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Recreation - findings

This image shows two people cycling alongside the Ōtākaro Avon River.

Recreation and recreational activities were identified as important by 32.9% of all respondents (617), with 42.8% (264) indicating a specific preference for ecologically-appropriate recreation.

Within this theme, there were several sub-themes (ideas) that received strong support.





Flatwater facilities

There was significant support for flatwater facilities, and the feedback highlighted some key considerations for those facilities.

  • 23.7% of all respondents (442) favoured the 2.2km in-river lake, largely for ecological reasons.
  • 36.9% of all respondents (688) favoured the 2.2 km out-of-river lake, with some of these respondents highlighting the economic and social benefits such a lake could bring. There were also comments specifically mentioned the value of having a swimmable lake.
  • Respondents’ preference for a lake tended to be mutually exclusive – those that favoured the 2.2km out-of-river often did not support the 2.2km in-river, and vice versa.
  • 4.7% (87) of all respondents indicated support for all possible lake options (2.2km in-river, 2.2km out-of-river and 1.1km out-of-river).
  • 3.5%% (66) of all respondents did not support any lake option.
  • 3.1% of all respondents (57) supported a whitewater facility.

“I like the natural features. I am opposed to the building of any sort of a lake in the area.”

“I think that the out of river 2.2 km is in my opinion the best of all the ten options as it gives a multi- purpose multi - sports code ability to Christchurch which could bring in huge revenue to Christchurch for the benefit of all.”

Other recreation

  • 11.4% of all respondents supported walking and/or biking trails (213 comments)

“I think that the recreational side of the possible uses is exciting. Also the cycle tracks will be a huge benefit to the city and in line with the modern city thinking (e.g. Europe).”


See all findings from engagement on 10 possible combinations of land uses.

Recreation and recreational activities were identified as important by 32.9% of all respondents (617), with 42.8% (264) indicating a specific preference for ecologically-appropriate recreation.

Within this theme, there were several sub-themes (ideas) that received strong support.





Flatwater facilities

There was significant support for flatwater facilities, and the feedback highlighted some key considerations for those facilities.

  • 23.7% of all respondents (442) favoured the 2.2km in-river lake, largely for ecological reasons.
  • 36.9% of all respondents (688) favoured the 2.2 km out-of-river lake, with some of these respondents highlighting the economic and social benefits such a lake could bring. There were also comments specifically mentioned the value of having a swimmable lake.
  • Respondents’ preference for a lake tended to be mutually exclusive – those that favoured the 2.2km out-of-river often did not support the 2.2km in-river, and vice versa.
  • 4.7% (87) of all respondents indicated support for all possible lake options (2.2km in-river, 2.2km out-of-river and 1.1km out-of-river).
  • 3.5%% (66) of all respondents did not support any lake option.
  • 3.1% of all respondents (57) supported a whitewater facility.

“I like the natural features. I am opposed to the building of any sort of a lake in the area.”

“I think that the out of river 2.2 km is in my opinion the best of all the ten options as it gives a multi- purpose multi - sports code ability to Christchurch which could bring in huge revenue to Christchurch for the benefit of all.”

Other recreation

  • 11.4% of all respondents supported walking and/or biking trails (213 comments)

“I think that the recreational side of the possible uses is exciting. Also the cycle tracks will be a huge benefit to the city and in line with the modern city thinking (e.g. Europe).”


See all findings from engagement on 10 possible combinations of land uses.