Seasonal nature play

Seasonal nature play activities.

There's a saying that goes; "there's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing."

Christchurch parks are great places to explore at any time of the year, in any weather, as long as you dress to suit!

Here's a few suggestions for how to make the most of the seasons in our local and regional parks

Spring

Spring flowers, Woodland.

  • Smell spring flowers  in the  Hagley Park Woodland.
  • Go looking for ducklings at The Groynes.
  • Fly a kite at Brighton Beach.
  • Splash in puddles and chase rainbows at your local park.

   

Summer

Mt Pleasant Trig.

  • Lounge like a lizard on hot rocks in the John Brittan Reserve, Port Hills.
  • Have a picnic tea under the big trees at Brownlee Reserve.
  • Climb a hill and admire the view from the top of Mt Pleasant, Mt Vernon or Misty Peaks behind Akaroa.
  • Swim in the sea at Corsair Bay.   

Autumn

Autumn leaves.

  • Crunch and jump in piles of autumn leaves in  Hagley Park, Worsleys Reserve or any of the old English garden parks.
  • Seek out butterfly clusters in Woodham Park.
  • Collect pine cones from around the world in the Victoria Park Pinetum.
  • Go on a fungi hunt  at Bottle Lake Forest Park.   

Winter

  • Crunch in ice puddles  – anywhere wet.
    Puddles and pukeko at Travis.

    Photo by Celia Hogan

  • Throw snow balls on the Port Hills – perhaps take a ride up in the Gondola to Mt Cavendish Scenic Reserve then walk a little way east.
  • Take a blanket and sleeping bag to your local park, then lie down to gaze at the stars in the frosty night sky.
  • Visit the beach at Southshore Spit on a stormy day and make a driftwood sculpture.