Top 5 Christchurch Walks

Find out about other walks in and around Christchurch from 10 minutes to a whole day, from coast to forest and tussocky hills (CCC).

Find accessible walks around Christchurch suitable for wheelchairs and buggies (CCC).

Get information about walks on Banks Peninsula (Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust).

Find out about local walking groups.

Find out about walkways and trails in one of Canterbury's Regional Parks:

Christchurch City Council Newsline: 26th September 2024

A new self-guided walking map takes users through central Christchurch to discover life in the city during the late 1800s.

The Ōtautahi Christchurch Central City Living History Walk helps people explore what life would have been like for the early settlers with a 2km fully pedestrianised tour around the central city. It focusses on the period when European settlers created the foundations of the city as we know it, changing the landscape forever.

The tour starts outside Tūranga before heading to Victoria Square, then follows the Ōtākaro Avon River to Cashel Street. It then loops up High Street to Cathedral Square and finishes back at Tūranga, and will take you about one hour.

Learn more about the Ōtautahi Christchurch Central City Living History Walk.

Discover the Guide to Community Walks by Nola Gazzard - a member of the Eastenders Walking Group. Nola has developed the guide for other walking groups and enthusiastic walkers to enjoy - a remarkable endeavour started in 2004.

The Eastenders Social Walking Group was established in 1996, and Nola joined in 1997. Due to unexpected personal circumstances, she rejoined again in 2001. Nola tried a few other groups but felt an instant connection with Eastenders due to their warm and friendly nature.

Initially, Nola developed the resource to assist the group with their weekly planning, as each week a different person leads the walk. By reducing the workload and stress associated with organizing and preparing for a walk, the resource has encouraged group members to take turns leading.

The resource now comprises of 65 primarily circular walks in and around Christchurch and others in North Canterbury (Kaiapoi, Rangiora, Leithfield, and Waikuku). The walks range from 4.7km to 11km with most between 6 to 8km. Useful sundry information is also included such as toilets and short return options. The comprehensive information within the resource helps address all queries.

Download The Eastenders Social Walking Group booklet of sixty-five mostly circular walks in Christchurch City [6.25MB PDF].

The guide will be reviewed periodically by the Eastenders Walking Groups to ensure it remains up to date, including any track damage or new walks that may arise.

A hut can be a great option for accommodation if you’re heading out on a family adventure. Staying in a hut is a quintessential Kiwi childhood experience. Many of us will recall the first time we stayed in a hut as a child - the sense of freedom, excitement and “getting back to basics”.

We are spoilt for choice in Canterbury when it comes to huts that are within easy reach of main centres. Banks Peninsula is a good place to start, with three delightful huts available that are well set-up for small children and family groups.

Download an information sheet about huts in Canterbury, including those on Banks Peninsula [PDF].

The NZ Mountain Safety Council has a FREE app called Plan My Walk designed to assist and encourage people to explore the great outdoors.

Taking the step from shorter walkers to something a little more challenging? You can use it to find tracks to explore and get prepared! You can also learn about the weather, a suggested gear list, and track reviews from fellow walkers to help you choose the right adventure for you.

View the web version of Plan My Walk.

Find out more about the Plan My Walk app, including where to download (Mountain Safety Council).