Information on our restoration projects and upcoming planting days.
The Green Spine is the central ecological and recreational heart of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor. This area is being brought to life through a range of Council-led and community planting projects, collectively working to restore native habitat while establishing new trails, paths, footbridges, and community spaces.
In recent years, Council staff, organisations and volunteers have planted hundreds of thousands of native trees throughout the Green Spine, with the vision to bring an ecologically restored river corridor to life.
Ecological planting projects that you can get involved in
Avon-Ōtākaro Forest Park (external link)has a vision to transform the Avon River red zone into a vibrant, city-to-sea native forest park along the Ōtākaro Avon River.
They have a number of small pocket parks, but Brooker Ave is their key site.
The Goodman Street Wetland Project seeks to improve the local ecology and expand the naturalising wetland in the Waikākāriki Horseshoe Lake area.
This project is currently underway and will create a suitable overflow for the waterway in times of flood and increase its value as an ecological node.
Walking and cycling access will be improved via gravel tracks, boardwalks and a small viewing platform.
The whole area needs to be planted, find out more about the Goodman Street Wetland Project(external link).
The Dallington Landing Forest of Peace and Remembrance(external link) is a testament to the history and spirit of Ōtautahi residents.
The project was generously funded by the Rotary Foundation, and Conservation Volunteers New Zealand supported volunteers to plant 42,000 native plants over winter of 2021-2022.
Another 9,000 plants were added in 2025 to recloak this area of the red zone in indigenous ngahere (forest).
These trees will support climate resilience and encourage native birds, bugs and lizards back to the area.
This area sits just on the edge of the area known as Ōruapaeroa, alongside Corser Stream | Wai Hokinga Mai which connects Ōruapaeroa | Travis Nature Heritage Park with Ōtākaro | Avon River.
Ōruapaeroa | Travis was a traditional kāinga (settlement), which included the wetlands surrounding the Ōtākaro | Avon and Ōpāwaho | Heathcote rivers.
These wetlands supported an abundance of native fish and birdlife, and the site was an important mahinga kai nohoanga (seasonal food landing). Today, only Travis Wetland remains.
This riparian forest planting was started in winter 2024 and will eventually sit alongside a planned stormwater basin.
It is directly across Corser Stream from the six-year-old restoration project managed by Avon-Ōtākaro Forest Park, so you can easily imagine what it will look like in a few years.
This area also sits within the footprint of Ōruapaeroa | Travis mahinga kai area and is earmarked in the Regeneration Plan for a proposed eco-sanctuary – Waitākiri(external link).
This project aims to transform this area of red-zoned land into a protected ecosanctuary where native wildlife can breed without fear of predation.
It will form the beating heart of a wide network of biodiverse habitats throughout the river corridor and beyond.
The roads between Brooker Avenue and Anzac Drive will be removed over the summer months of 2025 to 2026, and planting will follow in stages.
The Avon Loop, between Oxford Terrace and Fitzgerald Avenue, is a highly used and valued green space within the river corridor and the gateway to the wider river corridor.
Community and local schools have helped plant and look after kahikatea in this area. During the 2025 winter, we are extending the riparian plantings, filling in the gaps to protect the waterway from urban impacts.
Next winter, we plan to create a corridor of blossoms, combining cherry trees and kowhai to provide a spectacular spring display along the length of the pathway.
This planting is mostly being carried out by staff and contractors, with some help from immediate neighbours who are kaitiaki of this space.
The Eco Action Nursery Trust grows native trees and plants suitable for native bird food and habitat within the red zone.
The Trust cultivates plants sourced from the Port Hills in satellite nurseries managed by schools and community groups. Planting and mulching events are held during the year.
For more information about how you can join in the community planting days for these restoration projects, visit: