Woodend, New Zealand

Woodend
Woodend in 2010
Interactive map of Woodend
Coordinates: 43°19′S 172°40′E / 43.317°S 172.667°E / -43.317; 172.667
CountryNew Zealand
RegionCanterbury
Territorial authorityWaimakariri District
WardKaiapoi-Woodend Ward
Community
  • Rangiora-Ashley Community
  • Kaiapoi-Woodend Community
Electorates
Government
 • Territorial AuthorityWaimakariri District Council
 • Regional councilEnvironment Canterbury
 • Mayor of WaimakaririDan Gordon
 • Waimakariri MPMatt Doocey
 • Te Tai Tonga MPTākuta Ferris
Area
 • Total
5.99 km2 (2.31 sq mi)
Elevation
14 m (46 ft)
Population
 (June 2025)
 • Total
5,470
 • Density913/km2 (2,370/sq mi)
Postcode
7610

Woodend is a town in the Waimakariri District, in the Canterbury Region of the South Island of New Zealand. It may have been named because it was on the edge of what was then called the Maori Bush, or after an early settler, Thomas Wooding. It is situated with both the Waimakariri and Ashley / Rakahuri Rivers running either side. Woodend is 6.6 kilometres north of Kaiapoi and 6.3 kilometres to the east of Rangiora. Woodend is within walking distance of the town of Pegasus.

The town has a population of 5,470 (June 2025). It is 25 kilometres (16 mi) north of central Christchurch, and is part of the city's metropolitan area. Woodend is located near Woodend Beach. It is possible to go swimming, surfing, walking, running and horse riding there. The Tūhaitara Coastal Park is known for its walking and mountain biking trails. The Tutaepatu Trail links Woodend Beach, Pegasus Town and Waikuku Beach.