Ferrymead Regional Park

Ferrymead Regional Park is a regional park in Christchurch, New Zealand, near the mouth of the Ōpāwaho / Heathcote River. The park is adjacent to Ferrymead Heritage Park, and the Ferrymead Railway runs through the eastern section of the park.

Geography


Ferrymead Regional Park is located on the southern banks of the Ōpāwaho / Heathcote River, an area which features saltmarshes.

Biodiversity
The Heathcote-Opawaho Lizard Sanctuary, a lizard sanctuary dedicated to protecting McCann's skink, is found in Ferrymead Regional Park.

History


The wider area was a traditional Ngāi Tahu food resource, where eels, lampreys and shellfish were collected.

Ferrymead Regional Park was established in 2018. In 2024, work began on coastal wetlands habitat restoration in Ferrymead Regional Park, including the removal of pine trees. The coastal wetland redevelopment project with continue to be developed in stages until 2030.

Recreation
The park includes sports fields and Ferrymead Golf Course. The park includes two walking tracks, the Ōpāwaho River Track and Matuku Lakes Loop Track. Portions of the Ferrymead Railway are found within Ferrymead Regional Park.