Regional parks events
The Regional Parks offer endless possibilities when it comes to putting on events. There are over 250km of walking and mountain bike tracks along with large green spaces suitable for picnics and static activities.
While you will need to plan and organise the event yourself, our park rangers and staff can provide the information and advice you'll need to make it successful. All our spaces can be booked online using our online booking form.
For closures, hazards or other notices to our parks, please see our parks notice page.
Events
This is a training/safety event for Sled Dog operators. The event will be in the Lorimas/Rock spur area and all tracks remain open to the public.
Celebrate the Christchurch Walking Festival by joining us in the beautiful Willows from 10am to 2pm. The Willows features 6km of gently undulating walking tracks suitable for all abilities including pushchairs. Our team will be on site to answer any questions and we will fire up the BBQ between 11am and 1pm.
Find out more about this event.
The event is run by Peninsula & Plains Orienteering and will be staged from 10.30am to 3pm on the south bank of the Waimakariri River from the intake downstream to Weedons Ross Road. Find more information here.
Race Tekapo is an exciting destination race located in the heart of Tekapo, with options from a 3km fun run through to 50km. All finishers will be presented with a beautiful medal and get to enjoy the warm legendary Mackenzie hospitality!
Organising an event in a regional park
It is your responsibility to plan and organise the event, but our team is happy to provide information and advice.
You will need to secure the area, supply your own venue (such as a marquee or stage), and comply with Environment Canterbury conditions, and any Territorial Local Authority regulations, to create a safe environment for participants.
Major and minor events
Major events can be anything from commercial events, and motorsport to large mountain bike, kayak or dog races. These events are categorised as major as they impact other recreational users within the park due to road/park closures.
Minor events have fewer participants, such as group picnics or not-for-profit fundraisers.
Please review this checklist of things to consider before getting in touch with the Park Rangers.
Booking the area is your first step. Contact us and ask for the Regional Park Ranger in the events team.
We can hold a date for 14 days. After this, if no application form has been received, the date will be cleared.
- Please note major events require between 6–12 months' notice.
- There is a $74.74 booking fee for all events. For all commercial/corporate events, additional fees apply.
Booking an event online
You can use our online booking form to book your event.
Contact us
We want you to have a successful event and we are happy to provide advice. Please don’t hesitate to contact the Ranger on 03 353 9007 or by email at duty.ranger@ecan.govt.nz.
Event checklist
Traffic management plan – If any part of your activity uses public roads, you will be required to submit a traffic management plan. You’ll need to check requirements with the relevant city or district council and the Environment Canterbury Parks team.
Noise – Excessive noise is generally unacceptable at any time and councils have bylaws around this. If you are considering amplified sound, please touch base with the relevant city or district council.
Liquor licence – If you intend to sell or permit alcohol at your event, special liquor licenses may be required. They can be obtained from the relevant city or district council, who can provide you with guidelines for host responsibility.
Public liability insurance – You will be required to obtain public liability insurance for your event, at a minimum of $2,000,000.00. Often a sponsor will provide this coverage as an extension of their existing insurance policy.
Neighbours – Do they know what’s going on? Have you invited them? Please don’t hesitate to ask the Parks team if you are unsure whether this is an issue.
Food – Who is providing this service? Do they have current licences?
Security – Do you need a police presence? Are you providing private security staff? If so, security staff must be registered.
Parking – There is limited parking available in some areas of the parks. If your event has a large number of participants attending, please talk to our team about areas that can be opened up for overflow parking. Also consider what bus routes travel to your event location.
Signage – Event signage may be permitted.
Building consents – You may need a building consent for marquees over 100sqm, staging, fencing and temporary structures such as sound towers. This can be obtained from the relevant city or district council.
Power access – McLeans Forest Oval is the only space that has existing power access.
Toilet facilities – How many will you need, and will you require disabled access? Current Regional Park toilet facilities include Waimakariri Regional Park (McLeans Forest, West Melton Forest, Kaiapoi Island, Ta Rauakaaka, The Willows, and McIntoshes) and Lake Tekapo Regional Park.
Rubbish and recycling – Who is cleaning up afterwards?
Health and safety – Every event organiser must be aware of their responsibilities under the Health and Safety At Work Act 2015.
You can print off this handy checklist.