Christchurch Walking Tracks

Christchurch Walking Tracks: The Ultimate Guide for Adventurers and Nature Lovers

Here’s your guide to some of the best walking tracks in and around Christchurch, with options for all fitness levels, from easy strolls to challenging hikes.

1. Godley Head Coastal Track

• Distance: 9 km round trip
• Duration: 2.5–3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Starting Point: Taylors Mistake Beach
• Highlights: Stunning ocean views, WWII history, wildlife sightings

The Godley Head Coastal Track is one of Christchurch’s most scenic and popular coastal walks. Starting from Taylors Mistake Beach, the trail follows the coastline, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and rocky headlands. The track is dotted with historical remnants from World War II, including bunkers and gun emplacements, giving walkers a sense of the area’s military history. Keep an eye out for New Zealand fur seals, which can sometimes be spotted along the shoreline. The walk ends at the Godley Head Reserve, where you can explore more of the headland or relax and enjoy a picnic with unbeatable ocean views.

2. Port Hills – Rapaki Track

• Distance: 7 km round trip
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Starting Point: End of Rapaki Road, Mount Pleasant
• Highlights: City and harbor views, sunrise and sunset spots, mountain biking

The Rapaki Track is a favorite among locals for its quick, accessible ascent to the Port Hills. Starting from Rapaki Road, the wide, well-graded trail winds up the hillside, giving hikers fantastic views over Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour, and the Canterbury Plains. This track is popular for both walking and mountain biking, so keep an eye out for cyclists as you make your way up. It’s an excellent choice for sunrise and sunset walks, offering peaceful moments with stunning scenery.

3. Bridle Path

• Distance: 3 km round trip
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Starting Point: Bridle Path Road, Heathcote Valley
• Highlights: Historic pioneer route, Lyttelton Harbour views, memorial sites

The Bridle Path is a steep but historically significant track connecting Christchurch with the port town of Lyttelton. Originally built by early European settlers as a passage over the Port Hills, the track allows hikers to experience the journey taken by Christchurch’s pioneers. At the summit, you’ll find a memorial to those settlers and sweeping views of Lyttelton Harbour. If you’re up for a longer adventure, continue down into Lyttelton for a coffee or lunch and then take the scenic gondola back up, or retrace your steps back to the starting point.

4. Halswell Quarry Park Tracks

• Distance: Various trails, totaling 5 km
• Duration: 1–2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Starting Point: Halswell Quarry, Kennedys Bush Road
• Highlights: Botanical gardens, historical quarry, family-friendly

Halswell Quarry Park offers a mix of walking tracks, gardens, and historical interest points all in one location. Once a working quarry, the park is now a tranquil green space featuring native bush, ponds, and geological displays. Visitors can enjoy walking the short nature trails or wander through the botanical gardens, which include plants and landscapes from Christchurch’s sister cities around the world. This easy and family-friendly spot also has picnic areas, making it a fantastic location for a relaxed day out with kids.

5. Victoria Park and Harry Ell Walkway

• Distance: 5.5 km round trip
• Duration: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Starting Point: Victoria Park, Cashmere Hills
• Highlights: Native forest, birdwatching, city views

The Harry Ell Walkway is part of the larger network of trails in Victoria Park and the Port Hills, offering a lovely, shaded walk through native bush. The track winds through dense greenery, with occasional lookouts that offer stunning views over Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains. This track is also known for its birdlife—keep an ear out for native species like bellbirds and fantails. The walkway eventually leads to the historic Sign of the Kiwi building, a well-known landmark where you can take a break, enjoy a coffee, or continue on other connecting trails.

6. Avon River Trail

• Distance: 12 km (one way)
• Duration: 3–4 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Starting Point: Barbadoes Street, central Christchurch
• Highlights: Riverside views, historic buildings, botanical gardens

The Avon River Trail is a peaceful urban walk that follows the Avon River as it meanders through the heart of Christchurch. The trail takes you past Hagley Park, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and along leafy streets filled with historic buildings. It’s an easy, flat walk that can be done in sections, making it ideal for families, joggers, and cyclists. The trail also passes through the revitalized Christchurch city center, where you can stop at cafes or enjoy public artworks along the riverbank.

7. Kennedys Bush Track

• Distance: 8 km round trip
• Duration: 2.5–3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Starting Point: End of Kennedy’s Bush Road
• Highlights: Panoramic views, native bush, Port Hills landscape

The Kennedys Bush Track offers a more rugged hiking experience along the Port Hills. The track begins in a lush bush-covered area, gradually ascending to reveal wide-ranging views of the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, and Pegasus Bay. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to experience Christchurch’s natural landscapes without straying too far from the city. Hikers often come across native plants and unique rock formations along the way, making it a scenic, challenging option.

8. Banks Peninsula Track

• Distance: 35 km (multi-day)
• Duration: 2–4 days
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Starting Point: Akaroa or Onuku
• Highlights: Coastal cliffs, secluded beaches, native wildlife

For a truly immersive experience, the Banks Peninsula Track is a multi-day adventure that takes you through some of New Zealand’s most dramatic coastal landscapes. This trail features remote beaches, volcanic cliffs, lush valleys, and abundant wildlife, including native birds and little blue penguins. The track is well-maintained and provides huts for overnight stays, offering hikers a rare blend of scenic beauty and remote tranquility. It’s a perfect choice for those looking to escape the city and fully immerse themselves in the natural wonder of the Banks Peninsula.

9. Bottle Lake Forest Park Tracks

• Distance: Various trails totaling 10+ km
• Duration: 1–3 hours (depending on chosen trail)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Starting Point: Waitikiri Drive, Burwood
• Highlights: Pine forest, coastal views, family-friendly

Bottle Lake Forest Park is a favorite spot for families, walkers, and mountain bikers. The park features a network of well-marked trails that meander through a peaceful pine forest and along the coastal dunes. There’s a range of trail options from short loops to longer, more challenging routes, making it ideal for all fitness levels. The park’s flat terrain and shaded paths make it perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll or an easy family outing.

10. Ōtamahua / Quail Island Loop Track

• Distance: 3 km loop
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Starting Point: Lyttelton Harbour (accessible by ferry)
• Highlights: Island views, historic sites, swimming spots

A short ferry ride from Lyttelton takes you to Ōtamahua / Quail Island, a scenic reserve with a fascinating history and beautiful landscapes. The loop track takes you around the island, passing remnants of historic quarantine stations and shipwrecks along the coast. You’ll also find safe swimming spots and picnic areas, making it an ideal destination for families. This easy walk is a unique Christchurch experience that combines history, nature, and panoramic views of Lyttelton Harbour.

Tips for Enjoying Christchurch’s Walking Tracks

• Bring Weather Gear: Christchurch weather can change quickly, especially on the Port Hills, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
• Stay Hydrated: Many tracks are exposed, particularly on the Port Hills, so bring enough water for longer walks.
• Watch for Wildlife: Some tracks are home to native wildlife, such as penguins and fur seals. Respect their space, observe from a distance, and don’t disturb them.
• Respect Historical Sites: Many tracks, like the Bridle Path, have significant historical value. Please respect memorials, ruins, and any posted guidelines.

Conclusion: Explore Christchurch on Foot

Whether you’re in the mood for a gentle riverside stroll, a historic pathway, or a rugged coastal hike, Christchurch has a walking track for you. With diverse trails that reveal the city’s landscapes, history, and wildlife, each journey offers a unique glimpse into the natural and cultural richness of the area. So lace up your hiking boots, pack a camera, and embark on an adventure to discover the best of Christchurch’s great outdoors.