Westlake Reserve Halswell Christchurch
If you are looking for a great outdoor spot in Christchurch that has everything, from playgrounds to wildlife, walking trails, and open spaces, then Westlake Reserve in Halswell is worth a visit.
What Is It?
Westlake Reserve is a large 11-hectare reserve with cricket, rugby, and soccer fields, a lake, and a playground. The two lakes at Westlake Reserve were made after a gravel pit was closed at the site – so there is a bit of cool local history to be found beneath the surface.
The Playground
The playground is well set up for younger kids, with a range of equipment including a multi-play, swings, a block wall, and goal posts. Places While it is not a massive adventure playground, it is well maintained and offers a lot for the little ones to do, even as the grown-ups relax nearby.
More Than Just a Playground
What makes Westlake special is everything around the playground too.
🦆 Wildlife — There is a variety of bird life to be seen around the lakes, with refuge islands for them to roost and breed. Royal spoonbills have been known to inhabit this area, and there is a healthy population of short-finned eels in the lakes. Kids love to spot them from the small pier.
🚶 Walking Track — This is an easy, flat 0.7-mile (about 1.1 km) loop track, stroller and dog friendly, and takes about 13-30 minutes to complete. This is a great track to wind down after a trip to the playground.
🚲 Bikes Welcome — This is a great track for balance bikes, and toddlers love to ride their bikes around this track.
Practical Info
📍 Location: Westlake Drive, Halswell, Christchurch 8025 🅿️ A carpark is located at the trailhead. 🚻 Public toilets on site 🐕 Dogs allowed on leads 💰 Free entry
The reserve is accessible from various streets, including Westlake Dr, Arkwright Tce, Brigham Dr, Marquess Ave, and Wigram Rd, which is quite convenient, especially when you are coming from various parts of Halswell.
The Vibe
The reserve is quite spacious, and there are many play structures for the young ones to enjoy, and it is also quite clean, with many picnic tables for family gatherings. It is one of those reserves where you might be going out for just an hour, and before you know it, you are there for the rest of the day.
Whether you are looking for a local reserve to guarantee as an after-school destination, or you are new to the area and looking to check out the best parks in Christchurch, Westlake Reserve is the place to go. Just don’t forget to bring your picnic and your scooters, and say hi to the ducks. 🦆
Westlake Reserve, Westlake Drive, Halswell, Christchurch. Free entry, open daily.