Coes Ford

Coes Ford is located on the Selwyn River about half an hour from Christchurch. It's named after a pioneering farmer, Jack Coe, whose land bordered the river. The ford used to be the main link between Springston and Leeston.

There's a free camping area nearby. It's spacious, with mature trees dotted about offering welcome shade during hot summer months. The campground is on each side of the road, however the western part is closed during winter months.

It's a popular area for picnics, swimming and camping. Water is available but not suitable for drinking. There are toilets and rubbish bins are provided.

Dogs are welcome, and can be run off lead. There's lots of space to exercise them, plus lovely swimming holes to cool off in. PLEASE check the water condition first - this river has a history of water pollution and toxic algae.

Click here to take you to a site about Canterbury Recreational Water Quality, or contact the local council.

The day we visited the water was clean, with a good flow. The dogs loved it - Paddy swam so much that when we got home he was too tired to climb up the steps.

                             

We've heard it can also be a popular spot for those pesky mosquitoes, so if you're planning on calling in, take along some dimp. We must have struck an insect-free day, there wasn't a mossie in sight.

The photo below shows what Coes Ford was like the day we were there. However a few months ago the river was a major concern due to high toxic levels. A newspaper article written in February this year, shares photos and explains how bad the condition of the river was. Click here to be taken to the article.

As we were leaving a lady riding her horse arrived leading a young foal.

Coes Ford is a lovely spot and we had a fabulous afternoon relaxing by the river. Perhaps we were lucky and struck the right time of the year to visit - the river was clean and safe to swim in.