Walking
10 March 2026
Top five short walks around Ōtautahi Christchurch
Discover five of the best short walks in Ōtautahi Christchurch. From native forests to stunning coastal views, find the perfect trail for your next adventure.
Where are the best short walks with amazing views around Christchurch?
Looking for the perfect outdoor escape?
Discover the best short walks in Ōtautahi Christchurch, where rugged volcanic trails and serene coastal paths are just minutes from the city centre.
Whether you’re seeking panoramic views of the Southern Alps from the Port Hills or a relaxing stroll through lush native bush, these five accessible tracks showcase the very best of our city's natural beauty.
What are the best short coastal walks in Christchurch?
Taylors Mistake to Godley Head
This track showcases some of Christchurch's most stunning coastal views, a penguin colony, historic baches and a slice of New Zealand’s military history.
Your journey begins at Taylors Mistake beach — which is a popular surf break and a great spot for summer picnics — and be sure to keep an eye out for seabirds, white-flippered penguins, rare Hector’s dolphins, seals, and whales!
The area also served as a WWII coastal defence site, featuring gun emplacements, old military structures, and tunnels.
The details:
- Time: 3hrs return
- Start and finish at Taylors Mistake car park
- Dogs must be kept on a leash
- Toilets located at Taylors Mistake car park and Godley Head car park
While you're here:
When you reach Boulder Bay on your walk, it is worth detouring down to the baches lining the rocky beach.
The history of the characterful baches dates back to the 1880s, when fishermen started building up the mouths of caves to provide shelter for their weekend fishing.
Barnett Park, Redcliffs
Nestled in the heart of Redcliffs, Barnett Park offers a versatile escape with a mix of open valley floor and rugged cliffside trails.
The highlight of this area is the impressive Barnett Park Cave Loop Track, where you can take in the geological history of the area and enjoy views looking back across the estuary.
It’s a favourite for locals seeking a quick nature fix with a touch of adventure.
The details:
- Time: 45 mins return loop
- Start/finish: main car park at the end of Bayview Road
- Features: impressive natural caves, a waterfall (after rain), and elevated views of Moncks Bay
- Dogs: on-leash on the walking tracks; however, the main flat park area is a popular off-leash exercise spot
While you’re here:
Head just down the road to Redcliffs Village for a post-walk coffee and pastry at The Lil Brew.
If you have kids in tow, the large flat fields at the base of the park are perfect for a game of frisbee or a picnic.
What are the best short walks in the Port Hills?
Rāpaki Track
Nestled on the picturesque Port Hills, this track is renowned for its breathtaking views and attracts a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts, from seasoned hikers and casual walkers to thrill-seeking mountain bikers.
Experience the stunning views of the Lyttelton Harbour on the Rāpaki Track and immerse yourself in the volcanic peaks and ridges of the Banks Peninsula.
The details:
- Time: 45 min one way
- Distance: 3.5km
- Start at the junction of Rāpaki Road and Centaurus Road in Hillsborough
- Finish at Rāpaki Track car park on Summit Road
- Dogs must be kept on a leash
While you're here:
Check out the Lyttelton Farmers’ Market every Saturday from 10am to 1pm, or enjoy a frothy pint overlooking the harbour at the Wunderbar.
Harry Ell Track
Explore the native and exotic woodland on the Harry Ell Track, located on the Christchurch Port Hills, with your whole family, including your furry friends!
You can begin your adventure from various points and enjoy the beautiful scenery, ranging from open areas that offer stunning views of the city to bushy areas that are home to native birds.
Along the Harry Ell Track, you'll find plenty of spots to rest and take in the stunning views to make it easily accessible for everyone.
The details:
- Time: 45 min one way
- Distance: 3km
- Start at the Sign of the Takahe
- Finish at the Sign of the Kiwi
- Toilets are located at Victoria Park and the Sign of the Kiwi
- Dogs must be kept on a leash
While you're here:
Continue your walk along the many different walking paths around the Crater Rim Walkway or grab a well-deserved coffee and a muffin from the Sign of the Kiwi Café.
What is an easy walk for families?
Quarry Rim Track, Halswell
Stand atop the historic Halswell Quarry in southwest Christchurch and enjoy the stunning views of the mighty Southern Alps beyond.
Halswell Quarry offers a fun day out for friends, family and pets with its many tracks, historic sites and six sister-city gardens.
The Quarry Rim Track is a rewarding trail with dramatic panoramic views, suitable for all ages and dogs on leashes.
The details:
- Time: 40 mins return loop
- Start at the main car park loop
- Views of southwest Christchurch and the Southern Alps stretching the skyline
- Dogs on-leash. Unfenced dog exercise park where dogs can be off the leash, but under effective control
- Dogs are prohibited from the wetland's conservation area
While you’re here:
Check out the Kennedy’s Bush walks, or head to the Christchurch Adventure Park for a fun-filled afternoon of mountain biking.
Where are the best dog-friendly walking tracks in Christchurch?
Christchurch is a dog-friendly city with a vast network of parks and open spaces designed for both on-leash adventures and off-leash play.
While many of our popular native bush and hill tracks require dogs to be leashed to protect local wildlife and ensure the safety of other walkers, there are many dedicated dog parks across the city.
Here, dogs can exercise off the leash with other dogs and their owners in a specialised fenced area.
Some parks have agility equipment, doggy doo disposal bins and spots for your pups to have a dip.
Check out the Christchurch City Council for more information on exercising dogs and dog parks.
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