McLeans Island

McLeans Island
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
  Total
74.92 km2 (28.93 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2024)
  Total
180
  Density2.4/km2 (6.2/sq mi)

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

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.

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