Ways to play: Nature spaces, new places and fenced playgrounds
Christchurch City Council Newsline: 20th October 2025
Take time out with the kids this summer and discover some of the amazing play spaces our city has to offer!
To celebrate Play Week starting on Monday 20th October, Christchurch City Council Play Advocate Louise Tongeren highlights some of our newest play spaces, and others that are perfect for outdoor exploration.
Take your little explorers out into nature
Christchurch is blessed with some wonderful spots where little ones can explore and discover in a natural environment.
- Templeton Domain has an awesome nature play space and is worth a visit with a picnic.
- Ngā Puna Wai near the Sports Hub has an off-road woodland area to explore and enjoy with children.
- Cracroft Reserve in the lower Cashmere area has established native trees and rocks for scrambling or climbing plus exciting trails to walk through.
- Kennaway Reserve in Woolston has an awesome nature trail which is fun to walk with little climbers and explorers.
- Englefield Reserve in Belfast has a safe little nature area for exploring near the playground.
New places to play
Avon Park
There are new play spaces opening up along the City to Sea Pathway, from the beautiful Avon Park Playground near the new Dallington footbridge, to the exciting new log play area tucked away along the walkway. A perfect day out exploring on foot or wheels!
Matatiki Nature Play Space
Come and explore this sensory nature play area in Hornby, next outside of the new Matatiki Hornby Centre.
Fenced Spaces to Play
These locations have fenced play spaces if that works better for your family:
- St Albans playground
- Kendal Reserve in Bishopdale
- Charlesworth Reserve on Charles St in Waltham
- Cashmere Playground on Cashmere Rd
- Fern Drive Reserve in Halswell
- Oxford St Reserve in Lyttelton