Ōtautahi Christchurch winter walking itinerary

From the sea, to city, to the hills — discover the best winter walks in Christchurch with this fun one-day walking guide.

Influencer Laura Waddell standing on the Port Hills facing the sun with her arms in the air

What are the best winter walks in Christchurch?

There’s a stunning variety of walking tracks in Ōtautahi Christchurch, which offers a balance of city strolls or the more challenging terrain of the Port Hills. Everything’s close, from the city to the hills and the beach beyond.

If you’re looking to explore the city and boost your winter wellness, this relaxed walking itinerary offers a great day out. See the sights from the sea to the hills and a few green spaces in between. Pack a warm layer, bring your thermos, and let’s go.

New Brighton Pier at sunrise with seagulls on the shore

Influencer, Laura Waddell exploring the glasshouse at Mona Vale

City strolls — Christchurch's best urban walks

Popular sunrise walk? New Brighton Beach & Estuary Edge

Catch the sunrise with a walk along New Brighton Beach. The expansive views, coastal breeze and sound of crashing waves will get your day off to an invigorating start. Take in the scenery from the iconic New Brighton Pier, then walk south along Marine Parade. The boardwalk over the estuary takes you through salt marshes with mountain views. Afterwards, grab a coffee at Saturdays Café. This will take you back to your starting point at New Brighton Pier, just steps from the sand and perfect for warming up before heading back into the city.

At a glance:

Duration: 1 hr 40 mins
Distance: 6 km
Difficulty: Easy coastal walk
Start location: New Brighton Pier, Marine Parade
Route: Along the pier and beach to the Estuary Edge Walk on Ebbtide Street via Caspian Street

Mid-morning park wander? Hagley Park & the Christchurch Botanic Gardens

In central Christchurch, Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens are easy options for a gentle walk along the Ōtākaro Avon River. The Botanic Gardens are beautiful year-round and maintain a variety of lush plant habitats from native forest and water garden to bountiful winter blooms and sculptures. The paths are flat and wide, great for walking with friends, kids, or dogs. If you're looking for a snack or second coffee take in the light and airy architecture of café Ilex or visit Frances Nation café and store in the Arts Centre across the road.

At a glance:

Duration: 2 hrs
Distance: 7 km
Difficulty: Flat, accessible
Start location: Large carpark in the Botanic Gardens off Armagh Street (central location)
Route: Walk through the Botanic Gardens and connect to multiple tracks leading to North and South Hagley Park

Late morning native forest escape? Riccarton Bush

From Hagley Park, it’s a short drive or easy bike ride to Riccarton Bush, a protected native forest right in the suburbs. It’s one of the few spots in the city where you can walk through old-growth kahikatea trees. The loop track is ideal for a slower, more mindful walk. If you happen to be walking on a Saturday, you can enjoy the Riccarton Farmers' Market — a great place for picking up something fresh and local to fuel the rest of the day.

At a glance:

Duration: 30–40 mins
Distance: 2 km loop
Difficulty: Sheltered bush walk
Start location: Riccarton House carpark, Kahu Road

Best riverside & garden walk? Mona Vale

Mona Vale is just a few minutes from Riccarton Bush and offers a scenic walk alongside the Ōtākaro Avon River amid manicured gardens. The Mona Vale Homestead Restaurant is an idyllic spot to stop for a treat as you look out over the river. The gardens there are especially nice in the cooler months, with fewer people and lots of colourful winter blooms.

At a glance:

Duration: 40 mins return
Distance: 2 km
Difficulty: Scenic gardens
Start location: Mona Vale Homestead carpark, Mona Vale Ave

Port Hills adventures — scenic Christchurch hikes

Hill walk with a view? Rāpaki Track

If you’re looking to explore higher ground, it’s time to tackle one of the Port Hills tracks. The Rāpaki Track is a local favourite. It’s a steady uphill walk and the views over Lyttelton Harbour are worth the effort, especially with the winter sun low in the sky. It can be windy at the top, so pack a warm layer or windbreaker.

At a glance:

Duration: 2 hrs return
Distance: 7 km
Difficulty: Moderate uphill
Start location: Parking on Rāpaki Road or nearby roads

Prefer a coastal walk? Godley Head coastal clifftop trail

For a more coastal option, Godley Head is a longer walk with open views over the cliffs and harbour. It’s a great option if you're after something a little more adventurous without leaving the city. On clear days, you’ll get great views back over the city and across to the Southern Alps.

At a glance:

Duration: 2 hrs return
Distance: 7 km
Difficulty: Open coastal track
Start location: Carpark at the end of Godley Head Road or at Taylors Mistake Beach

Great place to catch the sunset? The Port Hills

As the day winds down, find a quiet spot to take in the sunset on the Port Hills. There are lots of places to stop along the Summit Road, near the top of Rāpaki, or even the lookout near the Sign of the Kiwi. Watching the light drop over the city and out to the sea is a memorable way to end an adventurous day out.