Like many places in New Zealand, Waimakariri District is geographically diverse, reaching from the mountain ranges to the ocean. Because of this, the District is susceptible to a number of possible Natural Hazards including flooding, erosion in coastal areas, earthquake faults and liquefaction.

In August 2020, Council updated its maps and models showing the latest information on the possible extent of natural hazards in the District. These models and maps are updated every few years to provide the best possible information for landowners looking to buy, build or develop.

The Natural Hazard maps and provisions are included in the District Plan and help to guide development. This information is included in Land Information Memoranda, and property files, and will also be used by the Council when processing resource and building consents to ensure any new information is taken into consideration.