Te Oranga Waikura

nature reserve — Woolston · Christchurch

About Te Oranga Waikura

A developing urban forest and stormwater basin at 521 Ferry Road in Woolston, Christchurch, beside the Kimihia Early Learning Centre. It sits on the old Linwood Lower Fields and is designed to protect nearby properties from flooding in storms while restoring the local ecosystem. Its planted matai, kahikatea, totara and hinau are meant to grow into a habitat for native bush birds such as bellbird and kereru. The trees were chosen to look like an ancient Canterbury Plains forest, much like Riccarton Bush. Many of the trees were planted by members of the community.

The walking trail runs past the new trees and around the basin. It suits buggies and wheelchairs, though the path turns to grass just over halfway round. Visitors are asked to close the gate behind them to keep predators out, and dogs must be on a lead on the formed paths and tracks. One visitor says they found the gates locked on a Saturday at 11am, although a sign gave opening hours that suggested otherwise. Another enjoyed parking for a while and having some quiet time to themselves.