Christchurch Adventure Park reopens after February Port Hills fire

Community leaders experienced a full blown adrenaline rush as the Christchurch Adventure Park reopened for the first time since the Port Hills wildfire five weeks ago.

The park was evacuated on 14 February after a large scrub fire broke out on Worsley Spur and grew to 650 hectares.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger attended the park's reopening on Friday and experienced New Zealand's longest zipline.

"It was bloody marvellous," he said.

"It was absolutely fantastic, everyone should have a go at this."

Speaking to media following his thrill-seeking exploits, Mauger said it was great the park was able to reopen so quickly after the fire.

"We're back in business.

"Luckily we didn't get as much damage as last time.

"These guys have moved heaven and earth to get this up and running, especially for this weekend and Easter coming up."

Mauger said he would be "bringing the grandkids up to the park very soon".

Smoke could be seen near the Port Hills on Friday afternoon, prompting fire crews to rush to the area.

It was later reported to be from controlled burn-offs in surrounding areas.

Maurice Noone, chairperson of the park's owner/operator Leisure Investments NZ (Linz), said areas of the park which were utilised came through the fire unscathed.

"It was precautionary (to close) as you need to do with the chairlift and ziplines," he said.

"The hill we're trying to get back on to for mountain biking, that's unfortunately been badly damaged.

"But the trees are looking reasonably sound."

Noone said schools and volunteers had been on site planting natives at the park.

The Adventure Park will be having a band play at its cafe and a bouncy castle set up across this weekend as part of celebrations for the site's reopening.