The Groynes
Groynes Drive, off Johns Road (State Highway 1)
The Groynes offers variety and fun for all ages.
There are many walking tracks within the Groynes Reserve. The main track is the Waimairi Walkway (5km return), providing a great opportunity for lovers of nature, walkers and athletes to escape the noise of the central city.
Picnic areas and coin-operated barbeques make it a popular spot for gatherings of friends and family. The lakes and waterways provide both recreational activities and habitat for wildlife such as trout and waterfowl.
A suspension bridge crosses the river to a lake used by the Christchurch Model Yacht Club. There are plenty of trout fishing opportunities (gain a fishing licence first), and a variety of fun watercraft are available for hire.
Maori memories of the area in pre-colonial settlement in Christchurch are of an area rich in food, swamp dwelling birds, eels and other resources. The area was developed for sheep and cattle farming in the 1880’s. This involved land clearance, fencing, access and pasture development.
The Groynes derives its name from large concrete blocks, made from concrete filled woolsacks, jutting into the Otukaikino Creek. The Otukaikino, once the south branch of the Waimakariri River, was separated from the main branch during the course of major works in the 1930's.
The high recreational use and ecological values of the Groynes are considered in the development plan for the area. These will be enhanced and expanded upon in years to come.
