This large multi-use space in southwest Christchurch is used by multiple organisations. Home to the Canterbury A&P Show, this area is sometimes referred to as the showgrounds.

Visit

Getting there

Ngā Puna Wai is situated five kilometres from the centre of Christchurch. The main public access is from Augustine Drive off Halswell Road. There are 458 car parking spaces including 11 mobility car parks and extra temporary grass parking.

The Orange Line bus is the closest stop to Ngā Puna Wai and stops a short 5 minute (400m) walk from the venue via Augustine Drive. Please visit Metroinfo(external link) for the latest bus information.

If you're walking or cycling, the easiest way to access Ngā Puna Wai is via Augustine Drive or via McMahan Drive if you are walking from Aidenfield. Several walking paths and cycleways lead to the venue from Halswell or Curletts Road and there are numerous cycle parks throughout the facility.

Gates and opening hours

Dogs

  • Dogs are required to be on a leash while on the boardwalk surrounding the retention basin pond.
  • Dogs are not allowed on the sports fields.
  • Elsewhere in the reserve, dogs are welcome under effective control.

Sports and clubs

Ngā Puna Wai is home to a new athletics and sporting facility, replacing what was lost at QEII and around the city post earthquakes.

Nga Puna Wai Sports Hub is open for bookings. Everyone is welcome to come and use Ngā Puna Wai, take part in sports, support the players or use the sporting fields.

Ngā Puna Wai is home to:

  • Athletics Canterbury and Christchurch's premier international-standard athletics track and field.
  • Canterbury Hockey and Christchurch’s only international-standard hockey pitches.
  • Canterbury Rugby League with Christchurch’s premier sand-carpet rugby league pitches.
  • Tennis Canterbury has twelve outdoor acrylic tennis courts, with surrounding fencing.

Behind the name

Ngā Puna Wai means ‘many spring waters’, relating to the many springs and tributaries in the area, and is part of the ancestral landscape of Ngāi Tahu.

This area was once an important place for local Māori, who came together to connect and collaborate. 

Today, our recreational and sporting communities have continued this ethos by coming together to share our love of sport and outdoor spaces.

Walks

Ngā Puna Wai has some great walking and cycling tracks.

The short Ngā Puna Wai Loop Walk for an attractive stroll around the lake and past native wetland plantings.

The slightly longer Ngā Puna Wai Walk runs from Augustine Drive to Curletts Road via a small section of native forest.