Bexley is more than a park and is in fact a living landscape of transformation. It is a 48 hectare space in the eastern suburbs of Christchurch in New Zealand and is a living memorial to the history of this city. It is also a world-class recreation center and a leader in climate change adaptation.
Whether it be as a local dog walker, an adrenaline junkie on the BMX bike track, or just someone interested in local history, this guide contains every aspect of the past, present, and future of Bexley.
History: From Ōruapaeroa to Suburbia
The old Māori name for the area was Ōruapaeroa, which speaks to “the place of the long brow of the hill.” Historically, the land was a mixture of wetlands, sand dunes, and salt marshes-a natural “sponge” for the Ōtākaro Avon River.
In the 1960s and 70s, the land was drained and developed into the Bexley Park subdivision. For decades, it was the quintessential “Kiwi” suburb where families enjoyed quiet riverside living. But the geography that made it beautiful-its proximity to the water and sandy soil-would define its fate.
The 2011 Earthquakes and the “Red Zone”
Bexley’s experience was turned upside down by the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence in 2010-2011
The Liquefaction Crisis: In view of the presence of a high level of groundwater in the sandy soils of Bexley, the effects of liquefaction were amongst the worst in the world. Soils engulfed entire roads, while the pipes broke down irretrievably.
Subsidence: The land surface subsided as much as one meter in some areas. This resulted in the land being lower than the mean sea level, leading to continuous tidal flooding.
Residential Red Zone: In 2011, it was decided that most of Bexley was to be designated as a ‘Red Zone.’ Over 1,200 homes were knocked down. Today, you can look out over “ghost driveways” and established garden trees, marking areas that were once homes.
Facilities
In the current era, the area has been utilized for the purpose of sporting events and activities.
The Nigel Mahan BMX & Pump Track
One of the park’s jewels in the crown is the Nigel Mahan Pump Track. The track is operated by North Avon’s BMX club. It has a surface area of 2,500m². It’s one of the most inclusive pump tracks in New Zealand. It has:
For advanced riders.
A designated wheelchair-friendly path for beginners. Bexley Reserve Dog Park Loved by pet owners in the area, this off-leash park is completely fenced with separate areas for small and large breeds. The park boasts double entrance gates and watering troughs for a safe and comfortable experience for all users.
The Playground & Sport Fields
The park has a modern children’s playground and huge grass lawns used for playing touch rugby, soccer, and cricket. The large size of the park, away from residential houses, makes the park a perfect site for music festivals.
Ecological Restoration: The “Green Spine”
Bexley is an essential key component of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor. The project intends to transform 602 hectares of land in the Red Zone into an enormous ecological reserve.
Wetland Restoration: Today, the Bexley Wetland provides a habitat for native birds like the Pukeko, Banded Dotterel, and Kotare, or Kingfisher.
Inanga Spawning: Riverbank areas in this region are of immense importance for Inanga (Whitebait) spawning. Conservation of these riverbanks remains one of the high priorities for conservationists in this region.
The City to Sea Pathway is a scenic and flat route that passes through the suburb of Bexley, making it easy to access the Christchurch CBD and New Brighton Beach.
Visitor Information (Practical Utility)
How to Get There
- By Car: Main entry and ample free parking are located off Pages Road.
- By Bus: Routes 5 (New Brighton) and 60 (Hillmorton) stop frequently along Pages Road, a 2-minute walk from the park.
- By Bike: Follow the Ōtākaro Avon River trail from the city center.
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Open 24/7 (Facilities usually dawn till dusk) |
| Cost | Free public access |
| Dog Rules | Off-leash in Dog Park; On-leash on paths and wetlands |
| Facilities | Public toilets, picnic tables, drinking fountains |
Local Attractions
Make it a day trip by exploring these nearby destinations:
New Brighton Pier & Hot Pools: Only 5 minutes walking East. Enjoy the He Puna Taimoana salt water hot pools.
Velocity Karts: Right next door to Bexley Park. Offers land yacht racing and drift karts.
The Coastal Link: This is a cycling route which leads you from the park all the way into the Southshore Spit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is there still the risk of flooding in Bexley?
A: Yes. Portions of the area are designated as the natural flood plain. This explains why the roads were built on high embankments, such as in the case of New Brighton Road.
Q: Can I see the old houses? A: There are no old houses visible because all red-zoned houses are cleared. But you are able to see the original street pattern and curb and ‘ghost’ driveways which led into homes.
Q: Is it possible to visit the BMX track? A: Yes, because the pump track at all times is always open. The main track, which is used for racing, is always open, unless there is private club training or a race meeting.
Conclusion
Bexley Park represents the resilience of Christchurch. It has evolved from a location of disaster to a location of discovery. Whether you visit it because of the history of the Red Zone or because of the exhilaration of the BMX track, it has certainly proved that a city has multiple possibilities.