Last updated October 2026
Parklands is a northeast Christchurch suburb known for its family-oriented residential streets, local shopping strip and direct access to the extensive pine trails of Waitākiri/Bottle Lake Forest Park. Roughly eight kilometres from the city centre, it sits inland from Waimairi Beach and the Pegasus Bay coastline while remaining close to Burwood and Prestons.
The suburb grew from former brickworks land into a planned residential area from the 1960s onward and now centres on Queenspark Drive. Visitors and residents find everyday amenities, primary schools and outdoor recreation within easy reach. Its position makes it a practical base for exploring Christchurch’s coastal northeast.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 10,670, about the same as 2018
- Land area
- 5.59 km²
- Location
- 8.4 km north-east of central Christchurch
- Council
- Christchurch City Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Bottle Lake, Burwood, Waimairi Beach, North New Brighton, Marshland
- Ward or local board
- Burwood Coastal ward; Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board
- Getting there
- Main routes via Burwood Road, Marshland Road and Queenspark Drive; Metro bus routes including 7 (Queenspark via City) and 80 serve the area
- Main shopping
- Parklands Shopping Centre on Queenspark Drive (Fresh Choice supermarket and local services)
- Schools
- Parkview Pārua School; Queenspark School (both full primary, years 1–8)
- Nearby landmarks
- Waitākiri/Bottle Lake Forest Park; Waimairi Beach; Travis Wetland; Burwood Hospital area
Who Lives in Parklands
About 10,670 residents in 3,900 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
About Parklands
Parklands occupies a flat, low-lying part of Christchurch’s northeast, bordered by forest plantation to the north and residential neighbours including Prestons, Burwood, Queenspark and Waimairi Beach.
The suburb’s name reflects its planned character as a residential parkland-style development rather than a historic Māori place name in common local use. Before housing arrived, the land between Burwood Hospital and the Waimairi Golf Club area supported a brickworks established by John Brightling.
Residential development began in 1963, turning the former industrial and open land into suburban streets and sections. Queenspark Drive emerged as the main spine, carrying the shopping centre, library and community facilities. The suburb has a strong family and community focus, supported by local schools, sports clubs and churches. Housing is predominantly single-storey and two-storey family homes with established gardens.
Today Parklands feels settled and practical. Everyday needs are met at the Queenspark Drive shops, while larger retail and services sit a short drive away at The Palms or in New Brighton.
The defining outdoor asset is Waitākiri/Bottle Lake Forest Park, an extensive pine plantation offering walking, mountain-biking and horse-riding trails right on the suburb’s northern edge. Coastal dunes and beaches lie a short distance east, giving the area a clear link to Christchurch’s eastern shoreline without being a beachfront suburb itself.
The community maintains a connected feel through local organisations, the library and sports grounds. Parklands United Sports Club has long roots in the wider Parklands–Queenspark–New Brighton area. For visitors, the suburb works well as a quiet base with quick access to forest tracks, the coast and the rest of the city via main arterial roads.
Getting Around
Queenspark Drive is the principal local road, linking residential streets to the shopping centre and onward connections. Burwood Road and Marshland Road provide the main routes toward the city centre and northern motorway links.
Metro bus services run along key corridors; route 7 (Queenspark via City) and route 80 are among those serving the shopping centre and surrounding stops. Cycling and walking are practical for short trips within the suburb and into Bottle Lake Forest. Car travel remains the most common way to reach the city centre or other parts of Christchurch.
Getting Outdoors
Waitākiri/Bottle Lake Forest Park is the standout outdoor destination. The main entrance and car park sit off Waitikiri Drive (reached via Burwood Road), with gates generally open 7am–9pm. The park offers shaded walking tracks, mountain-bike trails and a dedicated horse-riding route through pine plantation.
A visitor centre at the entrance supplies maps and information; toilets are available at the car park. Dogs may be exercised off-leash under effective control. Further east, Waimairi Beach and the Southern Pegasus Bay track provide coastal walking and beach access, while Travis Wetland lies to the west for nature observation.
Community Facilities
Parklands Library at 46 Queenspark Drive, next to the shopping centre, serves as a key community hub and includes the Open Book Café. It operates six days a week. The shopping centre itself clusters a supermarket, pharmacy, takeaways and other everyday services.
Sports fields and community spaces support local clubs, including football. Primary schooling is provided by Parkview Pārua School and Queenspark School, both founded in the late 1970s and catering for years 1 to 8.
Near Parklands
Just outside Parklands, within 10 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
Christchurch City Council – Waitākiri/Bottle Lake Forest Park: Official park information, access, tracks, facilities and opening hours.
Wikipedia – Parklands, New Zealand: Overview of location, history, demographics context and education, with cited sources.
Christchurch City Council Newsline – Parklands Library: Details on the library location, hours and community role on Queenspark Drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Parklands in Christchurch?
Parklands is a northeast suburb of Christchurch, about 8 km from the city centre, near Bottle Lake Forest and inland from Waimairi Beach.
What is the main shopping area in Parklands?
Parklands Shopping Centre on Queenspark Drive, which includes a Fresh Choice supermarket and a range of local services.
Which schools serve Parklands?
Parkview Pārua School and Queenspark School, both state full primary schools for years 1 to 8.
How do I get to Bottle Lake Forest Park from Parklands?
The main entrance and car park are off Waitikiri Drive, reached via Burwood Road. The park borders the northern side of the suburb.
Is there a library in Parklands?
Yes. Parklands Library is at 46 Queenspark Drive, next to the shopping centre, and is open Monday to Saturday.
What bus routes serve Parklands?
Metro services including route 7 (Queenspark via City) and route 80 stop near the shopping centre and along main roads; check Metroinfo for current timetables.
Is Parklands close to the beach?
Yes. Waimairi Beach and the Pegasus Bay coastline lie a short distance to the east, with forest and wetland recreation also nearby.
What is the electoral ward for Parklands?
Parklands sits in the Burwood Coastal ward and under the Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board of Christchurch City Council.
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Explore Christchurch only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Parklands is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.