The ultimate runners' guide to Christchurch

Explore Christchurch’s top running tracks and trails. From scenic riverside paths to challenging Port Hill climbs, find routes for every runner and ability.

Where to find the best flat running tracks in Christchurch

Ōtautahi Christchurch is a runner’s dream. With its flat city streets, beautiful parks and urban pathways, as well as the striking Banks Peninsula and its plethora of hilly trails, there’s a route for every pace and every goal. Whether you’re chasing a scenic riverside jog, a forest loop, or a hill climb with panoramic views, this guide covers the best running tracks and trails for all levels.

Te Ara Otakaro Avon River Trail

Follow one of Christchurch’s most iconic natural features, the Ōtākaro Avon River, as you run through the heart of the city and out to New Brighton Beach. The path is lovely and flat and offers a great sightseeing experience as you jog through several suburbs and green areas. There are some sections of dedicated path, some shared-use trails and some road sections, with lush green and river views in most sections. You can start at Oxford Terrace/Avonside Dr. (south bank) or Cambridge Terrace (north bank).

Distance: 12km one way, although can easily be shorter depending on your preference.
Terrain: Shared pathway, flat pavement with occasional sections of packed dirt.

Christchurch Coastal Pathway

The award-winning Christchurch Coastal Pathway is a 6.5km shared path linking the southeastern suburbs. It stretches from the Ferrymead Bridge to Scarborough Park at Sumner Beach. This pathway is a popular walking and running route, winding through Ferrymead, Redcliffs and Sumner with plenty of beautiful water views. Top tip, head out early morning for one of the best sunrise run routes in the city!

Distance: 6.5km one way.
Terrain: Shared path, flat pavement.

Hagley Park

The jewel in every Christchurch runner’s crown, Hagley Park is a paradise for those who like to run in a beautiful place while not venturing out of the city. Morning, lunch or evening, the central city park is always filled with joggers making the most of the lush park, multiple loop options and flat cruisy paths. There are also water fountains and toilets located in spots around the park.

Distance: A loop of North Hagley is about 4km, and South Hagley is about 3.6km. With endless options of figure eights and loops of the two parks, run distances can range making this a fantastic option for flexible distances.
Terrain: Flat pavement.

Where to find the best trail running in Christchurch

Bottle Lake Forest Blue Track

Sheltered and quiet, Bottle Lake Forest is an 800-hectare pine plantation filled with tracks for running, walking, cycling and even horse riding. Great for hot days thanks to shade of the trees, the forest offers a peaceful escape from road running with not a vehicle in site. The blue track is one of the route options recommended for runners. Located about 10km northeast from the central city makes it a great trail for weekend runs.

Distance: 8.8–11km loop
Terrain: Mostly flat with sandy sections and pine forest trails. Some undulation.

Heathcote River Trail

A cruisy run close to the city but with pockets of lush natural scenery, this trail follows the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River from Cashmere to Ferrymead. You’ll weave through parks and reserves and use shared paths throughout, so keep an eye on cyclists. This trail offers a great balance of scenic and urban, with birdlife and estuary views the closer you get to Ferrymead. Once in Ferrymead you have the option to continue out to Sumner Beach using the Coastal Pathway, an additional 6.5km.

Distance: Up to 14km but can be broken into shorter sections depending on your preference.
Terrain: Flat riverside paths, a mix of sealed paths and grass verges. An easy single track to follow.

Godley Head Loop

A popular local walking track also makes for a great trail run with some of the best views in Christchurch. Starting at Taylors Mistake Beach, the track loops around dramatic headlands with WWII gun emplacements and panoramic views of Lyttelton Harbour and Pegasus Bay. Due to its coastal location, the track can be exposed and windy at times and keep in mind there is nearly no shade on sunny days. A great option for an adventurous trail run if you are looking for some breathtaking scenery and a challenge for your legs.

Distance: The standard loop is 8–10km but can be extended up to 18km for those looking for longer.
Terrain: Coastal track with packed dirt, some steps and moderate climbs (300–650 m elevation gain).

Where to find the best challenging hill runs in Christchurch

Rapaki Track view over city walking back down the track

Rāpaki Track

A popular hill walk and run track that starts from Rapaki Road in Cashmere. With an elevation gain of about 250m, this is a solid cardio workout without too much technical difficulty. The gravel track is wide, steadily winding up and up, offering stunning views over Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains once you get to the top. The track is exposed and offers no shade on sunny days, and the gravel can get slippery so a good pair of trail shoes is a good call for this one.

Distance: 6km return (3km uphill, 3km back down)
Terrain: Wide gravel track, steady gradient, exposed hillside.

Kennedys Bush Track

For runners looking for a sustained climb alongside some epic views, Kennedys Bush Track offers both. Starting near Halswell Quarry, the track climbs to Summit Road, with an elevation gain of about 400m. You will be treated to stunning views over Lyttelton Harbour and the Canterbury Plains, while getting a good workout in for the legs. The track is relatively exposed so can be harsh on hot or windy days.

Distance: 8–9km return
Terrain: Wide 4WD farm track, steady incline, mostly packed dirt and gravel.

Port Hills and Kennedy's Bush and Ohinetahi CCC

Crater Rim Track

For a challenging and adventurous run, the Crater Rim Track is one of Christchurch’s finest. Traverse the Port Hills from Godley Head to Gebbies Pass, with a mega 1100m total ascent. The panoramic views of Lyttelton Harbour, Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps make it worth the burn, although be sure to go in prepared as the track is exposed and can get windy. Recommended for experienced runners and those looking for a couple of hours of hills under their feet.

Distance: Up to 27–28 km point-to-point, although can be broken into sections.
Terrain: A mix of easy, moderate and technical single track. Open ridgelines, tussock grasslands and volcanic rock.