Last updated October 2026
At The Groynes in Christchurch, families enjoy a relaxed day out beside peaceful lakes and waterways just north of the city centre. This Christchurch City Council reserve features multiple playgrounds, walking tracks, fishing spots, picnic areas with free barbecues, and a large dog exercise park.
Visitors can hire pedal boats, aqua bikes or canoes on the recreation lake, while the Ōtukaikino Track offers scenic riverside strolls suitable for all ages. The park remains free to enter and serves as a convenient local escape with flat terrain ideal for strollers and young children.
Practical Information
- Location
- North of Christchurch city centre, near the Western Bypass and airport
- Access
- Free entry; ample parking; best reached by car as public transport is limited
- Facilities
- Multiple playgrounds, picnic areas, free BBQs, toilets, fishing lakes, dog exercise park
- Tracks
- Ōtukaikino Track (8.9 km one way, 2.5 hours); Waimairi Walkway (2.5 km one way, 30 minutes)
- Dogs
- Large off-leash dog park with streams; dogs on a leash on the walking tracks
- Boat Hire
- Pedal boats, aqua bikes, canoes available on weekends via external operator
- Fishing
- Lakes open year-round for anglers 17 and under; adults restricted to South Branch/Otukaikino Creek
About The Groynes
The Groynes takes its name from the concrete blocks originally installed in Otukaikino Creek as part of historical river management and flood control measures linked to the Waimakariri River. Over time the area evolved from a functional waterway site into a popular recreational reserve managed by Christchurch City Council, with ongoing development focused on family amenities and environmental connections.
The park sits in a rural landscape north of the city, offering a mix of open spaces, lakes, streams and native plantings that support local wildlife. Flat paths and multiple access points make it suitable for families, while the combination of water-based and land activities caters to varied interests without requiring long travel.
Community use remains high, with the reserve hosting picnics, gatherings and casual recreation. Its proximity to central Christchurch and the airport adds convenience for both locals and visitors seeking a low-cost outdoor day out.
Walking Tracks and Riverside Trails
The main route is the Ōtukaikino Track, an 8.9 km shared-use path that passes through the Groynes picnic areas and lakes before continuing along the river. It takes approximately 2.5 hours one way and features four main entry points, allowing shorter family-friendly sections. Dogs must be on a leash on the track.
The shorter Waimairi Walkway runs 2.5 km one way through riverside and rural country from the Groynes to Darroch Street Reserve in Belfast. Both tracks offer peaceful views and easy terrain suitable for strollers and all fitness levels.
Waimairi Walkway
The Waimairi Walkway is a flat 2.5 km walk through riverside and rural country, from the Groynes car park off Johns Road (SH1) to Darroch Street Reserve in Belfast. Allow about 30 minutes each way.
The walk starts from the Groynes car park opposite the swing bridge and follows the river, then crosses the road and leaves the Groynes beneath the motorway. It runs along the outside of the park for a while before heading off through the Belfast countryside to Darroch Street Reserve.
At Darroch Street you can walk back the same way, or make a circuit of about 5 km by joining the Ōtukaikino Track, which starts there. It heads back through the countryside, past the Groynes dog park and through the picnic areas to the car park, a short walk from where you began.
Dogs on the walkway
Dogs must be on a leash on the Waimairi Walkway and the Ōtukaikino Track. The council’s rules for the Groynes ask for dogs to be leashed everywhere in the park except inside the fenced dog park and on the path between the river and the dog park fence, where they can be off the leash under effective control. Its general rule is also a leash on every walking track in a reserve where dogs are allowed.
The Groynes gates are open from 7am to 9pm during daylight saving and 7am to 7pm the rest of the year.
Playgrounds and Family Play Areas
Multiple playgrounds are scattered throughout the reserve, featuring equipment such as flying foxes, bridges, multi-play structures, see-saws and slides. These areas provide safe, engaging spaces for children to play while parents relax nearby in shaded picnic spots.
The playgrounds are well maintained and form a central draw for families, complementing the surrounding lakes and open grass for additional play and exploration.
Water Activities, Fishing and Picnics
Boat hire operates on weekends from an on-site operator offering pedal boats, aqua bikes, single and double canoes for low-cost family adventures on the recreation lake. Fishing is available year-round in the lakes for anglers aged 17 and under, with adults permitted only on the South Branch/Otukaikino Creek. Free barbecue facilities and numerous picnic areas make outdoor meals straightforward.
Visitors are advised to supervise children near water and check current fishing regulations through Fish and Game New Zealand, as some streams close during spawning seasons.
Full fishing guide: The Groynes Christchurch: Junior Trout Fishing and Family Park
Dog Exercise Park
A large fenced off-leash area provides dogs with open spaces, trees and spring-fed streams for swimming. The dog park opens daily at 8 am and closes half an hour before sunset. Dogs must be on leash when accessing via certain tracks such as the Ōtukaikino Track.
From locals
Is there parking at The Groynes?
Is there a playground that's fenced off from the lake edge?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Groynes free to visit?
Yes, entry is free as it is a public reserve managed by Christchurch City Council.
What playground equipment is available?
Multiple playgrounds include flying foxes, bridges, multi-play structures, see-saws and slides.
Can I hire boats at The Groynes?
Yes, pedal boats, aqua bikes and canoes are available for hire on weekends through an on-site operator.
Are dogs allowed off leash?
Yes, a large dedicated dog exercise park allows off-leash access with streams for swimming; dogs must be on leash on tracks.
What fishing rules apply?
Lakes are open year-round for anglers 17 and under; adults may fish only the South Branch/Otukaikino Creek.
How long is the main walking track?
The Ōtukaikino Track is 8.9 km one way and takes about 2.5 hours to complete.
Are there barbecue facilities?
Yes, free barbecues are available in the picnic areas throughout the reserve.
What are the opening hours?
Gates open daily from early morning; the dog park opens at 8 am and closes half an hour before sunset. Check the council website for seasonal variations.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 3
- Christchurch City Council – The Groynes: Official page with maps, track details and facility information.
- Christchurch City Council – Ōtukaikino Track: Detailed track description, length and access points.
- Christchurch City Council – Dog Parks: Rules and opening hours for the Groynes dog exercise area.