Regional parks notices

From November 2025 to April 2026 contractors are carrying out thinning in parts of the commercial forests in the Waimakariri River and Ashley Rakahuri River Regional Parks. This work is an essential part of maintaining the commercial forests for timber. Expect to see tree felling signs, tape and hear contractors using chainsaws. Please keep out of tapped off areas and follow all signage while in the parks. Access to some tracks will be affected for a short period. An updated notice with map of track closures will be posted closer to the time.

From October 2025 to February 2026, contractors will be undertaking release spraying around trees in recently planted forestry blocks in the Waimakariri River and Ashley Rakahuri River Regional Parks. Park users may expect to see spraying being undertaken within the marked stands during these months. Please watch out for workers and vehicles when visiting the parks.

A section of the trailbike track at Weedons Ross Road has been closed until further notice, due to fallen and dangerous trees following wind events.

The rest of the track remains open.

On October 28 we will begin harvesting wind-thrown Pinus radiata trees.

Strong winds earlier this month damaged about 3 hectares of trees in this 18-hectare stand. The trees are 28 years old and nearly ready for harvest, so we’re bringing the harvest forward.

This will help keep people safe by removing hanging trees that pose a risk, and it will also reduce the chance of losing more trees and harvest income.

Parts of the horse track will be closed while the harvest is underway. 

Where: 

We’re working in Stand 14/03 in West Melton Forest. This area is next to Weedons Ross Road, between Cheetons and Main Stopbank Road.

You will need to use the Chattertons Road entrance to access West Melton Forest.

The Weedons Ross Road entrances will remain closed until harvesting is completed. We expect the harvest to take approximately six weeks.

The stand includes part of the WRRP horse track – see map.

We apologise for the short notice and understand that this area of the track has only recently re-opened.

For your safety, please pay attention to all signage in the area. Keep an eye on our Regional Parks Facebook page for updates.

Asbestos-containing material (ACM) has been discovered in an old dumping site in Waimakariri River Regional Park.

We have been advised by contaminated land experts that as long as the material remains undisturbed, the risk to human health is very low.

The contaminated area is on the north bank of the Waimakariri River, west of Downs Road (see map). The park will remain open, but please avoid this area. Warning signage has been placed in the area.

Asbestos is very harmful to human health. To minimise harm, please do not disturb or come into contact with the waste in any way.

Update April 2024: The site remains closed to the public. We have completed the initial minor clean-up near the site, which targeted the asbestos-containing material at the bottom of the slope.

We are working on a long-term plan for the contaminated material and will provide an update when possible. 

WHAT: Approximately 500m of berm maintenance along the Waimakariri North bank above SH1.

WHEN: 1 September until late November (extended due to flooding in the area).

We will be removing willows that are fallen, hung up, dead/dying, or heavily leaning. Smaller branches will be chipped on-site; larger material will be taken away. Hays Road will operate as one-way in sections where trees are close to the road to keep the work area safe. Track users will be diverted onto the top of the stopbank while work is underway.

We’re taking all care to protect native vegetation under the willows, thanks for your patience while we improve the safety of the area.

WHAT: We will be replanting forest in the Waimakariri River Regional Park, as detailed below.

WHEN: The Te Rauakaaka harvesting has been postponed until early 2026.

Te Rauakaaka: We will be harvesting approximately five hectares of macrocarpa forest located downstream of the Stewarts Gully Rowing Club in Te Rauakaaka. Harvesting will start in April and continue for approximately four weeks, weather permitting. During this time, a section of the Te Rauakaaka Trail between the Styx River and Stewarts Gully will be restricted to kaimahi/workers only. The macrocarpa trees have become vulnerable to windthrow due to the area's persistently wet ground conditions, posing a growing risk to public safety on nearby walking tracks. Removing the macrocarpa will facilitate wetland restoration, including planting of native species well-suited to the wet conditions. This restoration will enhance the area's biodiversity and work towards establish a thriving wetland forest habitat.

Area of Te Rauakaaka harvesting