Walking in Christchurch
Walks and Hikes
Christchurch city’s parks and gardens offer an easy stroll on the flat, however there are scenic hill climbs and farther afield, half and full day hikes for the more athletic. So lace up your shoes, grab your camera, enjoy!
Strolls
Hagley Park
If you haven’t seen Hagley Park, you haven’t seen Christchurch. This sprawling central park can be accessed from several entrances but most commonly Rolleston Avenue and Armagh Street. Springtime is spectacular with fields of daffodils. Avenues of mature trees, shrubs and flowers meander alongside the Avon River. Tree-shaded pathways lead past the Robert McDougall Art Gallery, a large ornate fountain, sports fields and an excellent children’s playground. Summer often sees the park hosting free outdoor entertainment. On the Avon, you can feed the ducks or drift slowly along in a hired punt and spot the trout as you enjoy the park at water level.
City – Historical
Christchurch is often lauded for its preservation – and use – of historic buildings and structures. Start at Cathedral Square, where you’ll find statues including that of ‘the founder of Canterbury’ John Robert Godley. Go west along Worcester Bouelvard, where the tram runs, and over Oxford Terrace. Look for statues of Robert Falcon Scott, the Antarctic explorer, and Kate Sheppard, who helped make New Zealand the first nation in the world to give women the vote. Continue along the river to the Bridge of Remembrance, St Michael’s Church and School. Head along Oxford Terrace then Montreal Street toward the Arts Centre.
Sumner
For some fresh sea air, stroll along The Esplanade in Sumner. You can start at the south end by the clock tower and walk to Sumner Beach and Village or vice versa. There is a popular children’s playground at the clock tower end and caves to explore at the Sumner beach end. There are good restaurants in Sumner village and a couple of beachfront cafes if you feel like lunch or coffee in the sun.
Half Day
Godley Heads
This is a lovely coastal walk featuring old military buildings. Start at Taylor Mistake Bay and follow the gently undulating track to Boulder Bay (about 2 hours return). For those who enjoy hill climbing, do the full circuit. Pass Boulder Bay across the Summit Road, down the Lyttelton side, along and back to the Summit Road. From here, you can walk straight down to Taylor’s Mistake Beach. The circuit takes about four hours.
The Bridle Path
Starting at the top of the Heathcote Valley (by the road tunnel entrance), this walking track winds it way up Mt Cavendish to meet The Summit Road, not far from the Gondola upper terminal. Views from the top take in a full 360 degrees, encompassing the harbour, the Port Hills and Canterbury Plain. The track descends to Lyttelton. Christchurch’s forefathers climbed this route bearing all their worldly goods from the shore to the new settlement. For those who like to take their exercise in moderate doses, take the Gondola up and enjoy a pleasant stroll back down.
Full Day
Oxford Forest
About an hour north of Christchurch are a variety of walking tracks and picnic areas. One of the most popular tracks is the Wharfedale. Another, the Ryde Falls Walks, is a relatively easy round trip from the View Hill carpark. The bush is a lush mix of rimu, matai and kahikatea (red pine, black pine and white pine).
Multi Day
Banks Peninsula Track
This is a popular track across farmland, reserve, native forest and spectacular volcanic coastline starting from Akaroa. It is renowned for its charming accommodation, including a bath under the stars.