Charlesworth Wetland Reserve & Ti Rakau Reserve

Charlesworth Street, Brookhaven. There are also entrances on Humphries Drive, Waterman Place and via Ti Rakau Reserve.

Charlesworth Wetland Reserve is an absolute gem for the whole family, located right in the middle of Ferrymead, Christchurch. The reserve covers 20 ha of land that was drained in the 20’s and used as pasture. Restoration of the salt and freshwater wetland started in 1991 when when the tidal pools were recreated and over 100,000 plants, trees and shrubs replanted. The reserve has since become critical for the rehabilitation of some species of endangered wetland birds, such as the Black Billed Gull, which now nests exclusively in the Charlesworth Wetland Reserve.

To protect the birdlife, dogs are not allowed in the wetland area, but there are plenty of paths along the outskirts of the wetland that doggies are allowed on a leash. There is also plenty to do for human children too, including an awesome playground in Ti Rakau Reserve, plenty of cycling tracks and duck feeding areas. You can lay out a blanket in a multitude of picturesque spots for a picnic or sit on the park benches overlooking the wetland for bird spotting or a round of eye-spy.

There are no dedicated dog walking areas but this is an absolutely wonderful spot for canine and also human children, with plenty to do for all involved.

Reserve is always open.