Wetlands
Quaifes Road Springlands
Intersection of Murphys and Quaifes Roads
The Quaifes Road Springlands wetland is a riverbank and conservation area covering 8 hectares and contains several natural springs. It is a nice quiet area with well established native wetland plantings and good paths. It is not a manicured park but is a good place for a walk, run or dog walk while watching nature returning to the area.
Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Sparks Road Wetland
270 Sparks Road
The Sparks Road Wetland provides secondary treatment of stormwater runoff from the adjacent Halswell Commons Subdivision and other existing catchments, before discharging back into Cashmere Stream. Discharge is via the enhanced Hendersons Drain, which was diverted and naturalised into the site to create habitat for native flora and fauna.
The area consists of a wetland area with small ponds and a shared path used for walking, running, cycling, and dog walking (on-leash). Generally considered an easy route, the 1.8km loop takes an average of 24 minutes to complete. The trail is great for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Eastman Wetland
600 Cashmere Road
The Eastman Wetlands are part of a larger development of water retention basins in the area. The main car park is at 600 Cashmere Rd but the trails and tracks will link to the Quarrymans Cycleway as well as the greater Halswell area.
The wetlands act as a storage basin in heavy rainfall, reducing downstream flooding and improving waterway health. They also provide a wonderful area for people to connect with nature and will create new habitat for native birds, fish and insects.
Large areas of Rongoā garden will be developed to provide a sustainable place to collect plants for use in traditional Māori medicine. Walking and cycling tracks are included as part of the landscape plan, along with a car park.
Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
There are many smaller water retention areas that also make for great off track walking.
There are also many good walking options in Aidanfield, Knights Stream, Longhurst and Country Palms where smaller green spaces connect up streets and you can find short cuts for getting around.