Mapping our waterbodies
Waterbodies – springs, streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, hāpua, and estuaries – are important ecological features in Waitaha Canterbury. Mapping where they can be found is crucial to protecting, maintaining, and enhancing the natural values the region holds.
Our waterbodies map
Our waterbodies map shows all the spatial information on waterbodies we hold. Some waterbodies are permanently wet, while others may only be temporarily or seasonally wet.
You can use the map to:
- better understand the ecological and hydrological values of your land
- understand where freshwater rules may apply on your land
- inform land use decisions and aid in resource consent applications
- develop wetland restoration plans
- include information in a Farm Environment Plan or Freshwater Farm Plan.
The information in this map comes from several sources and has varying levels of precision and detail, including from our experts, external parties and other agencies.
Waitaha Canterbury waterbodies map
The different wetland layers and what they mean
Aerial survey (red)
Aerially surveyed wetlands have been mapped using the latest high-resolution aerial imagery available at the time of mapping. The limitations of this method mean that there may be errors or omissions in these indicative wetland areas. For this reason, aerial survey wetlands in this map should be used to indicate the likely presence of wetlands, but should not be relied on to show the precise extent of wetlands, or an exhaustive list of all wetland habitats. If you wish to carry out certain land uses or other activities in this area, you may need to have this area surveyed by a suitably qualified ecologist.
Rapid survey (purple)
These areas have also been surveyed on the ground, but not as comprehensively as the detailed survey wetlands. These mapped areas represent a high level of confidence in wetland presence and extent, but may require additional surveying for some activities or land uses.
External survey (blue)
Like detailed survey wetlands, externally surveyed wetlands been verified on the ground. However, unlike detailed survey wetlands, the survey has not been conducted by one of our qualified ecologists or as part of a resource consent application. This means that our level of confidence in the number and extend of wetlands on this property is lower, and additional surveying may be required to confirm wetland boundaries and determine what land use is permitted in and around the mapped area.
Detailed survey (yellow)
These areas have been surveyed on the ground by a suitably qualified ecologist, usually by our staff or as part of a resource consent application. These mapped areas represent our highest level of confidence in wetland presence and extent.
Other (pink)
This layer captures lakes and constructed wetlands in our region.
How to use this map
- The Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan
- The National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management
- The National Environmental Standard for Freshwater
The map currently provides the most accurate hydrological information for Canterbury and will be updated as new data becomes available.
Maintaining an up-to-date waterbody feature layer supports our efforts to protect and monitor their extent and condition.
Surveys to refine the map are conducted free of charge between December and April. It's essential to update the map as changes may impact activities in the area.
This is a live map and will receive regular updates.
For help understanding the information presented on the map layer please email or call us on 0800 324 636
Terms and conditions
- This website and the information provided in it are the copyright of the following District and Regional Council(s); Kaikoura District, Hurunui District, Waimakariri District, Christchurch District, Environment Canterbury Regional Council, Selwyn District, Ashburton District, Waimate District, Mackenzie District, Timaru District and Waitaki District. This website is a public service and may be used for personal and business purposes. However, you are not permitted to copy or republish any substantial amount of the information from this website without the prior written consent of the aforementioned Councils.
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Rating and valuation information contained in this website is restricted to the information that is required to be made available to the general public according to the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 and the Rating Valuations Act 1998. - Whilst due care has been taken in providing this website, all information should be considered as being illustrative and indicative only. Your use of information from this website is entirely at your own risk.
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Verifying and surveying wetlands
Our Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP) regulates different types of wetlands to the Resource Management Act 1991, and NPS-FM 2020.
Benefits of wetland identification
Identifying which rule framework applies to a wetland requires considering its plant species composition, land use, and formation. A suitably qualified ecologist must do this on the ground.
Knowing the extent and type of wetlands on your property can help:
- identify where stock needs to be excluded
- determine land uses requiring resource consent
- support the development of a Freshwater Farm Plan.
Independent ecologist assessments
An external ecologist can also provide assessments to identify wetland presence and extent. If you choose to employ an independent ecologist, you will have to do so at your expense. External wetland experts need to follow the Ministry for the Environment’s delineation process.
Request a wetland ground survey
We offer wetland ground surveying as a free service during the annual survey season (December–April). Wait times may vary depending on demand.
- The survey is not a planning assessment, it is a technical review only.
- This data will be added to our wetland database.
- Identification will require an ecologist to visit the property. We may need other staff members to assist. Please be aware that while this visit will not be for compliance monitoring and enforcement purposes, staff may require access to more than the site of the potential wetland.
- Depending on the size and scope of wetlands on the property, the assessment may take a few days to complete.
- Whilst doing the work staff will let the landowner/manager know when they start and finish each day, and when they have completed the work.