Spring
18 July 2026
Christchurch's best picnic spots
Discover the most picturesque picnic spots in Ōtautahi Christchurch. From the lush Botanic Gardens to the sunny bays of Lyttelton, find your next escape.
Where are the best picnic spots in Ōtautahi Christchurch?
Looking for the best picnic spots in Ōtautahi Christchurch? Whether you are planning a romantic afternoon, a family-friendly day out, or a coastal escape, Christchurch offers diverse outdoor spaces to lay down a rug.
From historic riverside gardens surrounded by spring flowers near the city centre, to panoramic Port Hills lookouts with views across to the Southern Alps, and the calm bays of Banks Peninsula, discover the best places to picnic, relax and explore in Christchurch.
What are the best delis in Christchurch for picnic food?
Half the fun of a great picnic is assembling the perfect spread. If you are wondering where to source delicious local treats, fresh produce, or a premium bottle of wine before you head out, here are the top spots around town to stock your basket:
Local farmers' markets: spend a Saturday morning gathering fresh, seasonal produce, artisan baked goods, and local cheeses at the iconic Christchurch Farmers' Market at historic Riccarton House or the bustling Lyttelton Farmers' Market.
Artisan specialists: graze the vibrant boutique stalls at Riverside Market in the central city for a massive array of international and local delicacies, or drop into Mediterranean Foods for incredible specialty cheeses, cured meats, and authentic deli finds.
Central supermarkets: for a quick, high-quality haul, visit the excellent deli and wine sections at central supermarkets such as New World or Fresh Choice. They offer a fantastic selection of ready-to-go grazing platters, fresh breads, and local Canterbury wines to complete your day out.
Where are the best inner-city parks & gardens for a picnic?
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are a lush green oasis in the heart of Christchurch, the perfect place for a romantic picnic amongst the trees, or for a family day out by the playground.
There’s always a quiet corner to sit, relax and listen to the birds sing.
Discover conservatories, blooming spring flower gardens and cherry blossom trees, paddling pools and playgrounds.
Key features: historic, sprawling lawns, vibrant seasonal rose gardens, a collection of indoor tropical conservatories that bloom year-round, and a paddling pool and playground area.
Mona Vale
If you're looking for another picnic spot closer to the city, Mona Vale is a delightful place to relax in peaceful surroundings.
Enjoy a garden of mature trees, sloping lawns and herbaceous borders.
The sheltered setting also showcases a number of impressive buildings of regional historic significance.
Set up by the river or under a tree and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Key features: a beautifully restored, heritage-listed Edwardian homestead, alongside manicured herbaceous borders, a vibrant rose garden, and a classic lily pond.
Riccarton House & Bush
Not far from the city centre is a hidden oasis, home to heritage buildings, lush forest and stunning gardens.
Grab some goodies from the Christchurch Farmers' Market and set up for a picnic under the shade or along the river to soak in the peaceful setting and beautiful birdsong.
Complete your experience with a tour of Riccarton House and Deans Cottage and learn about the fascinating history of the pioneering Deans family.
Key features: home to the beautifully restored 19th-century homestead and Deans Cottage, alongside Kahikatea 300, a protected, ancient 7.8-hectare remnant of primeval native podocarp forest. This spot is also where the Christchurch Farmers' Market is located.
Where are the best beach picnic spots in Christchurch?
Corsair Bay & Cass Bay
Corsair Bay and Cass Bay are situated on Banks Peninsula, just along from each other.
They both offer a peaceful and scenic setting for a seaside picnic, with calm waters and a family-friendly atmosphere.
The best part is the expansive grassy areas, so you can enjoy all the benefits of a beachside picnic without the sand.
Key features: large, gently sloping grass terraces that lead right down to the shoreline, safe swimming beaches, and calm, family-friendly waters protected from the open ocean. Both spots have recently upgraded their playgrounds, so there's lots of fun to be had on the play equipment.
Quail Island
Dust off the kayak and head over to Lyttelton, where you’ll discover the secrets of Quail Island.
Formerly a leprosy colony, the peaceful island is rich with history, wildlife and the small beaches make great picnic locations – especially if you're up for a swim.
Black Cat Cruises also run a daily Quail Island ferry service in the summer months, or rent a kayak from Lyttelton Kayaks.
Key features: a rich heritage network including old shipwrecks visible from the shore, the remains of a historic leprosy colony, and successful native bird sanctuary ecosystems.
Where are the best places on the Port Hills for a picnic?
Halswell Quarry
Located in the southwest of the city, Halswell Quarry is a beautifully restored historical site that blends rolling hills, walking tracks, and unique cultural spaces.
It is incredibly versatile, making it equally suited to large family gatherings and quiet weekend picnics on the grass.
Key features: BBQ facilities, dog park, and the Sister Cities gardens – a unique collection showcasing distinct plantings from Christchurch’s international partner cities.
Victoria Park
Perched on the lower slopes of the Port Hills, Victoria Park is one of the city's most popular and accessible hilltop escapes.
Offering a beautiful blend of manicured lawns, pine forests, and open hillsides, it is an exceptional spot to set up a family spread or unpack a picnic basket while taking in panoramic views across Christchurch and the Southern Alps.
Key features: a large, fully fenced children’s playground, a dedicated dog exercise park, and panoramic vantage points that look out across the city to the Southern Alps.
Where are the best family picnic spots in Christchurch?
Orton Bradley Park
Ideal for a day out with the whole family, Orton Bradley Park has everything you need; paddocks, creeks, native forest and plenty of rocks to climb, plus a large adventure playground.
Sit back and relax while the kids splash in the creeks and run wild in the paddocks.
Test your climbing and balancing skills when you scramble up Big Rock, the views across Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour are well worth the climb.
Key features: home to a historic, working waterwheel, heritage farm buildings, BBQ facilities, and an adventure playground, alongside vast open paddocks, clear freshwater creeks, a native arboretum, and the spectacular Big Rock climbing formation.
The Groynes
Situated in the northern part of the city, The Groynes is a massive, highly accessible aquatic parkland built around lakes and winding streams.
It is arguably the ultimate spot in town for a full day out with family or large groups who want plenty of activities.
Key features: packed with excellent outdoor infrastructure, including numerous covered picnic tables, free BBQ facilities, multiple playgrounds, and a dedicated dog park.
Spencer Park Beach
Located on the northern coast of the city near the Waimakariri River mouth, Spencer Park Beach is a large, action-packed regional parkland that transitions into a stunning pine-fringed sand beach.
It is an exceptional destination for a full-day family outing, offering sheltered park settings just a short stroll from the ocean surf.
Key features: an expansive, fully fenced children's adventure playground, a dedicated paddling pool for the summer months, BBQ facilities, and close proximity to Adrenalin Forest's high-ropes course.
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