This reserve is the site of a community project to restore a remnant of the once mighty Papanui Bush.
Access
Bridgestone Reserve is located off Langdons Road in Papanui.
It can also be accessed from the path following the rail line off Sawyers Arms Road, and the car parking areas near Aspire Canterbury and Northlink.
Walking track
There is a 1 km loop track around the perimeter of the reserve. The track is wheelchair accessible.
Dogs
Dogs must be under effective control in this reserve.
Papanui Bush
Prior to the European colonisation of Ōtautahi/Christchurch, Papanui Bush was a 30-hectare remnant of native bush. tōtara, mātai, kahikatea and kānuka dominated the wetland forest and provided a haven for various birds such as kereru, kaka and paradise ducks.
The lush bush generated a thriving timber industry in the early years of European colonisation and within five years, the bush had been completely felled to build the English-style city of Christchurch.
Read more about the history of Papanui Bush.
Bridgestone
Bridgestone Tyres operated a tyre manufacturing plant on this site for 61 years, from 1947 to 2009. It was in this factory that the first tyre was manufactured in New Zealand.
When Bridgestone closed down they gifted a piece of land for use as a reserve for the local community to Christchurch City Council.
There is a memorial tōtara planted in Bridgestone Reserve for Karl Hopkins, a Firestone employee who was accidentally killed at work.
Restoration
Bridgestone Reserve is a stormwater management facility designed to improve flooding capacity and water quality before water is discharged to natural waterways. Areas within the reserve are well-suited for native forest regeneration.
Community volunteers, Rotary(external link) and local school students have planted thousands of native trees so they can see a remnant of the once mighty Papanui Bush restored.
Tiny seedlings planted over three years ago are now one metre-tall kahikatea, two metre-tall harakeke and four metre-tall ribbonwood.
Nearby, new facilities have been built for the Cancer Society and Braintree Wellness Centre. Many rooms within look out over the regenerating bush, and the pathway running around the perimeter of the reserve is accessible for wheelchair users.
Working bees
Regular working bees are held at Papanui Bush on the second Tuesday of every month from 8.30am to 12.30pm. Drop by for an hour or spend the whole morning.
Additional working bee dates for 2025 have been added for 9am to midday on the following Saturdays:
- 9 August
- 20 September
- 25 October
- 8 November
Bring gardening gloves and a kneeler if you like to use one. Gumboots are recommended, especially if it's been raining. Morning tea provided.
Park in the Brain Tree wellness centre car park, 70 Langdons Road, and meet at the picnic table under the big tree.
Community events
Sometimes, big community planting days are held. Keep up to date by checking our park volunteer events page.
Contact
For general and Tuesday working bee-related enquiries, contact Denis McMurtrie on 021 125 1920.
For Saturday working bee enquiries, contact Kathy Anderson at kcne.anderson@gmail.com.