Walking

24 August 2026

Walking & hiking tracks in Christchurch

Explore the unique landscapes of Ōtautahi by foot. With so many tracks close to the city, it’s easy to step outside and enjoy the fresh air, open spaces, and stunning scenery that make Christchurch the perfect walkable city.

Family hiking the Godley Head Track with Crater Rim Walks
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What are the best walking & hiking tracks in Ōtautahi?

Christchurch is a city for walking, especially in Spring.

Enjoy relaxed seaside strolls, wander through quiet forests and thriving inner-city parks, or take on a hill track for stunning views over the city and coastline. With so many options close by, it’s easy to get outside and enjoy Ōtautahi's natural beauty — including the spring blooms.

Many of these tracks and paths are also great for running if you want to up the pace a little. Check out our running guide to the best spots for a run around Christchurch.

Forest & park walks

Christchurch’s forest and park walks offer peaceful, easy‑to‑access trails through leafy reserves, riverside paths, and shaded woodlands perfect for relaxed exploring.

Man walking dog at Bottle Lake Forest
Image credit: Aaron Campbell Photography

Bottle Lake Forest (Blue Track)

Bottle Lake is an exotic pine forest of approximately 800 hectares. Tracks include long and short options to suit all ages and levels of fitness.

Forest walks can be cool and shady on a hot day, with a lot of birdlife.

Duration of walk: The Blue Track is 11.4km in length and is fairly flat, so it should take around 1.5 - 2 hours.

Start location: The main entrance and car park for Bottle Lake Forest is from Waitikiri Drive, off Burwood Road, via either Marshlands or Burwood. There is also access from Spencer Park and from North Shore along the Southern Pegasus Bay Track. The Blue Track start is clearly marked and begins about 200 metres from the main carpark.

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Halswell Quarry walks

Halswell Quarry played a major role in the development of Christchurch.

It ceased production in 1990 after 140 years of quarrying and features six sister city gardens and a Canterbury botanical collection.

This unique 60.4-hectare park offers an unusual combination of recreational walks and historic sites.

Duration of walk: Various walks ranging from 5 - 40 minutes, with the opportunity to combine walks.

Start location: All walks can be accessed from the carpark off Kennedys Bush Road.

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Halswell Quarry Lookout
Spencer Park children jumping on the bounce pad

Spencer Park walks

The network of walking tracks winds through forest, wetlands, and open grassy areas, offering plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy the surroundings.

Considerable native planting has attracted many birds to the area, with sheltered picnic areas available to book.

The beach is a short walk away, with a Surf Life Saving club operating in the summer months.

Duration of walk: 1 - 10km tracks.

Start location: Begin from the main Spencer Park car park off Heyders Road, with tracks accessible throughout the park and adjacent beach area.

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Hagley Park

Walk alongside the peaceful Ōtākaro Avon River and explore Christchurch's iconic inner-city park.

In spring, colourful blossoms and flowering garden beds bring the park to life, making it one of the city's most picturesque places for a stroll.

Take time to visit the Peace Bell, Central Rose Garden and Conservatories, especially in spring when vibrant blooms are at their best.

Duration of walk: There are a number of tracks linking North & South Hagley Park with the Botanic Gardens at the heart. A full loop is roughly 7km and will take about 2 hours to walk.

Start location: There is a carpark off Armagh Street, which is a good location for starting the walk.

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Styx Mill

The reserve extends along the Styx River for nearly 1.6km which provides a lovely setting for walks and recreation.

There are 10 species of freshwater fish, approximately 46 bird species to be seen and an important spawning ground. A viewing platform makes a good place for fish and bird spotting.

Duration of walk: A number of walks in the reserve, with Panako Walkway being popular. It is a 40-minute walk within the reserve.

Start location: Start from the Hussey Road carpark.

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What are the best hill walks with views in Christchurch?

Get the blood pumping on these popular hill walks. Enjoy panoramic views of the city, Southern Alps and learn about the history of the early settlers to the region.


View over Christchurch City from the Christchurch Gondola

Bridle Path

First constructed in 1850, this historic route was used by Canterbury's first European settlers travelling between Lyttelton and Christchurch.

While the track is steep in places, the spectacular views over Christchurch, the Southern Alps, Lyttelton Harbour, and Banks Peninsula make the climb well worthwhile.

Along the way, you'll find a number of memorial seats and a stone shelter at the summit, built to commemorate the pioneering women of Canterbury.

If you'd prefer to walk one way, the number 28 bus runs between Lyttelton and the city via Heathcote.

Duration of walk: 4.8km track, 2-hour return.

Start location: Either start on the city side from the Bridle Path carpark, just below the Christchurch Gondola, or Lyttelton side from Bridle Path Road.

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Rāpaki Track

One of Christchurch's most popular walks, the Rāpaki Track offers a rewarding climb through the Port Hills with spectacular views along the way.

Although steep in places, the well-maintained track is accessible to a wide range of walkers and is suitable for off-road prams.

As you gain elevation, you'll be treated to sweeping views across Christchurch, the estuaries, and the Pacific Ocean.

At the top, Summit Road opens up stunning vistas over Banks Peninsula and provides easy access to a network of other walking tracks for those wanting to extend their adventure.

Duration of walk: 7km, 2 hours return.

Start location: Parking on Rāpaki Road or nearby roads.

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Rapaki Track view over city walking back down the track
Patrons dinging outside at the Sign of the Kiwi cafe
Roady

Victoria Park - Harry Ell Walkway

Victoria Park is one of the top places to explore the Port Hills, with a network of walking tracks offering panoramic views across Christchurch, the Southern Alps, and Banks Peninsula.

Walkers can choose from a range of short and longer routes, with options to connect to neighbouring tracks throughout the hills.

The Harry Ell Walkway is one of Victoria Park's most popular tracks, with a steady, gradual incline that's not too steep.

Duration of walk: 2 hours, 4km distance.

Start location: A number of entry points, but a good carpark at Victoria Park Visitor Centre.

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Kennedy's Bush Track

The track follows a wide 4WD trail, starting with a steady climb before levelling out and continuing to Summit Road.

As you gain elevation, impressive views begin to open up across the Port Hills.

At the top, it's well worth crossing over to the Crater Rim Walkway for stunning views across Lyttelton Harbour, Banks Peninsula, and back towards Christchurch.

Duration of walk: 5.3km, 1 hour one way.

Start location: Start at Halswell Quarry or at the end of Kennedys Bush Road.

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People looking at the harbour views from a road on the Port Hills
Roady
Two people sitting in the Barnett Park cave looking at the view

Barnett Park

A popular Port Hills walking area with a network of tracks leading through native bush, open grassland, and up to panoramic views over Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour and the city.

Walks can be tailored to suit different fitness levels, with options to connect to the Crater Rim Track for longer adventures.

Duration of walk: Various options ranging from approximately 30 minutes to 3+ hours.

Start location: Barnett Park carpark, Main Road, Redcliffs.

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Ahuriri - Crater Rim: Sign of the Bellbird

Head along Summit Road to reach the saddle on the southern side of Cass Peak Reserve, where a cattle grid marks the entrance to the track.

Take in sweeping views across Christchurch and out to the Southern Alps before descending into Ahuriri Reserve, a secluded pocket of native bush on the plains side of the ridge.

Carefully fenced and protected, the reserve has retained a healthy understory and is home to some magnificent old native trees.

Duration of walk: 8km and 3 hours return.

Start location: Sign of the Bellbird or Summit Road.

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Crater Rim Walkway - Sign of the Kiwi to Sign of the Bellbird views over Lyttelton Harbour
CCC

What are the top coastal & wetland walks in Christchurch?

Pack a picnic and enjoy a great variety of coastal and wetland walks around the city of Christchurch. Highlights include stunning coastal scenery and many opportunities to view a vast range of wildlife.

Taylors Mistake - Godley Head

One of Christchurch’s most iconic coastal walks, the Taylors Mistake to Godley Head Track combines dramatic ocean views, fascinating history, and rugged natural beauty.

Follow the well-maintained trail along the clifftops, where panoramic views stretch across Pegasus Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and back towards the city and Southern Alps on a clear day.

Duration of walk: 7km, 3-hour round trip.

Start location: There is a carpark at the end of Godley Head Road and also at Taylor's Mistake Beach.

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Otamahua/Quail Island

Explore one of the most historically significant islands in Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour.

The walking track circles the island, passing sheltered bays, sweeping harbour viewpoints, and a number of interpretive panels that share stories of Otamahua's rich history and ecological restoration.

In the warmer months, the island's calm bays are ideal for swimming, picnicking, and relaxing after your walk.

Duration of walk: 2 hours 30 minutes return.

Start location: Quail Island is located within Lyttelton Harbour and can be accessed only by boat. There are ferries running daily in the summer months from Lyttelton.

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Quail Island Beach
Travis Wetland lookout

Travis Wetland

One of Christchurch's most important freshwater wetland reserves, Travis Wetland offers a peaceful escape into a unique natural environment.

It's a special place to view wildlife, with over 50 species of birds, indigenous skinks, native shortfin eels/tuna and the Canterbury mudfish/kowaro.

Suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs as it is a good, gravelled path.

Duration of walk: The loop is approximately 4k and will take 1 hour to complete.

Start location: The main carpark and access is located at the end of Beach Road, or there is also an alternative entrance on Mairehau Road.

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Southern Pegasus Bay Track

Stretching along Christchurch's wild coastline, the Southern Pegasus Bay Track offers a scenic journey through dunes, wetlands, coastal reserves, and beachside landscapes.

Keep an eye out for native birdlife along the way, particularly around the Southshore Spit Reserve and nearby estuary habitats.

Duration of walk: The track is approximately 14.5km in length, 3.5 hours.

Start location: Multiple entrances: Spencer Park Surf Club, Broad Park or Southshore Spit.

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Women walking the Southern Pegasus Walkway
ccc parks

The Christchurch 360 Trail

The Christchurch 360 Trail is a 135km long trail encircling the city of Christchurch. Fondly referred to as The Meurky Walk (in honour of its inventor) - it links up many existing tracks and urban routes.




Walk highlights include:

  • Marshes & wetlands
  • Dry Savannah ecosystems
  • Verdant bush remnants
  • Hilltop of the Crater Rim
  • Items of historical & cultural interest

There are eight sections of the trail all ranging in length from 4-5 hour walks to 9-10 hours.

Eight sections include:

  • Leg 1 - Godley Cliffs 16km (7 - 8 hour walk)
  • Leg 2 - Estuary Marshes 19km (7 - 8 hour walk)
  • Leg 3 - Dunes Wetlands 16km (6 - 7 hour walk)
  • Leg 4 - Brooklands Mouth 10km (4 -5 hour walk)
  • Leg 5 - Waimakariri Braids 20km (7 - 8 hour walk)
  • Leg 6 - Avonhead Gardens 24km (9 - 10 hour walk)
  • Leg 7 - Opawaho Divide 16km (6 - 7 hour walk)
  • Leg 8 - Sugarloaf Hills 18km (8 - 9 hour walk)
Discover the 360 trail

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