Nature
12 March 2025
Summer is the best time to get out there and enjoy Ōtautahi's natural playground - and our beaches are a great place to spend a day with the whānau.With so many beaches to choose from, you'll have plenty of space to spread out!
Whether you love a game of beach cricket and splashing in the waves, or you're more of a lay on the beach with a good book type, you'll find the perfect one with this list of our favourite beaches in and around Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Sumner is a beautiful beachside community where you'll find Sumner Beach and Scarborough Beach. Surfing and paddleboarding are popular at Scarborough Beach, with learn-to-surf schools set up on the esplanade for those wanting to give it a go. Both beaches are popular for swimming, attracting many beachgoers on a hot summer's day. There's plenty of sand on Sumner Beach, perfect for laying in the sun or beach activities, while you'll find a playground complete with a paddling pool in Scarborough. If you feel like a walk, the beach promenade connecting the two is perfect for a stroll. Top the day off with a delicious ice cream from one of the many ice cream shops in the area.
Take the number 3 Metro bus to Sumner.
Taylors Mistake is the ideal beach for surfing. Situated close to the Godley Head Walkway, the area is also popular with runners, walkers, and bikers. The tracks along the coast offer stunning views, with wildlife spotting guaranteed. After your workout, the beach is a great place to take a quick dip in the cool water and dry off in the warm sun.
Take the number 3 Metro bus to Sumner, then take the Flowers Track and the Taylors Mistake Track (about 1 hour one way) from Scarborough Beach over the hill to Taylors Mistake.
Famous for its pier and sea view library, New Brighton Beach is a water sports lover's dream and you'll often see surfers and paddleboarders out enjoying the water. The beachside playground and splash area and He Puna Taimoana hot pools are popular meeting areas in this fun and unique neighbourhood. A range of family-friendly events are put on throughout the year at New Brighton Beach with a real sense of community, including the always popular Kite Day in January!
Take the number 5 Metro bus to New Brighton
Waimairi Beach is a popular surfing and kite surfing spot. Its long stretch of beach is popular for walking and there are many walking tracks that surround the beach, including the Southern Pegasus Bay Track and Waitākiri/Bottle Lake Forest Park.
Broad Park offers shady picnic spots and a large kids' playground, while the nearby Waimairi Beach Golf Club has an 18-hole, par 72 course on 44 hectares open to the public.
Take the number 80 Metro bus to Aston Drive, then walk down Beach Road to the beach entrance.
Spencer Park Beach is a great place for a family day trip or a weekend stay at the nearby holiday park.
Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including swimming, picnicking, walking, and biking on this long beach. The park itself provides ample green spaces for relaxation, and there are great facilities for barbecues and family gatherings, including a children's adventure playground and paddling pool.
If you're up for a longer walk, Brooklands Lagoon Walk and the coastal path are great, especially interesting for bird-watching.
Adrenalin Forest Christchurch is also located in Spencer Park if you are up for a bit of adventure!
Woodend Beach is popular and safe for swimming, surfing, walking, running, and horse riding because of its long stretch of sand. The playground area is a favourite location for picnics.
Getting there by bus:
Blue Line to Kaiapoi and then bus # 951 Kaiapoi/Pegasus.
Waikuku Beach is another long beach great for fishing, kitesurfing, horse riding, or simply spending a day out with family and friends. The domain has a playground, paddling pool, flying fox, tennis court, basketball court, and a skateboard area. Many people also camp at the holiday park or explore the forest walks. With 5 different golf courses located close by, there's definitely something for everyone!
Blue Line to Kaiapoi and then bus # 951 Kaiapoi/Pegasus
Corsair Bay is a beautiful bay only a few minutes’ drive from Lyttelton and is the perfect place for a relaxing family picnic. Swim out to the pontoon or sunbathe in the grass while watching the kids play in the shallow water. There is no better way to spend a summer day!
Take the purple Line to Sumner change onto 535 Lyttelton/Rapaki.
There are so many beautiful beaches and bays nestled throughout the Banks Peninsula and Akaroa. The area is very popular for fishing and boating. Throw yourself into the water off Daly's Wharf or go for a drive to explore the outer bays. Enjoy the cute restaurants & cafés along the waterfront in Akaroa, perfect for drinks and nibbles after a leisurely day.
Bus tickets to Akaroa can be booked via Intercity.
Make sure you're aware of the beach rules in New Zealand before heading out. If you're unfamiliar with ocean swimming or not a strong swimmer, stay between the flags and choose beaches with lifeguards on duty.
Learn more from Water Safety New Zealand.
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