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, and 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.
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.
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.
