Residential Red Zone

Welcome to the Residential Red Zone. This zone encompasses areas around Bexley Wetland, Brooklands, South Brighton, Southshore, the Port Hills and the Ōtākaro River Corridor including Richmond, Dallington, Avonside and Brooker Ave.

Bexley Wetland is an area rich in biodiversity. Frequented by many native and rare birds, the former red zone land is slowly being reclaimed by the wetland environment. Join us on this journey from red zone to green zone.

The area near the wetland is currently well used by dog walkers. We ask that within the boundaries of the wetland, dogs are kept on a leash and stick to the paths and out of the wetland itself. Birds are easily spooked by roaming dogs and will often abandon their nest if frightened. Take the lead and help us create an area where birdlife can flourish. Find out more about dog-friendly tracks and conservation areas on the dog bylaw map.

You will notice that the grass here is often left unmowed. This is to allow plants to naturalise in areas with higher groundwater and encourage wetland revegetation.

A green spine forms the core of the red zone regeneration area, the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor runs from city to sea, covering the former red zoned areas of Richmond and Burwood. The area already hosts many exciting community initiatives that provide opportunities to play, explore and learn.

Te Ara Ōtākaro Avon River Trail(external link) is a shared-use trail transitional walking and biking track along the Avon-Ōtākaro River. While the future of the area is still being decided, take the opportunity to explore parts of the Red Zone on this 11km trail.

Avebury House(external link) is seen as the hub of Richmond and is a social enterprise that fosters community connections and provides educational, social and cultural activities. There are many free or low-cost classes available including exercise, quilting and meditation. Avebury has meeting rooms and event spaces for hire. Located at  9 Eveleyn Couzins Ave.

Richmond Community Garden(external link) is located alongside Avebury House and has been a critical force in connecting the community to green space. The community garden offers opportunities to volunteer or contribute with gardening, the olive oil cooperative, composting and local trapping. Also located at 325 River Road.

The Riverlution EcoHub(external link), also on-site and owned by Richmond Community Garden, offers bookable spaces for organisations and includes an outdoor space, computer room, kitchen and multiple meeting rooms. Located at 46a Vogel Street.

Fungi Farm(external link), a mushroom themed education, play and foraging area has been opened by Richmond Community Garden and the Riverlution Collective. The Fungi Farm features six different species of edible native and exotic mushrooms for foragers, 33 manmade mushroom carvings and art installations by local artists, engaging nature play pieces, and interactive signage to educate people about the fast-growing fungi. Located on the corner of Eveleyn Cousins Ave and River Road in Richmond.

Avon Ōtākaro Forest Park(external link) is a community-led vision to transform the city to sea corridor into a vibrant native forest park along the Avon-Ōtākaro River. Work is currently underway to turn Brooker Reserve into a forest and wetland park. Schools and communities take part in working bees to plant and maintain native vegetation. Keep an eye on their Facebook events(external link) to get involved.

East x East is a transitional space led by LiVS (Living in Vacant Spaces) encompassing a learn to ride bike track, disc golf course(external link), pump track, volleyball and badminton facilities, radio-controlled truck tracks, meeting and event spaces and art installations. Bordered by Anzac Drive, New Brighton Road and Brooker Ave.

Sutton Heritage House and Garden is the former home of renowned Christchurch artist Bill Sutton. The house was preserved by the former owner and gifted to the city. It is currently being used as an artist in residence space but you can see it on Templar Street in Richmond. it is managed by the Sutton Heritage House and Garden Trust.

Adventure Ave(external link) is a long-term community project led by a group of children from Banks Ave Primary School with the support of facilitators from the Avon Ōtākaro Network. Their plans include creating a family-friendly natural playground. While it is still a work in progress, there is currently already a small pump track and lots of native planting to enjoy. Located off Medway Street and Woodchester Avenue.

This beautiful area is home to a rich estuary environment where thousands of native birds nest, feed and rest annually. There are many walkways to explore including the South Brighton Domain boardwalk which has been restored to its pre-earthquake condition. The loop track at the Spit and the Estuary Edge Walkway are well worth visiting as well.

The Christchurch City Council and Brooklands community are exploring the many recreational and environmental opportunities that this area has to offer. Keep up to date with workshops and news(external link).

Most of the tracks and areas that were red zoned in the Port Hills were done so because of life threatening hazards such as rockfall and cliff collapse. Find out more about land proposals and hazards.(external link)

Just like the rest of the city, the Residential Red Zone has many fruit and nut trees that the community are welcome to. Find out the best foraging locations with the smart cities foraging app.(external link)

Find active community gardens(external link) in the red zone area and more about how to start your own.

Community groups working in the red zone include:

• Eco-action nursery(external link)
• Avon-Ōtākaro Forest Park(external link)
• Richmond Community Garden(external link)

Find red zone working bees or discover how Christchurch City Council can support your volunteer group.