McLeans Island

McLeans Island
Map
Coordinates: 43°28′S 172°28′E / 43.467°S 172.467°E / -43.467; 172.467
CountryNew Zealand
RegionCanterbury Region
Territorial authorityChristchurch City
WardHarewood
CommunityWaimāero Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood
Electorates
Government
 • Territorial AuthorityChristchurch City Council
 • Regional councilEnvironment Canterbury
 • Mayor of ChristchurchPhil Mauger
 • Ilam MPHamish Campbell
 • Te Tai Tonga MPTākuta Ferris
Area
 • Total74.92 km2 (28.93 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2023)[2]
 • Total200
 • Density2.7/km2 (6.9/sq mi)

McLeans Island is a rural area north and northwest of Christchurch city, and south of Waimakariri River.[3]

The area was an island in the Waimakariri River until the 1930s, when flood control measures and Great Depression work schemes blocked the south branch of the river which separated the island from the south bank. It was named for the Scottish McLean family, who established Waimakariri Station on the south bank in the 1850s. Allan and John McLean owned the land after their brother Robertson returned to Scotland.[4]

Part of the area is in Waimakariri River Regional Park,[5] which contains McLeans Forest where there are walking, running and cycling tracks.[6] Orana Wildlife Park is a zoo in the area.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Area was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "Population estimate tables - NZ.Stat". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  3. ^ Harris, Gavin (April 2021). McLeans Island (Map).
  4. ^ "WRPP Management Plan – McLeans Island". Environment Canterbury Regional Council. p. 5. Retrieved 3 September 2021.
  5. ^ "Waimakariri River Regional Park". Environment Canterbury Regional Council. Retrieved 3 September 2021.
  6. ^ "McLeans Forest". Environment Canterbury Regional Council. Retrieved 3 September 2021.