Other parks and reserves
Other parks and reserves refer to other land held by district or regional councils that is generally managed for public access. These areas do not typically provide for a right of public access, but the council lets people go there.
These areas may include:
- Urban parks not formally gazetted as reserves
- Community green spaces or recreation areas
- Council-owned bush blocks or undeveloped land used informally by the public
- Parts of a reserve that are being managed for a different purpose.
Public access
Access is permitted at the discretion of the council that owns the land, meaning access can be restricted, revoked, or subject to conditions (e.g. opening hours, permitted activities).
Councils may allow access for walking, picnicking, sports, or other recreational uses, but this is the council’s choice.
When accessing other parks and reserves, it is important to follow official signs, as these will let you know the rules that apply to the land. If you are unsure of access or have questions, you should contact the relevant council.
Examples of other parks and reserves
- Wither Hills Farm Park (Blenheim) – a series of land parcels comprising 1,100 hectares managed by Marlborough District Council and Land Information New Zealand. The farm park operates as both a recreation facility and a working farm, but it is not a reserve.
- Trelissick Park (Wellington) – parts of the park include council freehold land alongside formal reserves, allowing public access.
- Parts of the Waitakere Ranges (Auckland) – the Waitaki Ranges Regional Park is made up of a mixture of land, including reserve land with public access rights, reserve land managed for another reserve purpose (such as a water supply), and other council-owned land that the council lets the public use.
Other information
Herenga ā Nuku Regional Field Advisors