McLeans Island Open Day this weekend

Environment Canterbury is holding an open day at McLeans Island, north of Christchurch, this Sunday (October 31) from 10 am to 4 pm.

The 3150 hectare section of the Waimakariri River Regional Park is the largest part of the park and is managed by Environment Canterbury. Twenty one recreational clubs or commercial operators use the park along with a further two commercial operators in the lower reaches (jet boat and horse treks) and another 12 groups who regularly use the park such as malamute sled dogs club and orienteering.

Environment Canterbury parks staff will be located in the McLeans Forest car park, off McLeans Island Road, where they will be directing people to stands and explaining all that the park has to offer.

Kate Roughan, Regional Park Ranger says this event is a great family day out.

“We have some great activities planned for the whole family and encourage everyone to make the trip,” she said.

“Each of the clubs and businesses will be open and operating so that everyone has an opportunity to have a taste of what they are all about.”

These include horse riding, golf, tank rides, trains, cars, rifle-range, mountain biking, orienteering and paintball games.  

McLeans Forest boasts a large picnic area suitable for the whole family, 15km of mountain biking tracks and 12km of walking tracks.

McLeans Island can be accessed via Johns Road from the northern and eastern suburbs and Chattertons Road off Old West Coast Road from the southern and eastern suburbs.

“We advise leaving dogs at home as they are only allowed at McLeans Forest, not on any of the other sites,” said Kate Roughan.

Most activities will be subject to normal entry fees.