Parks and Reserves

The Council has a statutory requirement under the Reserves Act 1977, to provide and maintain parks, reserves and recreation areas for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.

The main responsibilities of the Council include ensuring accessibility for public use, and the preservation of indigenous flora and fauna, natural ecosystems and heritage.

Parks, reserves and recreation areas in the Hurunui District include the following:

• The Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve
• 26 playgrounds
• 2 swimming pools (Amberley & Rotherham)
• 14 halls
• 14 recreation reserves developed for sporting and passive relaxation
• 18 reserves undeveloped but available for passive relaxation
• 7 plantation or forestry reserves

Other reserve areas are currently leased and will remain undeveloped until required.

The Draft District Reserves Management Plan is currently undergoing the process of becoming an operative District Reserves Management Plan.

Council is currently negotiating to acquire part of the former Queen Mary Hospital and land for preservation for future generations.  For the purpose of this plan, a sum of $3.4 million has been estimated for the acquisition.  A further $1 million has been budgeted for renovations.

Freedom Camping

Freedom camping within Council reserves is subject to the Freedom Camping Policy adopted in 2002. 

Freedom camping is defined as overnight parking in areas that are in the vicinity of roads and are easily accessed by cars/campervans.  It is not intended to apply to the “back country” experience.

These principles apply to all forms of camping whether in tents, cars, campervans, boats or buses.

CAMPERS ARE WELCOME provided that you:

1. Respect our environment – leave the site clear of all rubbish, waste and damage.
   Understand that dumping of waste and litter is an offence and will result in instant fines or prosecution.
2. Act responsibly, and respect the access and enjoyment rights of other public space users.
3. Have immediate access to, or on-board, toilet, wastewater collection and rubbish disposal facilities.
4. Use designated public spaces, camping areas (e.g. Department of Conservation sites) or commercial premises as available.
   Seek the local i-SITE, local council website or other camping guides if unsure of freedom camping sites in the area.
   Appreciate that some environmentally or culturally sensitive, and built-up, areas will not permit any form of freedom camping.
5. Understand that freedom camping is a temporary activity, generally considered to be two days unless otherwise informed.