(check out the map tab on the homepage menu for locations. Also, new exciting editions to the community may be featured in the latest newsletter blogs so please check those out too)
Nature Park
The Prebbleton Nature Park covers 2.6 hectares and offers a tranquil environment for walking, bird watching, or picnics.
The park has been planted with over 7,000 plants by local volunteers. (check the noticeboard for upcoming working bees). All of the plants are natives local to Canterbury and there is a range of different species including tussocks, flax, cabbage trees, kowhai, totara, as well as a number of rare or threatened plants. The park also features grassed walking areas, seats, picnic tables, and educational panels.
It's located at 668 Springs Road, south of Prebbleton heading to Lincoln. Parking is available at its entrance.
The park is grassed and is suitable for buggies and wheelchairs except in very wet conditions. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash and check for signage, as at certain times of the year predator bait is laid.
The park has also won the Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Award for a transformational restoration award. Details of this award are on the park noticeboard.
All Saints Church and Cemetery
Wander through the heritage trees that surround the historic Prebbleton Cottage. Have a picnic under the oak tree or check out the large macrocarpa tree, which at one stage, was regarded as the "largest of its species in the Southern Hemisphere".
Take a walk through the All Saints Cemetery and you'll find a lot of history here.
There are also two other newer cemeteries within the area. One opposite the nature reserve on the left of Springs Road as you head out towards Lincoln, and another on Shands Road.
Sundial
The sundial and plaque were made in acknowledgment of the past efforts made by the Prebbleton Environmental Assn 1995 (AKA Sweet Pea). It's a human sundial and is located on the corner of Birchs and Springs Roads.
The Prebbleton Community Cottage
The Prebbleton Cottage is often used for local group committee meetings, pop-up shops, and events. This is owned by our community and is a great asset that can be hired through the Selwyn District Council website
Located on the Corner of Springs and Blakes Roads.
Prebbleton Community Market
The market was formed in October 2016 by Shelley Bakker after much research and development and the first market was held November 2016 (There was originally a car boot style bric/brac church market that was run originally on Saturday mornings but had ceased to exist a couple of years prior to this market starting up) Her research led her to the market being on a Sunday afternoon and the first Sunday of the month, 12-4 pm which has proven to be popular and effective.
Around October 2017 Shelley asked for help with signage from the PCA and the use of one of the PCA gazebos (which are used for other events also) and to keep a watch over things under the umbrella of the Prebbleton Community Assn.
Its location is in and around the Prebbleton Community Cottage. With an emphasis on local and sustainable practices, as well as the stunning setting amongst the heritage trees and relaxed atmosphere, it has become a destination market. It's a great place to catch up with friends, neighbours, and the local community on a Sunday afternoon. Foodies and local entertainment/games along with a great selection of specialised stalls make it a great place for lunch/afternoon tea or a picnic and shopping.
Unfortunately, the market had been on hold due to covid but the first market back was on the 6th of November 2022. Following the PCA AGM in November 2022 most of the current committee have retired, including Shelley (After 12 years on the committee and 6 running the market) So the Original 'Prebbleton Community Market' is taking a well-earned break, however, the new Prebbleton Community Assn committee are wanting to continue a new market (Prebbleton Market) in the same spot so keep an eye out from them for updates. Here are a few photos from the original market over the years.
Cycle trail and connecting subdivision linkages
The Little River Rail Trail begins in the Christchurch suburb of Hornby (but you can start in the city and follow the various cycleways out to Halswell or Hornby, then through Prebbleton) It flanks the shores of Lake Ellesmere and Lake Forsyth to end in the township of Little River.
The landscape changes from farmland to the wetland on this 49km trail comprising of both on and off-road cycling. As you head closer to the lake, at certain times of the year, you may find some lakefly swarms, however, they do not bite and are just more of a nuisance at times. There are many cycleways and linkages between subdivisions within Prebbleton. These are great for runners, walkers, cyclists, and people who want to explore the area. Many are tree-lined and look spectacular in the different seasons, especially autumn and spring.
Prebbleton Domain/Reserve
The Prebbleton Reserve is located down Tosswill Road. Not only does it contain sports grounds/facilities for local clubs, but there is also a train-themed playground area with toilets, a BBQ, and a picnic area. Also a variety of great walking paths around the outside with basic exercise equipment at certain points.
Carols at the Cottage
A subcommittee of the Prebbleton Community Assn. called the Carols Committee was formed in 2017 consisting of founding members Malcolm Lyall, Peter & Jenny Hunter, and Shelley Bakker, with the first Carols at the Cottage event being held on the 20th December 2017. As of November 2022 a new Prebbleton Community Association was elected at the AGM with new ideas, and with many of the old members retiring, the new committee has also taken on the Carols.
It was held annually in mid to late December (usually on a Wednesday evening) and set beside the Prebbleton Community Cottage. The event started off with a night market (in conjunction with the Prebbleton Community Market), giveaways for the kids, and then Carols with members of the Woolston Brass Band. The All Saints church usually has the church open for those who want to look inside and see their decorated Christmas tree and beautiful chapel.
The founding members of the Carols committee initiated this endeavor with the aim of creating a community event where everyone could unite and rejoice in the festive season, irrespective of their beliefs. This gathering was intentionally designed to be inclusive, free from any religious foundation or undertones. Many dressed for the occasion and the market runs an annual best-decorated stall, with gazebos lit up with fairy lights and decorations and stallholders too. The cottage was lit with Christmas lights and the oak tree was adorned with ambient lighting. There were food options for dinner and a handpicked selection of stalls from the old market that surrounded the event. Over the last few years, we also had very special visitors pop into the cottage earlier before the carols start (Mr & Mrs. Claus) to meet some of the local families. The event was usually on rain or shine. It is a smoke-free and alcohol-free family event. Due to covid 2021's event was cancelled due to covid restrictions.
Info is available about the new Carols at the cottage event on the local community group or by emailing the new members of the PCA prebbletoncommunityassn@gmail.com
These photos are from the 2020 event run by the founding committee
Prebbleton Community Association Book Exchange
Situated close to the edge of the car park, between the street lights on the grassed area, you'll find the Prebbleton Community Assn. book exchange.
This exchange is well used and the idea is to swap a book or borrow and return books or add books no longer needed.
The Association commissioned local members (some who live in Prebbleton) of the Rolleston Men's shed to make and place this exchange.
Many come to swap books, some come to find a book and sit on the seating outside the cottage or on the grassed area under the heritage trees and read. Most bike, walk, or stop at it when passing.
The Prebbleton Community Association has been a registered incorporated society since the 4th of March 1977.
Its aim is to promote, preserve and protect the interests of the Prebbleton district. It has been over the years, a connection between the community and the council on local issues and runs a variety of events as well as funding projects in and around the community. The PCA meets at the Prebbleton Community Cottage regularly. Its AGM is held annually in November
Don't forget to check out our newer blogs as the township grows we will be adding them separately.
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