About Bexley Park
【84†L35-L39†embed_image】Bexley Park is a large community park in eastern Christchurch. It features multiple full-size grass sports fields – ideal for soccer and local club leagues – along with a safe children’s playground . Spanning about 48 hectares , the park offers more open space than most city parks, complete with scenic Avon River and red-zone wetland views . Located on land cleared after the 2010–11 earthquakes, Bexley Park now symbolizes local resilience and renewal .
The park is heavily used by East Christchurch families and local sports teams . In 2023 the North Avon BMX Club added a new 2,500 m² sealed pump track to the reserve . Named the “Nigel Mahan Pump Track,” it even includes a wheelchair-friendly loop , underscoring the venue’s community-driven, inclusive spirit.
Events and Programming
Bexley Park’s schedule is defined by outdoor activities rather than fixed shows. The open fields host local sports competitions every week – youth and amateur teams play soccer, touch rugby and cricket matches here. Eastern Christchurch’s Coastal Spirit football club was originally based at Bexley Park until quake damage forced its move . Community fun runs, school athletics days and club tournaments also take place during autumn and spring. These events are usually free or low-cost, with teams and families sharing the space.
Occasionally the park is used for larger cultural events. For example, the UKF electronic music festival staged a Christchurch edition at Bexley Park on 25 March 2023, drawing thousands of drum-and-bass fans www.ticketfairy.com . Big festivals like that require advance tickets and full production setups, but smaller group events – like outdoor movie nights, fairs or beach-themed parties – have also been held here. To plan a visit, check local event listings: casual sports gatherings often let you turn up, while concerts or festivals sell tickets via authorised outlets well before the date. General admission concerts and mid-sized festivals typically cost from a few dozen to a few hundred dollars a ticket, whereas most community sports events are free or just require club registration.
Tickets and Booking
Bexley Park itself has no entry fee – it’s open for free use most of the year. No tickets are needed just to visit the park or use the playground and fields. However, any special events or rights-managed gatherings held there will require tickets purchased from the organiser. There is no permanent box office on site. Instead, watch for announcements: tickets for festivals or large concerts are usually sold in advance through the event promoter’s website or a local ticketing vendor. Popular shows can sell out quickly, so it’s smart to book early. Prices and availability vary by event; smaller community functions may be free or low-cost, but large music festivals at Bexley Park commonly range from roughly $50 up to $150 or more for full-day passes. When in doubt, check the Christchurch City events calendar or local media for presale and box office details.
Seating and Layout
Bexley Park is entirely open-air with no fixed seating. If you attend a sports match or festival here, you will stand or sit on the grass. For sporting events, most spectators line up along the sidelines of the fields. There are no bleachers, so front-row spots simply mean being close to the field’s edge. When a stage is set up (as for concerts), it is usually placed at one end of the field complex. In that case, the best views are closest to the stage barricade. Sound carries well in the open air, but wind and distance can affect volume, so standing near the centre or front helps. Some people bring folding chairs, picnic blankets or portable stools for comfort. Note that there is very little natural shade – apart from a few trees and the playground equipment – so most areas are exposed to sun. Essentially, seating is on a first-come basis: arrive early to stake out a good spot for your needs.
Getting There and Parking
Bexley Park is located at the eastern edge of Christchurch, in the suburb of Bexley (near Anzac Drive and Bexley Road). By car, take New Brighton Road from the central city and turn into Anzac Drive. There is no formal car park on site; on non-event days you can park on the street (Anzac Drive or nearby Aranui streets) for free. During big events, street parking may be restricted, so consider carpooling. Public transit serves the park: Metro bus routes 80 and 5 (Parklands–City–New Brighton and Hornby–City–New Brighton) run along nearby New Brighton Road . From there, the nearest bus stop (New Brighton Rd at Bower Ave) is about a 4-minute walk from the park entrance . A third line (route 60) also passes through New Brighton. Rideshare or taxi drop-offs are easily done on Anzac Drive in front of the venue. Cyclists and walkers can use the red-zone O-Track paths along the river to access the park as well.
Inside the Venue
Expect Bexley Park to feel very informal. On normal days it is unfenced and open, so visitors simply walk or jog in without ticket or security. If there is a ticketed event, standard festival entry procedures apply: typically bag searches and wristbands at a temporary gate. There is no coat check, cloakroom or fixed merchandise shop on site – at concerts you’ll see pop-up stalls. The park has a few fixed facilities to note: public toilets are available by the sports fields , and they are unlocked during daylight hours. Other than that, amenities are basic. There are no cafes, drinking fountains or wonder kiosks. Bring your own water, snacks or picnic supplies. If you attend a larger event, expect portable food trucks and dunny units to be brought in. Cell phone and data coverage in the park is generally good (no special Wi-Fi network is provided). During music events or speakers, sound systems will be powered by generators or local grid connections; the park itself has no built-in audio or lighting gear.
Nearby Amenities
While Bexley Park is mainly surrounded by homes, there are several conveniences within a short distance. The Aranui village centre (just a few blocks north on Pages Road) has small takeaways, a dairy, and a bar (the Aranui Tavern) – useful for snacks or last-minute supplies. A few cafés and fish-and-chip shops line New Brighton Road nearby. If you drive a little further east (about 5-8 minutes), you reach New Brighton Beach, which has many more options: family-friendly cafés (like The Blue Carrot or The Sandbar), sushi and Asian restaurants, and beachside pubs. For drinks, the Aranui Tavern and New Brighton’s pub (the former Rendezvous) are the closest bars. Overnight visitors usually stay farther out – central Christchurch hotels (Novotel, Ibis, etc., 10+ min away) or motels on New Brighton Road are common. Late-night transport: Metro buses run back to the city until around 10–11pm, or you can call a rideshare. There is no on-site accommodation or late-night food outlets inside Bexley Park itself.
What Makes This Venue Special
Bexley Park’s story and facilities give it a unique character. Unlike older parks, Bexley was born from the 2011 earthquake recovery program: the city deliberately turned a swath of red-zoned residential land into green space. As a result, the park is a symbol of renewal – where homes once stood, there are now fields and wetlands . The Christchurch City Council notes its role in supporting local biodiversity and the city’s “Garden City” identity . Community involvement is another highlight. The Nigel Mahan Pump Track is a prime example: built by volunteer BMX riders who raised funds themselves, it became a gift to the city. Park officials praised the project for creating “an asset for the whole community to be proud of” . In fact, one loop of that track is fully wheelchair-accessible , reflecting how the venue is intentionally inclusive. Architecturally, Bexley Park has no grand structures – instead its “design” is essentially the arrangement of fields, playground and paved paths across the landscape. Scenery is a feature: visitors often remark on the open sky and riverside backdrop, which make even a sports game or concert feel airy and natural. Over the years, the park has hosted many local sporting finals, community festivals and impromptu gatherings, cementing its place in eastern Christchurch culture. From famous BMX races to the loud beats of open-air music nights, Bexley Park’s blend of history and open-air freedom makes it special.
Visitor Tips and Information
Bexley Park is generally family-friendly and accessible, but it is fully outdoors. Wear sun protection and expect wind off the river. There is very little shelter from rain; heavy weather can make the fields muddy or even closed (check for any Council notices if rain was heavy overnight). Footwear for grass is wise. Bring water and snacks since food options inside the park are nil unless vendors arrive for a major event. Follow posted rules: glass containers and alcohol are not allowed without prior permission, and pets must be kept under control (typically on a leash away from sporting setups). Attending a large event? Entry gates will have security checks (IDs for age-restricted shows) and attendants guiding ticketing. Park hours are roughly sunrise to dusk (no fixed late-night access), with toilets open in daytime. For smaller kids, the playground has standard slides and swings. The newly built pump track even supports wheelchair riders on its special loop . Cell reception is usually fine. Finally, check in advance if any field closures are in effect: Christchurch City Council sometimes closes fields for maintenance or after heavy rain. Above all, arrive a bit early to find parking and a good viewing spot, and enjoy the relaxed outdoor atmosphere — many visitors note that Bexley Park feels like a generous, welcoming green space in the city.
Is there an entry fee or ticket required to visit Bexley Park?
No. Bexley Park is free to enter during open hours. On normal days anyone can walk or drive in without a ticket. Tickets are only needed if you’re attending a special event or concert held at the park. (Those events will clearly advertise if tickets or wristbands are required.)
How do I get tickets for an event at Bexley Park?
Tickets for events are sold by the event organizers, not by the park. Typically, look for online sales from the promoter’s official site or a local ticket agency. Popular events may offer early-bird (presale) tickets. There is no on-site box office at Bexley Park, so plan to secure tickets online in advance. Keep an eye on Christchurch event listings for release dates.
What is the address of Bexley Park?
Bexley Park is in the suburb of Bexley, Christchurch. The main entrance is off Anzac Drive, just east of the intersection with Bexley Road. For GPS or map apps, search “Bexley Reserve” or use street addresses around Anzac Drive/Richmond Street in Bexley (Christchurch 8083).
Which public transport options serve Bexley Park?
Christchurch Metro buses go nearby. In particular, routes 80 (Parklands–City–New Brighton) and 5 (Hornby–City–New Brighton) stop on New Brighton Road, about a 4-minute walk from the park . You can catch those from the Bus Interchange in town. There is no direct train or tram service to Bexley, so bus or taxi/ride-share are the best public options.
Is parking available at Bexley Park and is it free?
There is no dedicated parking lot for Bexley Park, and street parking is usually free. Visitors commonly park along Anzac Drive or nearby side streets. On event days, parking may be restricted or fill up quickly, so consider carpooling or taking the bus. Always obey any posted parking signs during special events or street cleaning times.
Are seats reserved or is viewing general admission?
Seating is entirely general admission. Bexley Park has no built-in seats or stands. For sports games, spectators stand or sit along the sidelines. For concerts or shows, any chairs or benches provided are for all guests on a first-come basis. If you want a specific spot, it’s best to arrive early. VIP or roped-off areas are only set up for very large ticketed events if at all.
Where are the best places to watch events in Bexley Park?
It depends on the event layout. For sports, any sideline gives a good angle – midfield areas let you see most of the action. For concerts, the area directly in front of the stage is usually best for sound and sight. If no stage (like a festival with multiple axes), find a central spot. The ground is flat and open, so even standing slightly back is fine. Bring a hat or umbrella for shade, since there is minimal cover.
Are dogs allowed in Bexley Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed in the park, but Christchurch City rules require them to be under control. When fields or the pump track are in use, owners usually keep dogs on a leash or away from play areas. Please clean up after your pet. Always check any posted local signs – sometimes sports games will temporarily restrict dogs on specific fields.
Can I bring alcohol and food to Bexley Park?
You may bring your own picnic food and non-alcoholic drinks for casual visits. Please pack out all trash. Alcohol is not permitted on general park grounds under local bylaws, except maybe by special permit. In any case, if there is a licensed event (like a festival) they will handle alcohol service – outside alcohol would not be allowed at big ticketed events.
Are drones allowed over Bexley Park?
No. Flying a drone over crowds or sporting fields without permission is restricted by New Zealand law. The park has open spaces but drones are not allowed during events or near people. Hobby drone users should stay well clear of any organized activity and seek Council permission if in doubt.
Are there public restrooms at Bexley Park?
Yes. There is a public toilet block located near the sports fields . These restrooms are maintained by the city and are typically open during daylight hours. If you arrive after dark or the doors are closed, you may need to use facilities at nearby businesses or petrol stations in Aranui/New Brighton.
Is Bexley Park wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The terrain in Bexley Park is generally flat and paved paths lead to the main areas. In fact, one loop of the skate/BMX pump track was specially built to be wheelchair-friendly . The park has no steps or steep paths. However, note that the playground and most grassy fields may have some uneven ground at the edges.
Are there any food or drink vendors on site?
No permanent food stalls or cafes operate inside Bexley Park. On regular days there are no vendors. If you attend a large event, you will often see food trucks and portable refreshment stands set up near the action. Otherwise plan to bring snacks or visit nearby shops. The Aranui centre and New Brighton mall (a short drive away) have convenience stores and eateries.
What is the capacity of Bexley Park for large events?
Bexley Park doesn’t have a fixed published capacity. It’s very large (48 ha), so for outdoor events it can hold several thousand people comfortably. For example, the council identified a nearby red-zone area for events up to around 5,000 people . In practice, event organisers set attendance limits based on safety: small concerts might cap at a few hundred, while major festivals could draw a few thousand. Always refer to the specific event details for any crowd limits.
What are the opening hours of Bexley Park?
Bexley Park is generally open daily from morning to dusk. There are no lights on site, so the park is effectively closed after dark. Hours can change seasonally (longer in summer, shorter in winter), so check the Christchurch City Council website for any posted holiday closures. Organized events might have separate gate-opening times (see the event info for details).
Is Bexley Park family-friendly?
Absolutely. Bexley Park was designed for families and kids. There is a well-equipped playground with swings and climbing frames for young children . The open lawns provide safe space for toddlers to run and for family picnics. During the day the atmosphere is relaxed and community-oriented. The only considerations are bringing shade and water (it’s an open park) and supervising youngsters near the water’s edge or sports fields. With its playground and gentle environment, it’s very family-friendly.
Who was Nigel Mahan, for whom the Bexley pump track is named?
Nigel Mahan was a Christchurch cyclist and one of the driving forces behind the pump track project. He was a member of the North Avon BMX Club who tragically passed away before the track was completed. In his memory, the community named the 2023 asphalt pump track at Bexley Park the “Nigel Mahan Pump Track” when it opened . The name honors his contribution and passion for BMX riding.
Why was Bexley Park created?
Bexley Park was conceived after the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes severely damaged nearby housing. The land was in a residential red zone (unsuitable for rebuilding), so the city converted it into parkland and sports fields as part of the recovery plan . Rather than leaving the area abandoned, the council created this green space to serve local residents. In this way, Bexley Park empties turned into a community asset – a deliberate effort to heal the neighbourhood and provide recreation in place of the lost homes.
