The river mouths and lower reaches of the Ashley and Waimakariri Rivers are popular sites for whitebaiting.

Whitebaiting Beach Access Permits

A permit is required for vehicle access to the Ashley River mouth during the whitebaiting season (1 September to 30 October).

This permit allows access beach access through an otherwise locked gate at North Waikuku on the south side of the river. A permit fee is charged. Permits are available from the Kaiapoi Service Centre, 176 Williams Street, Kaiapoi, and the Rangiora Service Centre, 215 High Street, Rangiora.

Camping

Freedom/ overnight camping on the beach or sand dunes is not permitted under the Northern Pegasus Bay Bylaw.

The Bylaw bans camping on any beach in the Northern Pegasus Bay, including Kairaki Beach.

There are a number of other areas suitable for freedom camping - take a look at the Camping Brochure (pdf, 794.5 KB).

View the Northern Pegasus Bay Bylaw Area Boundary Map here.