Northern Pegasus Bay
Northern Pegasus Bay is a fantastic spot for bird watchers, anglers, swimmers and people looking for a camping getaway just north of Christchurch.
Our park rangers patrol the beaches and river mouths protecting the natural environment along this stretch of coast. They are available to give advice and information to visitors.
Please check notices and events for the latest information or like our Facebook page to stay up to date.
Camping - Freedom camping is not permitted along the beach or on the foreshore. Campgrounds are at Kairaki, Woodend, Waikuku, Leithfield and Amberley Beaches.
- Amberley Beach has a short track to the Waipara River mouth. If you cross the river a 4WD track leads to the Amberley Rocks.
- The Kowai Track runs from the Leithfield Hotel to Leithfield Beach.
- The Tutaepatu Trail links Waikuku Beach to Woodend Beach. You can continue to Kairaki Beach on the Pegasus Trail.
- Further developments will improve links along the Ashley River.
- Ashley Rakahuri Estuary
- Kowai River mouth
- Waipara River mouth.
- Between Waikuku Beach horse-float car-park and the north side of the Ashley Rakahuri estuary.
- Please avoid riding through flagged areas during surf patrols. For a map, see Waimakariri District Council and the Hurunui District Council bylaw.
Other rare native bird species include banded dotterels, pied stilts, the endangered wrybill, black-billed gulls and black-fronted terns. At certain times of the year, you may even spot migrants and international travellers from Siberia including grey-tailed tattlers, whimbrels, eastern curlews, bar-tailed godwits and red knots.
Swimming and surfing - People swim and surf all along the Pegasus Bay beaches. There is a surf club at Waikuku Beach, which is patrolled during summer weekends. From mid-December to mid-January, lifeguards patrol at Waikuku, Pegasus Town and Woodend. It is not safe to swim at Kairaki Beach close to the Waimakariri River mouth.
Camping - Freedom camping is not permitted along the beach or on the foreshore. Campgrounds are at Kairaki, Woodend, Waikuku, Leithfield and Amberley Beaches.
Land yachts - Welcome alongside the sea and Ashley Rakahuri estuary so long as people abide by Waimakariri District Council rules. Map available.
Download the recent Northern Pegasus Brochure.