Outdoor recreation areas affected by quake

6:56 pm on 20 September 2010

While buildings and businesses bore the brunt of the Canterbury earthquake, some popular outdoor recreation areas have also been affected.

The Arawa Canoe Club is unable to use its club rooms or paddle on the Avon River following the 7.1-magnitude quake on 4 September.

Club secretary Bruce Johnstone says contamination in the Avon has disrupted preparation for the Coast to Coast multisport race, as well as flat water racing.

Two rock climbing crags - Castle Rock and Britten crag - remain closed due to rockfall, while climbers are also being warned to beware of loose rock on other crags.

The Department of Conservation says some walking tracks have been damaged, including the popular track at the Otukaikino wetland reserve which could be closed for up to six months.