Harts Creek

Short Walks

Species of native flaxes line the creek and are spectacular during the summer while these are in flower. The track is easy

PLEASE NOTE: the bird hide and the boardwalk out to the bird hide are currently closed. 

Quick tips:

  • No dogs
  • Children and family friendly 
  • 40 minutes return 
  • 1.46 kilometres 
  • Low intensity 

Starting at the reserve car park, there is a copse of native bush to walk through before the track takes you parallel to the creek. Here you walk along a stop bank track in the open for about 10-15 minutes.

Species of native flaxes line the creek and are spectacular during the summer while these are in flower. The track is easy. After crossing a stile, the track leads into a wooded swamp area. Take care to keep to the boarded walkway. Glimpses of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere can be seen through the trees. The walkway ends at the Bird Hide, a camouflaged hut set out on the Lake for easy viewing of bird and wildlife.

Getting there:

Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere is approximately 54 km south of Christchurch city. Travel south east of Christchurch on SH76 and Springs Rd to Lincoln, then follow Ellesmere Junction Road to Springston. At Springston, turn right onto Leeston Rd to Leeston (42 km).

At Leeston turn left at Leeston Lake Rd. Follow this road to the end (10 km) then turn left onto Harts Rd for 1.5 km, then sharp left onto a shingle road to reach the car park. This point is sign posted.

This track is open to public access all year. Some areas are exposed so hats and sunscreen are essential.


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Opening Times

Open 24 hours, 7 days a week