with new green infrastructure.
Avon River / Ōtākaro and Recreation
The Avon River / Ōtākaro forms the defining natural feature of Avonside. Former residential streets in the red zone have been transformed into riverside paths suitable for walking and cycling. These routes connect to broader eastern Christchurch networks and offer views of regenerating wetlands and native planting.
Visitors and residents use the river corridor for quiet recreation, birdwatching and enjoying the transition from urban to natural landscape. The council maintains these spaces as part of the Residential Red Zone parks programme.
What Visitors Often Say
People appreciate the peaceful riverside walks and the visible contrast between remaining historic streets and the open red-zone parkland that has replaced damaged neighbourhoods.
Locals and visitors note the strong community feel around the school and the ongoing transformation of former residential land into accessible green space along the Avon.
Where to Learn More
Christchurch City Council Residential Red Zone page: Details on current park management and access in former red-zone areas including Avonside.
Wikipedia Avonside entry: Summary of suburb history with references to primary sources on parish formation and earthquake impacts.
Holy Trinity Avonside parish site: Current information on the rebuilt church and community activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Avonside first mentioned?
Avonside was first recorded as a district in the Lyttelton Times in 1855 by Bishop Selwyn, and the Anglican parish was formed the same year.
What happened to the original Holy Trinity church?
The original church building was damaged beyond repair in the 2011 earthquake and demolished; a new church has been built on the site.
Was Avonside affected by the 2011 earthquake?
Yes, significant portions suffered liquefaction and were placed in the Residential Red Zone, with many properties later converted to public parkland.
Is Avonside Girls’ High School still operating?
Yes, the school remains active and is now co-located with Shirley Boys’ High School on the Orua Paeroa campus.
Can visitors walk along the Avon River in Avonside?
Yes, former red-zone streets have been turned into public paths suitable for walking and cycling beside the river.
Who manages the red-zone land in Avonside?
Christchurch City Council manages the former residential red-zone areas as parks and ecological corridors.
Are there heritage features remaining?
The lychgate and setting of the former Holy Trinity church are recognised heritage elements, and the parish continues on the site.
What is the Māori connection to the area?
The Avon River / Ōtākaro was used for mahinga kai (traditional food gathering) by Māori prior to and alongside European settlement.
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