Booking guidelines

Placing a booking means that you have first priority over the bookable area, that it will be in good condition and that we know not to carry out park maintenance in the booked area at the same time.

Depending on your event and location there may be a fee.

In most parks, the fee is $89.

For weddings in our Garden and Heritage parks, the cost is higher depending on location.

Beaches and most Port Hills locations are free to book as we can’t guarantee they will be maintained at the same standard as our other parks. 

Events that the general public is invited to attend, like fairs, community days and cultural events may need an event permit.  Find out when an event permit is required. 

If you need further advice, please contact eventsdevelopment@ccc.govt.nz. The Event Partnerships team will provide advice and guide you through the process of obtaining an event permit if one is required. 

Find out more about running an event. 

Cancellations made before 48 hours of the event commencement will receive a full refund.

If you cancel the booking within 48 hours of the event the full hire fee will apply unless there are exceptional circumstances.

The Christchurch City Council reserves the right to cancel any bookings due to circumstances beyond its control.

Fires are banned in our parks and beaches.

We also recommend that you don’t let off fireworks in our parks.

For details please see our Parks and Reserves Bylaw.

Several parks have fixed BBQs that are first come, first serve and cannot be booked. 

The BBQs are free and work by electric ignition; push the start button for 15 seconds to operate. Simply use the BBQ when it's available then leave it clean for others. 

You can also take your own gas BBQ to any park except the Botanic Gardens and Mona Vale. Only gas BBQs are permitted, due to the risk of fires.

Trailer BBQs may be allowed but you will need permission from the park manager. Please contact us for more information.

Parks with BBQs

• Barnett Park
• Burnside Park
• Cashmere Valley Reserve
• Centennial Park
• Hagley Park North
• Hagley Park South
• Heathcote Domain
• Hoon Hay Park
• Margaret Mahy Playground
• Scarborough Park
• South New Brighton Park
• Titirangi Reserve

Private events cannot have a bouncy castle or fairground rides.

Mobile food vendor may be hired for an event provided it only caters for that event and does not sell to the public. They cannot go on the grass.

You may hold a food fundraiser if it complies with Government guidelines.

If you wish to sell alcohol, then you will need a permit.

Mobile vendors or commercial enterprises must apply for a lease, licence or permit.

Commercial photography may be allowed, for a cost, depending on impact and location.

A small portable stereo may be used - no amplified sound or music is allowed unless express permission is given.

Contact us for more information.

In general, you cannot bring any structure to the park that requires pegs or stakes.

In some cases, it may be allowed depending on the park. Contact us for more information.

Some of our parks have indoor facilities on site if you wish to have a covered area option. 

No vehicles are allowed off the park roads. If you have people at your event that require special accessibility then please contact us. 

Trailer BBQs may be allowed but you will need permission from the park manager.

 Contact us for more information.

People are asked to refrain from smoking or vaping in Council-owned playgrounds and parks, including sports parks, as per the Council's Smokefree and Vapefree Public Places Policy. 

Most bookable spaces have a limit of 50 people, but there are some venues that can accommodate more.  

A maximum of 12 chairs may be used for elderly or less mobile guests. Chairs with wide, flat-bottomed tips only can be used.

All people, including photographers, must keep to the pathways and lawn areas and must not stand on or among any of the plant collections. 

Marquees and other structures, including free-standing umbrellas, are only allowed with permission from the park's manager.

Items must not be attached to trees, buildings or other fixed structures. Decorations, balloons, rice, petals, birdseed or confetti are not permitted. Please be responsible with your rubbish and take it home with you.

A small portable stereo may be used - no amplified sound or music is allowed unless express permission given. 

Parks staff aim for a high standard within the grounds. However, sometimes there may be maintenance work close by the areas booked.