Christchurch's two main rivers, the Avon and Heathcote, have been declared safe for recreational use after repairs to earthquake-damaged sewer pipes.
Christchurch City Council had been pumping raw sewage into the rivers since the February quake while the repairs were carried out.
The council says the rivers should still be avoided after heavy rain, which might stir up contaminated sediments lying on the riverbed.
The re-opening of the rivers follows the recent opening up of the city's beaches for recreational use.
