Ferrymead Regional Park Explained

Ferrymead Regional Park
Map:New Zealand South Island
Location:Heathcote Valley, Christchurch, Canterbury Region, New Zealand
Area:[1]
Established:2018

Ferrymead Regional Park is a regional park in Christchurch, New Zealand, near the mouth of the Ōpāwaho / Heathcote River. The park is adjacent to Ferrymead Heritage Park, and the Ferrymead Railway runs through the eastern section of the park.

Geography

Ferrymead Regional Park is located on the southern banks of the Ōpāwaho / Heathcote River, an area which features saltmarshes.[1]

Biodiversity

The Heathcote-Opawaho Lizard Sanctuary, a lizard sanctuary dedicated to protecting McCann's skink, is found in Ferrymead Regional Park.[2]

History

The wider area was a traditional Ngāi Tahu food resource, where eels, lampreys and shellfish were collected.[1]

Ferrymead Regional Park was established in 2018.[2] [1] In 2024, work began on coastal wetlands habitat restoration in Ferrymead Regional Park, including the removal of pine trees.[3] The coastal wetland redevelopment project with continue to be developed in stages until 2030.[3]

Recreation

The park includes sports fields and Ferrymead Golf Course.[1] The park includes two walking tracks, the Ōpāwaho River Track and Matuku Lakes Loop Track.[1] Portions of the Ferrymead Railway are found within Ferrymead Regional Park.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ferrymead Park . . 26 May 2018 . 29 June 2024.
  2. Web site: On the tail of a lizard refuge . 23 May 2018 . Newsline . . 29 June 2024.
  3. News: Ferrymead Park to be restored to coastal wetland . 27 June 2024 . . Dylan . Smits . 29 June 2024.