Walking
26 September 2025
Te Ara Ihutai Christchurch Coastal pathway is a 6.5km shared-use path that connects the communities between Ferrymead Bridge and Sumner along the Estuary. As you explore this shared-use path, you can listen to a series of audio stories that will enrich your journey.
beginnings
Local residents have dreamed of building a pathway along the estuary for 50 years, but planning began in earnest after the 2011 earthquake damaged sections of the road linking Ferrymead to Sumner. Construction of the first section started in 2012.
The wide pathway offers a safe, off-road option for pedestrians, cyclists, skateboards, and people using scooters, wheelchairs and pushing strollers.
What to see
Along the Te Ara Ihutai Christchurch Coastal pathway, you can listen to audio files at each stop and immerse yourself in the natural and cultural history of the area.
Learn about the biological significance of Te Ihutai Avon Heathcote Estuary.
Start walking south on from Scott's Reserve to hear about the grassroots development of Te Ara Ihutai Christchurch Coastal Pathway and some of the ecological features of the estuary.
Next Stop: Head east along the pathway to the Mt Pleasant Community Centre
Head into the foyer of the Mt Pleasant Community Centre to hear about the history of this community-owned building.
Hear the history of this community owned facility - listen to the audio.
Next stop - Continue east along the pathway hugging the coastline to Redcliffs.
Learn about the archeological significance of this portion of the pathway.
"Walk the pathway around Redcliffs to hear about the archeological significance of this area.
Please note: Archaelogical sites are protected under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act, and it is illegal to modify or damage any archaeological site that pre-dates 1900 without an archaeological authority."
Next Stop - Continue along the costal pathway until you reach Shag Rock.
Hear facts about the estuary and the dangerous sand bar beyond.
Stand on the platform below the pathway to learn about the estuary mouth and sand bar.
Next stop - Continue walking along the pathway until you reach Gollans Point.
Learn about the signal towers on Cave Rock and how they helped ships enter the estuary safely.
Walk from Gollans Point towards Sumner and learn about the dangers to early colonial ships attempting to sail up the rivers to Christchurch.
Next stop - Continue following the path to Cave Rock.
Wander from the surf club to Cave Rock while you hear about Sumner in earlier days.
Explore Cave Rock
Walk from the Surf Club and then around to Cave Rock to hear about the times when weekenders would come from Christchurch via tram.
Next Stop - Continue along the Esplanade to Sumner Clock Tower.
Walk the esplanade to clock tower while learning about historic storms and structures.
Walk down The Esplanade towards the clock tower to hear about the surf club that used to sit here and the old saltwater baths that used to be at the far end of the beach.
About
The coastal pathway runs from Ferrymead Bridge to Scarborough Park.
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