A new regional park will be established next to Lake Forsyth, providing space for outdoor recreation and long-term conservation protection.
Christchurch City Council was last year offered 526 hectares of land at 3089 Bossu Road by owners Douglas and Shay DeAngelis, who wanted to ensure the property remained publicly accessible, managed for community benefit, and protected by a conservation covenant.
The site, known as Oashore, will be opened for public use and managed as a regional park, with a Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust covenant created over the property.
Douglas DeAngelis said the protection of Oashore came down to two key factors.
"The Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust's willingness to hold such a covenant and the Council's willingness to acquire Oashore as a reserve with the covenant in place were the keys to protecting it in perpetuity and guaranteeing public access."
Council Head of Parks Rupert Bool said the purchase would benefit the community through access to natural landscapes, biodiversity, recreation, and heritage.
"Given the property's high site values, the availability from a willing seller, and some revenue generation from conservation-based grazing to support operational requirements, we saw this as a real asset for the community," Bool said.
"The property includes one of the country's most well-preserved historic whaling sites, coastal headlands and cliffs that serve as sanctuaries for native seabirds, and it offers significant potential for natural regeneration and restoration.
"It is strategically located and will provide access to some of Banks Peninsula's stunning southern bays. Car parking is yet to be established."
The Council is developing a management plan to assess cultural heritage, biodiversity, and recreational opportunities before formalising public access. Rangers are currently ensuring farm tracks, fences, gates, grazing, signage, and carparking are suitable for walking.
Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust General Manager Maree Burnett said Oashore contained regionally and nationally important biodiversity values.
"Because of its harsh and unique microclimates, species have adapted here in many special ways," Burnett said. "The property is distinctive botanically, with a number of nationally rare species, including fierce lancewood, the shrubby tororaro, and blanket fern.
"Oashore provides habitat for a diverse range of native invertebrates, lizards, birds, moths, and cicadas. Predator control is being undertaken to protect native birds like kererū, fantails, and bellbirds, while little blue penguins also nest in the area."
She said the generosity of the former owners had already protected some of the property's most valuable areas through existing covenants under the Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust and QEII Trust.
"The Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust is proud to ensure the biodiversity on this very special property is protected for the benefit of the community now and in future generations."
Funding for the purchase of Oashore is included in the Council's Long Term Plan 2024-34.