To view upcoming events or find out how to organise an event in our regional parks, visit our events page.
Regional parks notices
Baynons Brake Arena maintenance
22 October 2026
What: We are continuing work to improve Baynons track access, with a large part of the eastern tracks now reopened. See the map for details.
When: Further sections are expected to reopen over the coming months following track repairs and realignments.
Where: Please be aware though that a temporary closure will be needed soon at the western end as Harrs Road and Driscolls Road. This will be used while river works and gravel extraction are carried out. You can still access the arena, carpark and tracks from Baynons Road during this time
We understand temporary closures can be inconvenient, so we are working to keep disruption to a minimum.
See the maps for the latest access information and to plan your visit.
Forestry thinning
October 2026 to April 2027
What: Contractors will be carrying out thinning in parts of the commercial forests in the Waimakariri River Regional Park. 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 taped off areas and follow all signage while in the parks. Access to some tracks may be affected for short periods.
When: From October 2026 to April 2027
Release spraying
October 2026 to February 2027
What: Contractors will be undertaking release spraying around trees in recently planted forestry blocks in the Waimakariri River Regional Park. 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.
When: From October 2026 to February 2027
Taylors Road to Smiths Stream
We’re carrying out staged tree clearance, track upgrades, and vegetation works to improve visibility and access along the river corridor and make it safer for everyone using the park.
This work includes removing dead, sick, and overhanging trees, improving sightlines at entrances, and upgrading tracks where needed.
Temporary closures are required while machinery is operating to make sure the work can be carried out safely.
Stage 1 – Taylors Road entrance
What is happening
- Overhanging trees and any dead or sick trees will be removed at the Taylors Road entrance
- Vegetation will be cut back to improve sightlines
- Bollards and rope fencing will be moved further back
- A digger will be on site felling and processing trees, with spotters present to manage access as needed
Access changes
- The Taylors Road gate will be closed during this stage
- Park access will remain available from Main North Road via the river track (Hays Road)
Stage 2 – Upstream towards Smiths Stream
What is happening
Once the Taylors Road entrance works are complete, work will move upstream towards Smiths Stream to remove additional overhanging and problematic willow trees.
Access changes
- Taylors Road will reopen once works at the entrance/intersection are complete
- The road and track from Smiths Stream westward will be temporarily closed while this work is underway
- Once this section is finished and works move beyond the motorbike area, access will return to normal
Asbestos in Waimakariri River Regional Park
6 September 2023
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.