Walking

2 April 2025

Top five short walks around Ōtautahi Christchurch

Photo opps from the top.

Group of friends walking on the Port Hills

Top five short walks with amazing views around Christchurch

Grab those sneakers and enjoy the awesome scenery that makes Ōtautahi such a special place to live.

Explore our native forests, mountains and gaze over our coastlines on the many short walks found in our backyard here in Christchurch.

Check out our pick of short walks — less than an hour’s walk from your car, with views that will take your breath away!

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 wetlands conservation area
While you’re here:
  • Check out the Kennedy’s Bush walks
  • Head to the Christchurch Adventure Park for a fun-filled afternoon
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Halswell Quarry Lookout

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
  • Grab a well-deserved coffee and a muffin from the Sign of the Kiwi Café
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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. Enjoy a frothy pint overlooking the harbour at the Wunderbar.

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Two women walking dogs on Port Hills
People sitting on the Riverbank near The Terrace.

City Promenade

Previously for vehicles, Oxford Terrace on the east side of the river is now a spacious paved area for everyone to enjoy, and you may even catch a glimpse of some eels! You will be able to see the national memorial to the victims of the Canterbury earthquake, city bars and restaurants, Victoria Square, the Town Hall, the Ferrier Fountain —shaped like dandelions, and the Bowker Fountain, which is the first illuminated electric fountain in Australasia. As you continue along the city promenade, you will eventually come across the world-renowned Margaret Mahy playground, a wonderland for children!

The details:
  • Time: 30 mins
  • Distance: 2km
  • Start at the Christchurch hospital
  • Finish on Barbadoes Street at the end of Margaret Mahy Playground
While you're here:

Explore the city shops and cafés, or for a longer walk, cross the river and take the Te Ara Trail all the way out to the estuary.

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Taylors Mistake to Godley Head

This track showcases some of Canterbury’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.

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Ladies enjoying a walk on Godley Head Track.
Antarctic Heritage Trust Husky Dogs

BONUS: Don’t forget… the city’s dog parks

If Buddy is driving you up the wall, why not check out the many dog parks scattered around Christchurch to burn off some doggy energy?

Dogs can exercise off the leash with other dogs and their owners at the many fenced dog parks in Christchurch.

There are dedicated dog parks and dog exercise areas. 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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