Styx Mill Conservation Reserve

Welcome to Styx Mill Conservation Reserve, located in Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. This expansive reserve follows the natural course of a river, making it a picturesque destination for walks and picnics. Conveniently situated in an urban area, Styx Mill Reserve is easily accessible, with entrances off both Styx Mill Road and Husseys Road. For those using public transportation, Metro info provides up-to-date bus information.

One of the standout features of this reserve is its fenced dog exercise area, allowing our furry friends to run off-leash and enjoy the surroundings. Additionally, public toilets are available near the Husseys Road car park for visitors' convenience.

The significance of Styx Mill Reserve extends beyond its natural beauty. This area holds great historical and cultural importance for the local Māori people. The wetlands and easy access to the sea made it a vital site for mahinga kai, or food gathering, as well as the cultivation and harvesting of various plants. The Māori community would tend to specific sections of the wetlands, fostering strong relationships between families.

The abundance of food in the area included quail, duck, eel, ferns, turnips, potatoes, and freshwater crayfish. The Pūharakekenui River, which runs through the reserve, provided an ample supply of eels, lamprey, and crayfish. To safely navigate the river, sticks were laid out to mark safe passage on firm ground, potentially giving rise to its English name, "Styx," reminiscent of the mythical Greek river.

During European settlement, the area served various purposes, including sheep farming and milling. The river played a crucial role in powering sawmills and flaxmills. While little is known about the specific operations of the mill at Styx Mill, it transformed into a flour mill in 1861 due to the fertile land for growing wheat. However, by the time of the First World War, milling on the site had ceased.

In the 1970s, the Styx Mill Conservation Reserve came under public ownership, with development commencing in the 1980s. The community's involvement in preserving the area began with the "Styx River Happening" at Spencer Park in 1999, leading to the establishment of the Guardians of the Styx Charitable Trust. The Styx History Group focuses on researching the river's history, primarily from 1850 onwards.

The reserve's low-lying wetland area holds significant ecological value, preserving a substantial amount of native vegetation that is rare in the local area. The Pūharakekenui/Styx River serves as a pathway for numerous native species, both within the catchment and out to sea. Over time, European settlement displaced some bird species, but with an improving habitat and urbanization causing displacement elsewhere, several species have made a return to the reserve.

Furthermore, the Styx Mill basin has historically served as a natural flood retention area due to the surrounding river terraces and shallow groundwater. This function continues to this day, contributing to the ecological balance of the reserve.

The community's interest in the entire Styx River catchment is represented through the Guardians of the Styx, showcasing the ongoing commitment to preserving this remarkable natural and historical treasure.

Come and explore Styx Mill Conservation Reserve, where nature, history, and community converge for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Christchurch.