Hunting and shooting

Hunters have been using the Waimakariri riverbed and berm for over 150 years but as the number of visitors increases, we need to manage the park carefully.

We want all users catered for without conflict of interest or damage to the environment and essential land and river control infrastructure.

We recognise game bird hunting as a legitimate form of recreation so we work with Fish & Game NZ (North Canterbury Region) to ensure continued hunter access. 

Please check our notices and events for the latest information or like our Facebook page to stay up to date.

Target shooting with all types of firearms is prohibited within the Waimakariri River Regional Park. People who wish to shoot could try one of the shooting clubs that lease land at McLeans Island.

Ecan Hunting and shooting 5

Hunting rules

  • Only game bird hunting is permitted (including Canada geese and pigeons) at the Waimakariri River Regional Park, including the riverbed.
  • Target shooting with all types of firearms is prohibited.
  • The hunting of small game such as rabbits and possums by the general public is prohibited.
  • Game bird hunting must only happen in the designated areas.
  • Only shotguns may be used.
  • A valid Fish & Game licence must be held.
  • Fish & Game regulations and the game bird hunting code of conduct must be adhered to.

Game bird hunting areas

The following conditions apply to game bird hunting at the Waimakariri River Regional Park and have been developed in conjunction with Fish & Game NZ (North Canterbury Branch).

Open

  • North bank – Waimakariri Gorge to Eyre Diversion
  • South bank – Waimakariri Gorge to Thompsons Road
  • South bank – The riverbed from Thompsons Road to Haul Road

Restricted

  • North bank - Kaiapoi Island – Poynters Nature Reserve & Monopoli’s Pond (dawn to 9am)
  • North bank - Kaiapoi River confluence to Kairaki Beach (dawn to midday)
  • North bank - The riverbed from Baynons Brake to Eyre Diversion/Harrs Road (dawn to dusk)
  • South bank - Styx River mouth & saltmarsh (dawn to midday, and 4pm to dusk)
  • South bank - Haul Road to the edge of Bailes Island Picnic area (dawn to 9am)
  • South bank - The riverbed from Haul Road to Rock Spur (dawn to dusk)
Game bird hunting and shooting areas in Waimakariri River Regional Park

Game bird hunting and shooting areas in Waimakariri River Regional Park

Prohibited

  • Kaiapoi Island: from Railway Reserve through to the eastern edge of Baynons Brake (including the riverbed)
  • Baynons Brake to Eyre Diversion/Harrs Road
  • Dixons Bay – Between groyne 38 & 39 (north bank of the river)
  • Te Rauakaaka, including Kainga Beach – upstream from Stewarts Gully
  • Templers Island – from the Ōtukaikino stream to Bailes Island Picnic Area
  • McLeans Forest (Haul Rd to Miners Bank Rd)
  • West Melton Forest (Miners Bank Road to Weedons Ross Road)
  • Weedons Forest and The Willows (Weedons Ross Road to Thompsons Road)

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