Steamwharf Stream

Naming

The Heathcote Wharf was opened in 1852 between the estuary and Christchurch Quay. The Heathcote Wharf became popularly known as the Steam Wharf as it was the upper limit of the river accessible to steamers of the day. Dyers Creek is now called Steam Wharf Stream.

Steamwharfmap
Steamwharf Stream shown in red. The green lines are stormwater pipes. Click to enlarge

For a higher resolution map, click here

About the waterway

Steamwharf Stream takes the outflow from springs in the Thistledown Reserve at the end of Thistledown Place and carries it roughly parallel to Ferry Road to the outfall beside the RTunnel Road roundabout.  Along the way, the stream gathers considerable stormwater also.  The stream is an important ingana hatchery.

Where it joins the river

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The outfall of Steamwharf Stream by the Tunnel Road roundabout. Click to enlarge

A view of the waterway

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A view of one of several springs in the Thistledown Reserve. Click to enlarge
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The waterway as it leave Thistledown Reserve. Click to enlarge
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Great naturalising of the banks of the waterway just outside Thistledown Reserve. Click to enlarge
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The waterway as it prepares to dive under St John Street, Woolston. Clicj to enlarge
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Having passed under Pailnurus Road, the waterway navigates a section of open private land. The sediment is caused by waterway clearance upstream on the day of the photograph. Click to enlarge
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A heavily naturalised section of the waterway between private property and reserve just past Alport Place. A track follows the waterway from this point. Click to enlarge
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Efforts to increase appropriate vegetation on edge of waterway have been thwarted by CityCare work teams. Click to enlarge
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A view of the waterway as it enters the culvert beneath Dyers Road. Click to enlarge
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The waterway heads into the Kotuku Reserve beside Ferry Road. Click to enlarge
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The waterway just prior to the culvert beneath Ferry Road and outfall into the river. Click to enlarge

Historical maps

1930s
Drainage Board plan from late 1930s.. Click to view original.
1948
A street map dated to circa 1948 with the waterways that contribute to the river clearly marked. Click to enlarge