Soak pits & offal pits drilled to spec, on time, every time.
Trusted by farmers across the South Island since Kaiapoi Drilling.
Three specialist services, done properly. Every job drilled to spec for your soil type, site conditions, and council requirements.
We drill perfectly round 1m diameter soak pits into free-draining gravels — ideal for rural properties, lifestyle blocks, and anywhere a traditional dug soak pit isn't practical. Our drilled pits work in tight spaces where there simply isn't room either side of a house for a dug pit.
Drilled soak pits are the perfect drainage solution for subdivisions and new builds where space is tight. We regularly drill 1m diameter pits at the front of properties — off to the side of where the driveway will go — before construction locks out access. Get us involved early, before driveways and foundations go in, and we can solve your drainage problem cleanly and cost-effectively.
Offal pits (dead holes) are essential for hygienic disposal of dead stock, home kill waste, and animal remains. We construct compliant, covered offal pits that meet all regional council environmental standards.
Text or fill in the form. Tell us your location, what you need, and any site details.
We'll get back to you with a clear, fair price. No hidden costs, no surprises.
We show up when we say we will and get the job done efficiently and to spec.
Your pit is compliant, covered, and ready to use. We leave the site clean.
Every photo is from an actual job — farms, lifestyle blocks, and rural properties across the South Island.
Family owned, South Island wide, and built on a reputation for honest work and showing up when we say we will.
We're a family-owned business based in North Canterbury, and we've been drilling soak pits and offal pits for rural and lifestyle property owners across the South Island for over 15 years. Our reputation is built on honest work, fair pricing, and showing up when we say we will.
We understand the regulations around offal pits and soak pits — including Canterbury's CLWRP rules — and we make sure every job is done right the first time. Whether you're on a large sheep and beef station, a dairy farm, or a small lifestyle block, we have the equipment and experience to handle your job efficiently.
We regularly partner with drainage contractors and builders across the South Island. If you work in drainage, earthworks, or construction and need a reliable drilling subcontractor, get in touch.
Experienced drainage specialists servicing Kaikōura to Ashburton. Experts in all areas of drainage solutions.
mcartneydrainage.co.nz →A trusted drainage partner we work alongside regularly on South Island projects.
Are you a drainage contractor, builder, or developer who needs a reliable drilling subcontractor? We'd love to hear from you.
Get in touch →We travel across the entire South Island to get your job done. Rural, remote, or hard to reach — no problem.
Free advice to help you understand the rules, plan your project, and get it done right.
Canterbury's CLWRP has specific rules about offal pits — size, location, and setback distances from waterways. Here's what you need to know before you dig.
Read More →Depth depends on your soil type, water table, and the volume of water you're disposing of. We break down the key factors so you can plan your soak pit properly.
Read More →The Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan sets out strict rules for offal pit construction and siting. Non-compliance can result in fines. Here's a plain-English summary.
Read More →Published by Kaiapoi Drilling • June 2025
If you're a farmer or lifestyle block owner in Canterbury, you may be wondering whether you need a resource consent before drilling an offal pit. The short answer is: it depends on the size, location, and how you manage it.
The Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan (CLWRP) classifies the discharge of contaminants to land (including offal) as a controlled or restricted discretionary activity, depending on the circumstances. Key rules include:
If your offal pit meets all the setback requirements and is constructed to the correct standard (including a solid, fitted lid — we install new treated timber lids with a hinged opening, or reuse an existing concrete lid if it is still safe and compliant), it is generally a permitted activity under the CLWRP — meaning no resource consent is required.
If your site doesn't meet the setback distances, or if you're in a sensitive catchment area (such as near the Waimakariri or Hurunui rivers), you may need to apply for a resource consent from Environment Canterbury (ECan).
We've been drilling offal pits in Canterbury for over 15 years and know the rules inside out. When we quote your job, we'll assess the site and let you know if there are any compliance issues before we start. Get in touch for a free quote and site assessment.
Published by Kaiapoi Drilling • June 2025
One of the most common questions we get is: "How deep does my soak pit need to be?" The honest answer is that it depends on several factors specific to your property. Here's how we work it out.
For most Canterbury and South Island properties, we drill soak pits to between 3 and 6 metres deep, with a diameter of 300mm to 600mm. For high-volume applications or poor-draining soils, we may recommend multiple pits or a deeper installation.
A percolation test (or perc test) measures how quickly water drains through your soil. It's the most accurate way to size a soak pit correctly. We can advise on whether a perc test is needed for your site.
An undersized soak pit will fill up and fail — often at the worst time. We size every pit to suit the specific site conditions so you don't have problems down the track. Contact us for a free quote.
Published by Kaiapoi Drilling • June 2025
The Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan (CLWRP) is the main piece of legislation governing how you manage water and land in Canterbury. For farmers, one of the most relevant sections covers the disposal of farm waste — including offal from dead stock and home kill.
Improperly sited or constructed offal pits can leach contaminants into groundwater and surface water, harming drinking water supplies, streams, and the wider environment. The CLWRP rules are designed to prevent this while still allowing farmers to manage dead stock practically and cost-effectively.
If your pit meets all the above criteria, it is a permitted activity — no resource consent required. If it doesn't meet the setback distances or other criteria, you'll need to apply for a resource consent from Environment Canterbury (ECan).
Operating an offal pit that doesn't comply with the CLWRP can result in enforcement action from ECan, including abatement notices, fines, and in serious cases, prosecution under the Resource Management Act.
Every offal pit we drill is sited and constructed to meet CLWRP requirements. We assess the site before drilling to check setback distances and soil conditions, and we supply and install new treated timber lids with a hinged opening as standard. If you already have a concrete lid that is safe and in good condition, we can reuse it — we just don’t supply new concrete lids. Get in touch to discuss your project.
Fill in the form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Best to text — we're often out of reception on site.