The Ōtākaro/Avon River begins at a spring source in Avonhead and filters out to sea via the Estuary of the Heathcote and Avon Rivers/Ihutai.
A popular recreational waterway for residents and tourists, the river runs through the city centre. Commercial punting is popular in a number of locations, kayaks and peddle boats can be hired from the Antigua Boat Sheds(external link) and there are many pathways running alongside the river to walk, run and cycle on.
Meandering through Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens River Walk, Hagley River Walk, Little Hagley Walk and Millbrook Reserve Walk all follow alongside the Ōtākaro/Avon and offer stunning scenery in all seasons.
The river also passes through many areas of significance such as Riccarton Bush, Mona Vale and Victoria Square. The Avon-Ōtākaro Network(external link) is working on a number of projects to revitalise the banks of the Ōtākaro/Avon and create a city-to-sea river park for all to enjoy.
