Walk Details

NZ Walking Routes > Canterbury > Christchurch > Avon River, Ilam Stream and Okeover Stream

Avon River, Ilam Stream and Okeover Stream

Location

Start from the car parks near the Fine Arts Lane.

Description

Walk along the north bank of the Avon River up to Ilam Road. There's some fine old cabbage trees opposite the Student Union building, as well as recent native plantings along the bank. The river has several small springs along this stretch and if you look carefully you can see them welling up.

Cross Ilam Road and follow the pleasant pathway through the bush and across the arched bridge into the gardens of the University Staff Club, then follow the river's south bank past the waterwheel and the confluence of the Ilam Stream and Avon River.

The path continues along the river in a surprisingly dense stand of native bush, with kahikatea roots feeding into the river. You exit out by College House onto Waimairi Road, and by following this you can turn into the Ilam playing fields beside Ilam Stream. Follow this stream using the casual paths and lawns alongside Ilam Stream and the Avon, then cut across the playing fields to Okeover Stream on the far side.

This is a walk linking the three streams that flow through the University of Canterbury's grounds in Ilam, which is best done on a weekend.

The University of Canterbury in Ilam straddles the headwaters of the Avon River, as well as two of its important feeder streams — Okeover and Ilam. These three waterways are now seen as a natural environmental asset, important for providing a corridor for the passage of native insects, fishes and birds, and important also as special places for the university's students and staff to find peace and solitude.

Duration

1.0 hours

Amenities

• Birds
• Carpark
• Historical
• Plant Life

Source

www.ccc.govt.nz

Discussion

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