The Plan
Eden Project NZ will be based at the Avonside Loop – on approximately 70 hectares of land – nestled amongst the curves of the Ōtākaro/Avon River’s journey to the sea. Comprising a multi-sensory world-class visitor destination and new neighbourhood, it will braid the histories of the natural world and the people who have inhabited it – exploring and celebrating the relationships between nature and culture. Kaitiakitanga will define our approach to ecological regeneration, practice and visitor engagement. Fusing education with entertainment, combining environmental stewardship with wonder, and being financially sustainable by deriving “profits with a purpose” will be core to our function.
Attraction Experiences
- A ‘living stage’ to explore how a 21st century city can thrive within its natural environment.
- Immersive installations, fantastical playgrounds, interactive storytelling & habitat regeneration.
- Multi-sensory experiences of the natural world to inspire wonder & awe.
- An intimate performance space & programme to engage & entertain.
- Productive indoor & outdoor gardens featuring unforgettable landscapes & seasonal horticulture.
- A range of trails that will reveal how histories & symbols are embedded in landscapes, and celebrate forest lore.
- The opportunity to stay at innovative, eco-friendly accommodation.
- Opportunities for craft & enterprise workshops.
How this Development Benefits Christchurch & NZ
Since the earthquakes Christchurch has lost many visitors, both domestic and international. The city is no longer a must-see destination.
- An international quality attraction such as the Eden Project NZ will generate an increase in international visitors to New Zealand and Christchurch.
- It will act as an anchor project around which other attractions, complementary developments and visitor services can cluster.
- It will add quality to the visitor experiences (domestic and international) and stimulate growth for wider accommodation, transport, recreational services and events.
- A source of regional employment, enjoyment and public pride.
- There are 2,500 suppliers to the Eden Project UK, most of them locally based, and it is anticipated that there will also be a significant number of local suppliers for Eden Project NZ.
- Eden Project UK employs over 400 staff, and over 3,000 jobs have been sustained locally. It is anticipated that a similar number of new jobs will be created in Christchurch and the wider economy.
- It will provide iconic buildings which will be ‘drawcards’ in their own right.
- It will have a very positive impact on the local and New Zealand economy. A pre-feasibility study based solely on the generation of new domestic and international visitors (excluding construction and operating costs) is estimated to generate an additional NZ$27.1 million in 2020 growing to NZ$48.9 million in 2027.
- By developing in the Red Zone it will increase the value of land for government.
Incentives for the Local Community
The Eden Project UK offers many incentives for a wide range of visitor types, and we will endeavour to adopt similar schemes at Eden Project NZ:
- Incentives for over 60s, students, children (5–16), children under 5 (free) and family tickets are built into the operational model
- Annual pass; bring a friend for free.
- By making a gift to Eden Project NZ at the same cost as a normal entry price admission is free for a whole year.
Downloads & Links
EPNZ Poster for Regenerate Christchurch Land Use Plan
A Message from Sir Tim Smit for the People of Christchurch
Eden Project NZ Pre Feasibility Report Download
Eden Project NZ Summary Brochure Download
Eden Project UK Annual Review 2016/2017