Silverstream Reserve

Silverstream Reserve is located in a rural setting near the settlement of Clarkville, 4 kilometres from the boundary of Christchurch City and 7 kilometres to the south-west of the township of Kaiapoi.

The Reserve is split into two similar-sized areas, east and west, and is characterised by large pastoral landscapes and the clear, spring-fed Silverstream that meanders through the landscape.

Silverstream is known for fishing and is significant to local Maori for mahinga kai (food gathering and its associated cultural values).

Prior to the early 1900s this area was within the Waimakariri River floodplain. Natural and human-induced changes altered the course of a tributary to the Kaiapoi River that became known as Silverstream.  This led to the land being developed for farming and settlement.  A fish hatchery and game farm were developed on Crown-owned reserve land adjacent to the stream and this continues today.

Community initiatives, in partnership with staff from the Council’s Community Green Space Unit, have encouraged the re-establishment of indigenous vegetation throughout the reserve.

It is anticipated the Eastern Reserve walkway, from the established car park on South Eyre Road, just west of the Mabers Road intersection, will be open to the public in the near future. This will allow walkers to follow up to 3 kilometres of track around the reserve, to enjoy the tranquil environment, enhanced flora and fauna and sparkling clear stream. This walkway also provides keen fishing people with direct stream access to a long-time favourite spot.

An off-road car park is located on South Eyre Road, 1.5 kilometres from the Tram Road turn-off. This provides for easy access into Silverstream East Reserve.