Site Visits
On Friday, 3 October, conference delegates are invited to step beyond the venue and into the landscapes, waterways, and communities shaping the future of water in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Departing from and returning to Christchurch Town Hall, these curated site visits offer immersive experiences across the Canterbury region - from urban river restoration and nature-based stormwater solutions, to marae-led wastewater innovation and large-scale irrigation infrastructure.
Each visit highlights a unique aspect of water resilience, blending technical insights with cultural narratives, environmental stewardship, and community collaboration. Whether you're exploring the Ōtākaro Avon River, walking through the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor, or visiting Te Waihora, these journeys offer rich learning grounded in place, people, and partnership.
Please note: Site visits vary in length and physical activity. Sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Lunch is included in all Site Visits.
You can register for a Site Visit when you register for the Conference. To register for the Site Visit only, or to add a Site Visit to an existing registration, please click the button below.
Site Visit 1: The Evolution of Christchurch’s Blue-Green Infrastructure
Transport: Bus provided
Depart: 9:00am from Christchurch Town Hall
Cost: $58.00 inc. GST
Description:
Before the settlement of Ōtautahi/Christchurch, the region’s extensive wetlands, waterways, and native forests near Horomaka/Port Hills were vital to Ngāi Tahu, who established small kāinga (settlements) throughout the area. The arrival of European settlers marked a drastic transformation - wetlands were drained, rivers channelised, and an extensive piped drainage network was developed to control flooding and enable urban growth.
By the late 19th century, deteriorating water quality prompted greater attention to pollution and stormwater management. In 1999, the Christchurch City Council launched its Natural Asset Strategy - an innovative, values-based vision for water management that integrated ecological health, cultural heritage, landscape values, recreation, and flood protection.
This site visit explores key projects in south-west Christchurch, showcasing the shift from utilitarian concrete infrastructure to contemporary nature-based solutions. You'll see how the Council’s vision has evolved, how mātauranga Māori and Ngāi Tahu values have been incorporated, and what challenges have shaped this transformation.
Site Visit 2: Banks Peninsula: Wastewater, Lakes, and Harbour
Transport: Bus provided
Depart: 8:30am from Christchurch Town Hall
Return: 3:00pm to Christchurch Town Hall
Cost: $95.00 inc. GST
Description:
This full-day cultural and technical tour explores the intersection of wastewater treatment, freshwater quality, and local history across the Banks Peninsula region. The journey begins with visits to Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere) and Lake Wairewa (Lake Forsyth), where participants will gain insight into the historical and current water quality challenges affecting these significant water bodies.
A key highlight of the day is a visit to Wairewa Marae, where a state-of-the-art, nature-based wastewater treatment system has been developed. This is followed by a tour of the Akaroa Harbour wastewater reuse scheme, where current innovations, operational challenges, and future ambitions will be discussed.
Led by experts from NIWA, ECAN, and Christchurch City Council, the tour offers a rich blend of technical insights, cultural engagement, and stunning natural scenery. A pōwhiri at Wairewa Marae adds depth to the cultural exchange, while an optional boat trip on Akaroa Harbour offers an additional perspective on the region’s water reuse initiatives.
Participants can expect interactive discussions, short site walks, and on-the-ground presentations that support a deeper understanding of modern wastewater infrastructure in both rural and cultural settings.
Please bring: sturdy footwear, a raincoat, sun protection, and a hat
Site Visit 3: Braided River Irrigation and Environmental Stewardship
Transport: Bus provided
Depart: 9:00am from Christchurch Town Hall
Return: 3:00pm to Christchurch Town Hall
Cost: $64.00 inc. GST
Description:
Join us for a journey across the Canterbury Plains to discover the story behind Central Plains Water Ltd (CPWL) - a pioneering irrigation scheme enabling sustainable farming over 45,000 hectares between the Rakaia and Waimakariri Rivers.
This site visit offers a behind-the-scenes look at CPWL’s innovative infrastructure, including intakes and the labyrinth weir, while highlighting the cooperative spirit and environmental stewardship at the heart of the project. Learn how a catchment-based approach has enabled continuous improvement of on-farm practices while protecting the cultural, recreational, and ecological significance of Canterbury’s braided rivers.
More information: cpwl.co.nz
Site Visit 4: Ōtākaro Avon River Walk
Transport: None (walk from venue)
Depart: 9:00am from Christchurch Town Hall
Cost: $44.50 inc. GST
Description:
Discover the historical importance of the swamps upon which Ōtautahi Christchurch was built, including the ancestral site of Puari Pā. Along the way, we’ll explore cutting-edge, low-impact stormwater design along the promenade and witness the groundbreaking ecological restoration of the river in the aftermath of the earthquakes, known as Watermark.
This walk is not just about the regeneration of a city - it’s about reconnecting with the spirit of the waterway, its past, and its future. Connect with peers and gain invaluable insights into urban water resilience through a bi-cultural lens.
Site Visit 5: OARC - Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor
Transport: Return Bus only (walk from venue)
Depart: 9:00am from Christchurch Town Hall
Return: 12:00pm to Christchurch Town Hall
Cost: $52.00 inc. GST
Description:
Join us for a 60 - 90 minute walking tour through two key sites along the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor (OARC), where we’ll explore a compelling before-and-after story of post-earthquake regeneration. This site visit offers a rich narrative that blends historical context, environmental challenges, and a bold vision for the future of Christchurch’s red zone.
The visit begins at the Waitaki Street site, a restored area that exemplifies what is possible when community engagement, thoughtful design, and ecological values intersect. We’ll discuss how this area was used prior to the earthquakes and examine the journey taken to transform it - from overcoming wetland consenting hurdles and site-specific constraints, to responding to diverse community feedback.
From there, we’ll walk to an adjacent red zone site that remains largely untouched. Here, participants will be invited to reflect on the potential for regeneration and reimagine the future of this space through the same lens of care, collaboration, and environmental stewardship demonstrated at the Waitaki Street site.
This tour offers not just a look at what has changed, but also a space to consider what could be - and what it takes to get there.