Last updated November 2026
The Heathcote Towpath follows the salt marshes of the lower Heathcote River, Ōpāwaho, to Ferrymead, past the sites of the first European ferry across the river and the place where early coastal vessels harboured. The Christchurch City Council gives it as 4 km and about 1 hour 15 minutes return from the end of Gould Crescent in Heathcote.
Two short tracks nearby make it easy to build a longer outing: the Matuku Lakes Loop Track around flood ponds in Ferrymead Park, and the Ōpāwaho River Track along the estuary edge to Tunnel Road. The towpath is best at mid to low tide, because some of its paths flood at high tide.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check with Christchurch City Council for updates on Heathcote Towpath, Matuku Lakes and Ōpāwaho River Track on the day you walk.
More from Christchurch City Council
Practical Information
- Start
- Heathcote Towpath: end of Gould Crescent, Heathcote. Matuku Lakes and Ōpāwaho River Track: Ferrymead Park Drive
- Distance from the city
- About 6 km from Christchurch
- Track length
- Heathcote Towpath 4 km return; Matuku Lakes Loop Track 1.7 km; Ōpāwaho River Track 1.5 km one way
- Walking time
- Towpath about 1 hour 15 minutes return; Matuku Lakes about 30 minutes; Ōpāwaho River Track about 20 minutes one way
- Tides
- Walk the towpath at mid to low tide; some paths flood at high tide
- Dogs
- On a leash on all paths and tracks. Prohibited from the estuary
- Toilets
- Ferrymead Park Drive, next to the playing fields
- Managed by
- Christchurch City Council
- Status
- Check Christchurch City Council’s tracks and safety page before you go.
About Ferrymead Walks
The towpath starts at the end of Gould Crescent and follows the grassy banks of the river downstream to Tunnel Road, with wide views of the Port Hills. Under the Tunnel Road bridge, a concrete path carries you through. It is usable at mid to low tide, but river silt can make it very slippery.
Beyond the bridge the trail continues downstream, with native plantings screening Ferry Road, and runs behind the factories on Settlers Crescent with good views of the hills.
Footbridges cross small tidal inlets, and there is a viewing platform and a bird hide before the path follows a line of macrocarpa trees. It then crosses a low mound to an information platform opposite the Ferrymead heritage park. The towpath finishes at Ferry Road or Settlers Crescent, and you return the same way.
The Ōpāwaho River Track starts on Ferrymead Park Drive near Ferrymead Golf and follows the edge of the estuary past an important wildlife area managed by Forest and Bird, finishing by Tunnel Road. It is flat and gentle, and the council asks walkers to keep dogs leashed because dogs chasing birds can affect their breeding and feeding.
The Matuku Lakes Loop Track is a gentle 1.7 km circuit, about 30 minutes return, starting and finishing on Ferrymead Park Drive. It links several paths in Ferrymead Park around ponds that were designed to hold back flood water, and now give a quiet wetland walk.
History on the Towpath
Two markers on the towpath recall the early days of European settlement on the river. The information platform opposite the heritage park marks the site of the first European ferry across the river, in 1851.
A bollard monument marks the place where early coastal vessels harboured from 1856. Both sit beside the salt marsh and tidal inlets that the towpath follows.
The Matuku Name
The Matuku Lakes are named after the Australasian bittern, the matuku. The council says the name is aspirational, in the hope that the bird will one day return to Christchurch’s wetlands. Keeping dogs on a leash and under control here helps avoid disturbing nesting birds. After rain, the track is likely to be muddy, so wear sturdy shoes.
From locals
How long does the Matuku Lakes loop walk take?
Is the towpath okay with a pram, or is it too rough in places?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Heathcote Towpath?
It is 4 km and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes return from the end of Gould Crescent, according to the council.
When is the best time to walk it?
At mid to low tide. Some paths flood at high tide, and the concrete path under the Tunnel Road bridge can be very slippery with river silt.
Can I take my dog?
Yes, on a leash on all paths and tracks. Dogs are prohibited from the estuary.
Where do the Ferrymead Park walks start?
Both the Matuku Lakes Loop Track and the Ōpāwaho River Track start on Ferrymead Park Drive.
Are there toilets?
Yes, on Ferrymead Park Drive next to the playing fields.
What history can I see?
An information platform marks the site of the first European ferry across the river in 1851, and a bollard monument marks where early coastal vessels harboured from 1856.
Is it an easy walk?
The Ōpāwaho River Track is flat and gentle, and the Matuku Lakes loop is a gentle circuit, though it can be muddy after rain. The towpath depends on the tide.
Where can I check if the track is open?
Check Christchurch City Council’s tracks and safety page before you go.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 3
- Christchurch City Council: Heathcote Towpath: route, tide advice, history markers and dog rules.
- Christchurch City Council: Matuku Lakes Loop Track: the flood pond circuit in Ferrymead Park.
- Christchurch City Council: Ōpāwaho River Track: the estuary edge track from Ferrymead Park Drive to Tunnel Road.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track line and facts: Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, Outdoor Access Commission, from LINZ and DOC data (CC BY 4.0). Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.