Park Rangers work with community and Coast Care groups to manage the city's coastline from the Waimakariri River to Godley head, Lyttelton harbour and around the Banks Peninsula.
What we do
- We stabilise the dunes, planting dunes to stop the sand from blowing onto the road and into people’s houses.
- We grow special native plants in the sand that can survive the strong, salty wind and dry, sandy soil. Native plants protect the sand dunes and provide food and shelter for our native birds and animals.
- We build tracks, car parks, and picnic areas. These features improve your visit to the beach and the coast.
- We encourage learning and research. Schools, universities and scientists use our coastal area to learn about this special natural environment.
- These achievements are made possible by many voluntary and subsidised workers. Groups include the Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust, schools, volunteer groups, periodic detention workers, subsidised employment schemes, as well as community groups and conservation organisations.
What you can do
- Join a Coast Care group(external link) and/or take part in public planting days or beach clean-up events.
- Help maintain and develop recreational facilities and tracks.
- Grow native plants for Coast Care (or your group) to plant in the sand dunes. We need help growing a native sand-binding plant, pingao. We can give you sand, seeds, trays and information on how to grow this plant.
- Arrange a school or group visit to the coast with one of our Coast Care staff.
- Keep your dog under control when you bring it to the beach. Observe local dog rules.
- Keep to access tracks, take your rubbish home with you, and help us to look after the beach for everyone to enjoy.