Activities on Unformed Legal Roads

An Unformed Legal Road (ULR) means any road originally laid out over Crown land –

• and marked on the ground and on record maps; or

• under the authority of any Act or Ordinance, on any Crown grant record map, but not marked or laid out on the ground;

where the road has not been constructed by any gravelling, metalling, sealing, or permanent surfacing, and is neither substantially formed or made for the use of the public. An ULR is a road corridor from boundary to boundary.

The Hurunui District has a large network of approximately 2,500 km of ULR parcels. Sections 315 – 317 of the Local Government Act 1974 provide that all ULRs within the district are vested in, and controlled by, the Council.

1. The Council has no obligation to maintain or develop ULRs.

2. The public has a right of passage over ULRs, but must not damage or alter the road surface.

For further information, please refer to the Council Unformed Legal Roads Policy

Any unauthorised activity or encroachment on an ULR is not permitted.

Some activities on ULRs may be permitted and must be licensed by The Council:

Grazing stock
Gates or cattle stops
Install pipes or cables

Council will consider all activities on a case-by-case basis. If you think you have an existing activity encroaching on a ULR, please speak to a member of the council property department and they can advise you on the authorisation requirements for your activity. In most circumstances, you can apply to stop a road to gain ownership and legalise the existing activities on an ULR that adjoins your property.

Activities on Unformed Legal Roads

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