River geomorphology and management in a Canterbury braided river: A tour of the Waimakariri catchment

Details

Date: Wednesday 4 February
Departs from: Christchurch
Ends: Christchurch
Leaders: Shaun McCracken, Jo Hoyle and Naomi Wells
Cost ($NZD inc 15% GST): Approx $70 per person

---

Description

The fieldtrip will take participants through the Waimakariri River valley, located northwest of Christchurch City. We will travel through the Waimakariri catchment covering both the upper catchment and alluvial plans learning about its geomorphic processes, the management approaches being applied to provide flood protection, recreation, biodiversity improvements and economic return to Christchurch, Rangiora, Kaiapoi and the surrounding developed area. We will explore the recently upgraded flood protection scheme, seeing examples and challenges of flood protection, erosion control, regional parks, bed level management, and flow prediction within these beautiful braided river corridors. Upstream of the flood protection scheme, we will travel to the upper Waimakariri valley above the famous Waimakariri Gorge to explore the wild beauty of the upper catchment.

Start and finish locations: The trip begins and ends at Te Pae.

Start and finish times: Participants need to arrive to Te Pae at 8.30 am for a 8.40 am departure. The trip will return to Te Pae at ~5.00 pm.

What to bring:

• Water
• Sun protection (sunhat, sunscreen)
• Warm clothing
• Water/windproof jacket
• Hiking shoes
• Personal medication

What to expect: Short walks on stable ground, including some small hillwalking. Maximum distance walked at any site will be about 300 m.