Matawai Park

Loop

Getting There

Finding Matawai Park is straightforward, as it sits right in the heart of Rangiora. The main entrance is located on King Street, where you’ll find a dedicated parking area.

If you are driving from Christchurch, it’s an easy 30-minute trip north on State Highway 1, taking the Lineside Road exit toward Rangiora. Once you’re in town, follow the signs toward the town centre; King Street is easily accessible from the main thoroughfare.

For your convenience, there are public toilets located right at the King Street entrance, which is always a bonus when you're heading out with the family or preparing for a stroll. The paths are wide enough for buggies and are generally well-surfaced, though they can get a little soft after heavy rain.

Wildlife Spotting

For bird lovers, Matawai Park is a suburban sanctuary. Because of the density and variety of the planting, it has become a magnet for native birds that have returned to the area as the forest has matured.

The most common companion on your walk will be the Piwakawaka (Fantail). These friendly little birds love to follow hikers, flitting from branch to branch to catch the insects stirred up by your footsteps. You’ll also hear the high-pitched, delicate song of the Riroriro (Grey Warbler) echoing through the canopy, though they are much harder to spot than the bold fantails.

Keep an eye out for the Silvereye (Tauhou) moving in small, busy flocks through the shrubs. If you are lucky and quiet, you might spot a Tūī or a heavy Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon) perched high in the podocarp trees, especially when the fruit is in season. Near the pond and the swampier sections, the bright blue and red of the Pūkeko is a common sight as they stalk through the long grass.

Tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon when the park is at its quietest. This is when the "bird symphony" is at its loudest, and the light filtering through the trees makes for the best photography.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

One of the best things about Matawai Park is that it is a true four-season destination.

• Spring: This is when the park truly wakes up. The fresh green growth on the beech trees is stunning, and the birds are at their most active and vocal.
• Summer: The thick canopy provides a wonderful, natural air-conditioning. When the Canterbury nor’wester is blowing hot and dry, the shaded paths of Matawai offer a cool, sheltered retreat.
• Autumn: While the park is primarily native (and therefore evergreen), the shift in light and the dampening earth give it a moody, atmospheric feel. The fungi that emerge among the leaf litter during this time are a highlight for keen-eyed observers.
• Winter: The park remains lush and green even in the depths of winter. It’s a great place for a crisp morning walk to get the blood pumping without having to worry about alpine snow or dangerous conditions.

• Footwear: While it’s an easy walk, the paths can be a bit muddy after rain. Comfortable walking shoes or even clean sneakers are fine, but leave the high heels at home!
• Sun protection: Even under the trees, the NZ sun can be biting. A bit of sunscreen is always a good idea.
• Water: There aren't many water fountains inside the forest loops, so bring a bottle along.
• Dog Leash: Your furry friends are more than welcome, but they must stay on a lead to protect the birdlife and keep the park enjoyable for everyone.

Local & Regional Context

Matawai Park is a testament to the power of community vision. In the 1970s, this land was nothing more than a wet, unremarkable grass paddock. The transformation into a 4.4-hectare scenic reserve was an ambitious project designed to show what the Canterbury Plains looked like before human settlement and intensive farming changed the landscape.

The name Matawai carries significance in Te Reo Māori, often referring to the "headwaters" or the "source of a stream." This is fitting given the park's history as a low-lying, wet area. By replanting these native species, the Waimakariri District Council and local volunteers have successfully recreated a lost ecosystem. It serves as a vital "green lung" for Rangiora, providing a habitat for biodiversity that was once common across the plains but is now increasingly rare.

Walking through here, you aren't just looking at trees; you’re looking at a dedicated conservation effort that has spanned over five decades. It’s a reminder of how quickly nature can reclaim a space if given a helping hand.

After the Walk

Once you’ve finished your loop and feel thoroughly refreshed, Rangiora has some fantastic spots to refuel. Most of these are just a 1.5km to 2km trip from the park entrance.

For a family-friendly caffeine hit, the Artisan Café is a local favourite. It’s bright, friendly, and has a great children’s play area, making it the perfect spot if the kids still have energy to burn. If you’re after something a bit more creative, The Station Pottery Café allows you to paint some pottery while you enjoy your flat white—a hit with both tourists and locals.

If your walk has worked up a proper hunger, The Plough Hotel is an iconic country pub on High Street. It has a fantastic "muddy boots welcome" policy, so don't worry if you’ve picked up a bit of Matawai soil on your shoes. Their portions are generous, and the atmosphere is classic Kiwi hospitality.

For the craft beer lovers, The Good Drop is a must-visit. With 21 taps and gourmet burgers from ALT Kitchen, it’s the ideal place to sit back and discuss your favourite part of the trail. If you’re craving something spicy, Buddha Stix offers excellent Thai and Vietnamese cuisine in a vibrant setting, while Five Stags Rangiora provides a rugged, hunting-lodge vibe with a great grill menu for those after a hearty post-hike meal.

1.5km away

A boutique craft beer and cider bar and fillery with 21 taps, offering a friendly atmosphere and great food, including gourmet burgers from their partner ALT Kitchen. Perfect for a post-hike refreshment.