Picnic and play spots in the red zone
Chritchurch City Council Newsline: 10th February 2025
Pack the chilly bin, grab the whānau and have some summer fun. We've put together our suggestions for the perfect pairing of play and picnicking in the red zone this summer.
Di Madgin’s garden and Adventure Avenue
Lay down a picnic blanket and take a break within the tranquil remnants of a home garden created by Di Madgin - an area which is now cared for by the Ōtākaro Avon Network.
Pop over for a play at Adventure Avenue while you’re there. This is an environmentally-friendly space designed by kids for imaginations to run wild. There’s a treehouse-inspired play structure, a small pump track and lots of native planting to enjoy.
Riverlution Café and Fungi Farm
Nestled in the heart of Richmond Community Garden is the new Riverlution Café, selling locally sourced kai (food). It's right beside the garden’s mud kitchen and friendly chickens, and the fabulous fungi farm playspace is just metres away as is the newly upgraded Avebury Park playground and paddling pool.
Avon Park
There is still construction happening on the lower terraces of Avon Park - which is perfect viewing for digger-mad toddlers. However the upper terraces are open for exploring! With an amazing nature-inspired playground and some fantastic picnic tables created from re-purposed piles from Lyttleton Wharf around the corner, there's plenty of fun to be had.
Dallington Landing
The iconic stopping point in the centre of the river corridor, Dallington Landing is a great place to meet friends and have a picnic. This summer Council rangers have painted stencils on the road remnants to encourage active play – old school classics such as hopscotch and handball (bring your own ball). Come along and check it out.
Edible garden retreat beside the estuary
The Southshore community have come together to create a whānau-friendly garden space called “The Shore” at 348 Estuary Road. Come and picnic amongst growing vegetables!
There will be a pop up library from 20th January 2025 so come hang in a hammock for some quiet time with a good book when you've finished walking and paddling on the estuary edge.
Download the Bookbots app if you’re looking for a new way to play from:
Check out the area and complete the challenges.