Whitebaiters' Access to Ashley River/Rakahuri Estuary

A temporary solution that gives vehicle access to the Ashley River/Rakahuri Estuary for this year’s whitebaiting season has been approved by Environment Canterbury and the Waimakariri District Council. Vehicle access to the Ashley River mouth is now restricted to 2 designated routes, and is by permit only.

Sand dune habitats are fragile and vehicle damage can easily destroy our precious plants, birds and other wildlife. We ask that you help protect our plants and animals by exercising care while driving – and even walking. The designated routes avoid ecologically sensitive areas, and are shown in yellow on the map. If driving to the river mouth, please make sure you use either:

The northern route that follows the stopbank on the northern side of the river.
The track is accessed via the gate at the turn-off to Raupo Berm, or:
The southern route that starts at the Waikuku Beach gate, veers south behind the sand dunes, crosses the beach then heads north along the surfline (hard sand) to the river mouth.

Access permits and keys to the gates are available from Waimakariri District Council’s service centre in Kaiapoi.
To report infringements, please call Environment Canterbury’s 24-hour hotline (03) 366 4663.

Environment Canterbury will continue to investigate and work with stakeholders to develop a long-term solution for accessing the river mouth.

Remember: keep to designated routes - avoid damaging dunes and tidal areas - then everyone can enjoy their visit to the Ashley River area.

Click the map to view a larger version.