Spencer Park, Picnic Area & Playground

Welcome to Spencer Park, Picnic Area & Playground, located at Heyders Road, Christchurch, New Zealand. This establishment is not just a park, but also a point of interest and a popular tourist attraction in the area.

Spencer Park is the perfect destination for a family day trip or a weekend getaway at the nearby holiday park. Situated 14km north-east of Christchurch, it offers easy access off Heyders Road. For those using public transportation, you can find up-to-date bus information on the Metro website.

If you're planning to bring your furry friends along, dogs are permitted in Spencer Park under effective control. However, they must be on a leash in certain areas to protect the wildlife values of the park. Please note that dogs are not allowed in Brooklands Lagoon or Spit, except on the Waimakariri Walkway where they must be on a short leash. During the summer months, there are specific dog rules in place at Spencer Park Beach. From 1 November to 31 March, between 9am and 7pm, dogs are prohibited 100 meters north and south of the Surf Life Saving Club pavilion. Outside of these times, dogs are permitted under effective control.

Spencer Park offers a range of attractions and facilities for visitors to enjoy. There is a small animal enclosure where you can get up close to various animals, a children's adventure playground for the little ones to explore, and even a paddling pool for some water fun. Additionally, the park boasts many interesting short walks for those who enjoy a leisurely stroll. To learn more about the park and its offerings, you can refer to the Spencer Park and Brooklands Lagoon brochure.

For fishing and whitebaiting enthusiasts, Spencer Park is a popular spot. However, please note that a permit and key must be obtained from the Spencer Beach Kiwi Holiday Park during office hours.

If you plan on driving a vehicle on the beach, please stick to the hard sand to prevent damage to the dunes and disturbance to the local wildlife. Motorbikes, dune buggies, and 4WD vehicles are strictly prohibited in the dunes.

Adjacent to Spencer Park is the Spencer Beach Kiwi Holiday Park, which offers a wide range of accommodation options. You can visit their website to make a booking or inquiry.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted to know that Brooklands Lagoon and the coastal path provide longer walks and are particularly great for bird-watching. Just south of the park, Bottle Lake Forest Park offers plenty of horse and biking routes.

If you're in search of a sheltered picnic spot with easy vehicle access and proximity to the beach, Spencer Park is the perfect choice. The park features multiple picnic spots and free barbeques. While barbeques cannot be booked, you can reserve a picnic space, each of which can accommodate up to 50 people. However, if you are planning a publicly advertised gathering of more than 50 people, you may need an event permit.

The beach is just a short walk or drive from the main park, and during the summer months, safe swimming is available between the flags at the Surf Life Saving Club.

Brooklands Lagoon, located just north of Spencer Park, is an important wildlife area and home to various species of insects, invertebrates, fish, native plants, and over 74 recorded species of wetland birds. It is a must-visit for bird enthusiasts. To learn more about the history and environment of the area, you can visit the Coastal Restoration Trust website.

Lastly, don't forget to visit the Seafield Wildlife Park, located directly opposite the main gate into Spencer Park. This park has been offering visitors the chance to get up close with small animals and birds for over 30 years. While it used to preserve rare breeds of animals, it now keeps a few examples of Arapawa sheep and kune kune pigs, along with other small animals.

When visiting Spencer Park, please remember to treat all wildlife with respect and care and refrain from feeding the birds. Enjoy your time at this beautiful and diverse attraction in Christchurch, New Zealand.