Join Christchurch City Council Rangers for planting and maintenance days across the seasons in our unique and stunning Port Hills.

Port Hills volunteer planting; photo Neil MacBeth.

The volunteer programme restores and maintains native forest in designated areas of the Port Hills. Volunteers plant native trees each winter and maintain them in spring and autumn to reduce competition from grass.

Maintenance is the most critical part of ecological restoration success. Without regular maintenance for the first three years, plants wouldn't survive due to grass competition.

 Spring maintenance 2022

Keen to help native plants survive the summer? Join us next spring for our maintenance days.

Date Reserve Time
Saturday 24 September Barnett Park 1pm to 3pm
Saturday 1 October Bowenvale (Huntsbury) 1pm to 3pm
Saturday 8 October Dry Bush 1pm to 3pm
Saturday 15 October Site to be decided 1pm to 3pm
  • Weather appropriate clothing – layers, rain jacket, hat
  • Sturdy footwear for hill work
  • Gardening gloves
  • Hedge clippers if you have them (these will be provided if you don't have your own)
  • Water bottle and a snack
  • Face mask and vaccine passport.

Dry Bush

Park at the top of Huntsbury Avenue, and walk up Huntsbury Track to Dry Bush. Or park on the Summit Road and walk down Huntsbury Track to Dry Bush. There is no parking on the track.

Bowenvale Reserve (Huntsbury)

Meet at 20 Swanton Drive, Huntsbury. Park on the street close to this location, but please keep accessways clear for residents.

Barnett Park (Redcliffs)

Meet at the end of Bay View Road, Redcliffs.   

Latter's Spur/Eastside Bush

Meet at the small carpark at rear of Victoria Park Rangers HQ. We will walk to the site from there.

Bookings are essential. To confirm your place, contact our park ranger Fiona on 027 506 1425 or fiona.fenton@ccc.govt.nz. 

For more information email parks.volunteers@ccc.govt.nz