# The waterways of Christchurch

Every named river, stream, drain and canal the open map records inside the city, 131 of them, 609km of drawn course.

## Where the water rises

The council maps 325 springs, unnamed pins from its watercourse register and river-environment survey, each filed under the suburb its pin sits inside.

- Halswell, 78 mapped springs
- Northwood, 27 mapped springs
- Ilam, 25 mapped springs
- Belfast, 24 mapped springs
- Hillmorton, 20 mapped springs
- Harewood, 16 mapped springs
- Papanui, 16 mapped springs
- Westmorland, 12 mapped springs
- Fendalton, 12 mapped springs
- McLeans Island, 11 mapped springs
- Ouruhia, 9 mapped springs
- Coutts Island, 9 mapped springs
- Marshland, 9 mapped springs
- Hoon Hay, 8 mapped springs
- Mairehau, 8 mapped springs

- [Waimakariri River](https://www.chch.live/river/waimakariri-river), 160.8 km · river · also “Waimakariri” · 5 suburbs
- [Ōpāwaho / Heathcote River](https://www.chch.live/river/opawaho-heathcote-river), 30.7 km · stream · also “Heathcote River” · 16 suburbs
- [Avon River / Ōtākaro](https://www.chch.live/river/avon-river-otakaro), 29.2 km · river · also “Ōtākaro” · 16 suburbs
- [Styx River](https://www.chch.live/river/styx-river), 19.8 km · stream · also “Pūharakekenui” · 9 suburbs
- [Halswell River](https://www.chch.live/river/halswell-river), 18.5 km · river · also “Hurutini” · 3 suburbs
- [Kaituna River](https://www.chch.live/river/kaituna-river), 18.3 km · stream · also “Kaituna”
- [Prices Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/prices-stream), 11.6 km · stream
- [Kā Pūtahi](https://www.chch.live/river/ka-putahi), 10.6 km · stream · 4 suburbs
- [Dudley Creek](https://www.chch.live/river/dudley-creek), 9.4 km · stream · 8 suburbs
- [Ōkuti River](https://www.chch.live/river/okuti-river), 8.6 km · river · also “Ōkuti” · 1 suburb
- [Otukaikino Creek](https://www.chch.live/river/otukaikino-creek), 8.6 km · stream · also “Ōtūkaikino” · 3 suburbs
- [Waikoko Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/waikoko-stream), 8.3 km · stream · also “Waikoko”
- [Knight Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/knight-stream), 8.0 km · stream · 2 suburbs
- [Ōpara Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/opara-stream), 8.0 km · stream · also “Ōpara” · 1 suburb
- [Opuahou Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/opuahou-stream), 7.3 km · stream · also “Puahou” · 1 suburb
- [Purau Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/purau-stream), 6.9 km · stream · also “Purau” · 2 suburbs
- [Peraki Creek](https://www.chch.live/river/peraki-creek), 6.6 km · stream · also “Peraki” · 1 suburb
- [Le Bons Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/le-bons-stream), 6.4 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Greylees Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/greylees-stream), 6.3 km · stream
- [Wairarapa Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/wairarapa-stream), 5.5 km · stream · also “Wairarapa” · 7 suburbs
- [Duncan Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/duncan-stream), 5.5 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Saint Albans Creek](https://www.chch.live/river/saint-albans-creek), 5.5 km · stream · 4 suburbs
- [Narbey Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/narbey-stream), 5.3 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Waimairi Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/waimairi-stream), 5.1 km · stream · also “Waimairi” · 4 suburbs
- [Cashmere Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/cashmere-stream), 5.0 km · river · also “Ōpāwaho” · 6 suburbs
- [Kaiapoi River](https://www.chch.live/river/kaiapoi-river), 4.9 km · river · also “Kaiapoi” · 1 suburb
- [Te Wharau Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/te-wharau-stream), 4.8 km · stream · also “Te Wharau”
- [Hikuika Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/hikuika-stream), 4.5 km · stream · also “Hikuika” · 1 suburb
- [Ōkana Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/okana-stream), 4.2 km · stream · also “Ōkana”
- [Holmes Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/holmes-stream), 4.2 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Menzies Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/menzies-stream), 4.2 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Pigeon Bay Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/pigeon-bay-stream), 4.2 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Jacksons Creek](https://www.chch.live/river/jacksons-creek), 4.1 km · stream · 4 suburbs
- [Nottingham Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/nottingham-stream), 4.0 km · stream · also “Te Tau Awa a Maka” · 1 suburb
- [Okana River](https://www.chch.live/river/okana-river), 4.0 km · river · also “Ōkana / Ōkiri” · 1 suburb
- [Raupō Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/raupo-stream), 4.0 km · stream · also “Raupō” · 1 suburb
- [Te Oka Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/te-oka-stream), 4.0 km · stream · also “Te Oka” · 1 suburb
- [Ōtūkaikino Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/otukaikino-stream), 3.9 km · stream · also “Ōtūkaikino” · 3 suburbs
- [Waiake Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/waiake-stream), 3.8 km · stream · also “Waiake” · 1 suburb
- [Aylmers Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/aylmers-stream), 3.7 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Grehan Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/grehan-stream), 3.6 km · stream · also “Ōinako” · 1 suburb
- [Takamatua Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/takamatua-stream), 3.5 km · stream · also “Takamatua” · 1 suburb
- [Hukahuka Turoa Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/hukahuka-turoa-stream), 3.5 km · stream · also “Hukahukaturoa” · 1 suburb
- [Knights Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/knights-stream), 3.4 km · stream · also “Ōpouira” · 1 suburb
- [Packhorse Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/packhorse-stream), 3.3 km · stream
- [Hayton Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/hayton-stream), 3.1 km · stream · 2 suburbs
- [Kainga Drain](https://www.chch.live/river/kainga-drain), 3.1 km · drain · 1 suburb
- [Dick Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/dick-stream), 3.1 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Ilam Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/ilam-stream), 2.9 km · stream · also “Kā Waimaero” · 2 suburbs
- [Starvation Gully](https://www.chch.live/river/starvation-gully), 2.9 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Ellangowan Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/ellangowan-stream), 2.8 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Crown Island Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/crown-island-stream), 2.7 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Te Puaha Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/te-puaha-stream), 2.7 km · stream · also “Te Puaha” · 1 suburb
- [Te Kawa Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/te-kawa-stream), 2.6 km · stream · also “Te Kawa” · 1 suburb
- [Takamina Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/takamina-stream), 2.6 km · stream
- [Milns Drain](https://www.chch.live/river/milns-drain), 2.5 km · drain · 2 suburbs
- [Hoon Hay Valley Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/hoon-hay-valley-stream), 2.5 km · stream · 3 suburbs
- [Balguerie Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/balguerie-stream), 2.4 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Church Gully](https://www.chch.live/river/church-gully), 2.3 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Te Rapu](https://www.chch.live/river/te-rapu), 2.3 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Rocky Gully](https://www.chch.live/river/rocky-gully), 2.2 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Kinloch Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/kinloch-stream), 2.0 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Dean Rogers Creek](https://www.chch.live/river/dean-rogers-creek), 2.0 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Barrys Bay Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/barrys-bay-stream), 2.0 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Shirley Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/shirley-stream), 2.0 km · stream · 2 suburbs
- [Waiuru Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/waiuru-stream), 2.0 km · stream · also “Waiuru” · 1 suburb
- [Papanui Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/papanui-stream), 1.9 km · stream · 3 suburbs
- [Tōtara Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/totara-stream), 1.9 km · stream · also “Tōtara” · 1 suburb
- [Pawsons Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/pawsons-stream), 1.9 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Walnut Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/walnut-stream), 1.8 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Owhetoro Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/owhetoro-stream), 1.8 km · stream · also “Owhetoro” · 1 suburb
- [Brice Creek](https://www.chch.live/river/brice-creek), 1.8 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Dawson Creek](https://www.chch.live/river/dawson-creek), 1.6 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Taylor's Drain](https://www.chch.live/river/taylors-drain), 1.5 km · stream · 3 suburbs
- [Cases Drain](https://www.chch.live/river/cases-drain), 1.5 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Avoca Valley Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/avoca-valley-stream), 1.4 km · stream · 2 suburbs
- [Railway Drain](https://www.chch.live/river/railway-drain), 1.4 km · drain · 1 suburb
- [Addington Brook](https://www.chch.live/river/addington-brook), 1.4 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Kereru Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/kereru-stream), 1.4 km · stream · also “Kererū” · 1 suburb
- [Te Rautahi](https://www.chch.live/river/te-rautahi), 1.4 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Takiritawai River](https://www.chch.live/river/takiritawai-river), 1.3 km · river · also “Takiritawai” · 1 suburb
- [Okeover Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/okeover-stream), 1.3 km · stream · also “Waiutuutu” · 1 suburb
- [Kairaki Creek](https://www.chch.live/river/kairaki-creek), 1.3 km · stream · also “Kairaki”
- [Travis Swamp Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/travis-swamp-stream), 1.2 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Wai-iti Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/wai-iti-stream), 1.2 km · stream · also “Wai-iti” · 3 suburbs
- [Nikau Palm Gully](https://www.chch.live/river/nikau-palm-gully), 1.2 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Rough Creek](https://www.chch.live/river/rough-creek), 1.2 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Linwood Ave Waterrace](https://www.chch.live/river/linwood-ave-waterrace), 1.2 km · drain · 2 suburbs
- [Parikura Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/parikura-stream), 1.2 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Green Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/green-stream), 1.2 km · stream · 2 suburbs
- [Pīwakawaka Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/piwakawaka-stream), 1.1 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Te Ake Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/te-ake-stream), 1.1 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Avon Stream / Ōrakipaoa](https://www.chch.live/river/avon-stream-orakipaoa), 1.1 km · stream · also “Avon Stream” · 3 suburbs
- [Buller's Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/bullers-stream), 1.1 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Awatea Stream](https://www.chch.live/river/awatea-stream), 1.1 km · stream · 2 suburbs
- [Quarry Road Drain](https://www.chch.live/river/quarry-road-drain), 1.0 km · drain · 1 suburb
- [Estuary Drain](https://www.chch.live/river/estuary-drain), 1.0 km · drain · 1 suburb
- Koukourārata Stream, 1.0 km · stream · also “Koukourārata” · 1 suburb
- Pipers Stream, 1.0 km · stream · 1 suburb
- Waimokihi Stream, 1.0 km · stream · also “Waimōkihi” · 2 suburbs
- Flax mill leat, 1.0 km · canal
- Hewlings Stream, 0.9 km · drain · 1 suburb
- Sam's Gully, 0.9 km · stream · 1 suburb
- Preeces Stream, 0.8 km · stream · 2 suburbs
- Rāwhiti Stream, 0.8 km · stream · 1 suburb
- Waiti Stream, 0.8 km · stream · also “Waiti” · 1 suburb
- Hoiho Stream, 0.8 km · stream · 1 suburb
- Mundy Stream, 0.7 km · stream · 1 suburb
- Morgan's Gully stream, 0.7 km · stream · 1 suburb
- Riccarton Main Drain, 0.7 km · stream · 2 suburbs
- Browntop Stream, 0.6 km · stream · 1 suburb
- Knights Drain, 0.6 km · canal · 1 suburb
- Old Carlton Mill water race, 0.6 km · drain · 1 suburb
- Washbourne Creek, 0.5 km · stream · 1 suburb
- May Stream, 0.5 km · stream · 1 suburb
- Woolston Cut, 0.5 km · canal · 1 suburb
- Hawthorn Stream, 0.5 km · stream · 1 suburb
- Strowan Stream, 0.5 km · stream · also “Saint Albans Creek” · 2 suburbs
- Washbourne Drain, 0.5 km · stream · 1 suburb
- Avon Stream, 0.4 km · stream · 2 suburbs
- Smacks Creek, 0.4 km · stream · 1 suburb
- Avon Stream / Haereroa, 0.3 km · stream · also “Avon Stream” · 2 suburbs
- Horopito Stream, 0.3 km · stream · 1 suburb
- Mill Stream, 0.2 km · canal · 1 suburb
- topps drain, 0.2 km · drain · 1 suburb
- Heathcote River / Ōpāwaho, 0.2 km · stream · also “Ōpāwaho” · 1 suburb
- Tui Stream, 0.2 km · stream · 1 suburb
- [Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora flood outlet](https://www.chch.live/river/lake-ellesmere-te-waihora-flood-outlet), 0.1 km · river
- Bergman Stream, 0.1 km · stream · 1 suburb
- Dudley Creek Bypass, 0.1 km · drain · 1 suburb
- Curletts Main Drain, 0.1 km · drain · 2 suburbs


## Questions, answered briefly

**What is the longest waterway in Christchurch?**

Waimakariri River, 160.8 km as mapped.

**How many named waterways does Christchurch have?**

131 on the open map, rivers, streams, drains and canals together carrying 609km of mapped course.

**Where does the waterway map come from?**

OpenStreetMap, every named way tagged river, stream, drain or canal inside the city boundary, merged by name. The line is the centre of the water as mapped, not a surveyed course.

**Are the gauges on this page?**

No, the live levels are instruments, kept on [/rivers](https://www.chch.live/rivers). This roll is the waterways themselves, as records.


---
Named ways tagged river, stream, drain or canal on OpenStreetMap, inside the Christchurch City boundary, merged by name (ODbL). The drawn course is a map lead, not a surveyed channel, and not a flood map.
The whole roll as data: https://www.chch.live/waterways.geojson
Live river levels (instruments, not this record): https://www.chch.live/rivers