.jpg)
Where is Christchurch?
Nestled on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, Christchurch stands as the island's largest city and the country's third-largest urban area. This city, renowned for its English heritage and the nickname "Garden City," due to its expansive, beautifully maintained gardens and parks, is a perfect starting point for a New Zealand itinerary exploring the South Island.
What’s Christchurch known for?
Christchurch is where natural splendour meets rich culture. Beyond its verdant parks and English legacy, the city shines for its:
-
Stunning Natural Scenery: Home to vast parks and the stunning Banks Peninsula, it's a playground for outdoor lovers.
-
Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene: Features a wealth of galleries, museums, and venues, highlighting its creative vibrancy.
-
Resilience and Community Spirit: Known for its strong, united response to the 2011 earthquakes, showcasing remarkable recovery and rebirth.
-
Adventure Gateway: Serves as the perfect base for a South Island New Zealand itinerary, from skiing to whale watching.
-
Rich Heritage: Displays a mix of Māori and European history, evident in its architecture and public spaces.
The best way to explore Christchurch
To truly embrace the freedom Christchurch and its surroundings offer, there's no better way than setting off in a campervan. This mode of travel not only provides the flexibility to explore at your own pace but also ensures that every sunrise can greet you with a new backdrop directly from the doorstep of your motorhome. With campervan hire, every stop and every discovery through Christchurch is uniquely yours. For more tips on exploring this region in a campervan, check out our top guides and itineraries for exploring this region:
11 of the Best Walks and Hikes Near Christchurch
In the following sections, we'll introduce you to 11 of the most captivating walks and hikes near Christchurch. Each trail offers a unique perspective of the region's diverse landscapes, from coastal vistas to lush forest pathways – any of these walks around Christchurch would be a perfect addition to a campervan travel itinerary through this otherworldly region.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
1. Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track
Walking Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
A short 30-minute drive from Christchurch leads you to the starting point of the Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track. This coastal walk near Christchurch promises breathtaking ocean views and the chance to observe the local wildlife, including seals and seabirds. This easy-to-moderate walk, taking approximately 3 hours to complete, not only offers scenic beauty but delves into New Zealand's history with WWII gun emplacements and fortifications dotting the trail. This walk near Christchurch is a must-visit for those looking for hikes near Christchurch with both a dash of natural beauty and a dose of local knowledge.
2. Devils Punchbowl Walking Track
Walking Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
For those seeking a mix of natural wonder and physical challenge, the Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track is a must-visit hike near Christchurch. It is in Arthur's Pass National Park, a scenic 2-hour drive from Christchurch. This track offers a moderately easy walk that leads you through a lush beech forest to the base of a stunning 131-meter waterfall. This beautiful walk near Christchurch is not only a feast for the eyes but also a refreshing escape into nature.
3. Kura Tawhiti Access Track
Walking Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Just a 90-minute drive from Christchurch is the Kura Tawhiti Access Track. This easy, short walk can be completed within an hour, making it perfect for a quick yet memorable day walk near Christchurch through one of the region's most unique landscapes. This unique track offers an extraordinary landscape of limestone rock formations (some of which are up to 30 metres high!), making this one of the most unique walks near Christchurch.
4. Rāpaki Track
Walking Time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
The Rāpaki Track is a local favourite for a good reason. Approximately a 20-minute drive from town leads you to this iconic walk near Christchurch, known for its panoramic views of Lyttelton Harbour and the surrounding countryside. This moderately challenging track takes about an hour and a half to complete, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a workout with a view.
5. Bottle Lake Forest (blue track)
Walking Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Just a 20-minute drive from Christchurch, Bottle Lake Forest offers a cool respite on hot days with its lush pine forest walks spanning over 800 hectares. The blue track, in particular, provides an easy walking path perfect for families or anyone looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst nature. This forest not only offers a serene walking environment but also serves as a green lung for the city, showcasing the diversity of walks Christchurch has in store.
6. Bridle Path walks and tracks
Walking Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Offering stunning views of Lyttelton Harbour, the Bridle Path is an iconic walk within the Port Hills, taking about an hour and a half to complete. This historic path, used by early European settlers, is more than just a hike; it's a journey through time. The path's moderate difficulty makes it accessible yet rewarding, with sweeping vistas that symbolise the pioneering spirit. Located just a 15-minute drive from Christchurch, it’s an easily accessible walk near Christchurch for a morning walk or to wrap up a day of exploring the other great things to do in Christchurch.
7. Mount Herbert Walkway/Te Ahu Patiki
Walking Time: 6 – 8 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Ambitious hikers will find the Mount Herbert Walkway/Te Ahu Patiki to be a rewarding challenge. About a 90-minute drive from Christchurch, this day hike near Christchurch is the pinnacle of scenic hikes in the region. Culminating in the highest peak on Banks Peninsula, this challenging hike offers spectacular views of the Peninsula and the Canterbury Plains, making the strenuous journey well worth the effort.
8. Victoria Park Walks and Tracks
Walking Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Victoria Park, a short 15-minute drive from Christchurch, offers a variety of walks catering to all fitness levels. Among these, the Tawhairaunui Trail stands out for its beauty and accessibility, presenting an opportunity for walkers to immerse themselves in the picturesque scenery of the Port Hills. These walks in Christchurch are perfect for anyone looking to experience the area's natural beauty without venturing far from the city. The park is an essential addition to any Christchurch travel itinerary.
9. Christchurch Botanical Garden River Walk
Walking Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Nestled in the heart of the city, the Christchurch Botanical Gardens offer a tranquil escape with their River Walk. This easy, accessible river walk in Chrichchurch is perfect for those staying in Christchurch short-term and looking to enjoy a peaceful stroll surrounded by lush plant life and the gentle flow of the Avon River. Just minutes from the city centre, it's a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of the area without the need for extensive travel.
10. Arthur's Pass National Park
Walking Time: 2 hours – 2+ days
Difficulty: Varies
Arthur's Pass National Park, a few hours' drive from Christchurch, is an alpine wonderland with a huge range of hikes. From dense beech forests to high mountain peaks, the park offers an adventure for every type of hiker. Whether you want a short tramp through the Bealey Valley Track or want to tackle the 2-day adventure of Casey Saddle, there are plenty of phenomenal walks to tackle. Best of all, its accessibility from Christchurch makes it an ideal destination for day hikes from Christchurch. No matter which you choose, these walks near Christchurch are a must-do for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the Southern Alps.
11. Te Ara Pātaka/Summit Walkway
Walking Time: 2 – 3 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
For those seeking a more extended hiking experience, the Te Ara Pātaka/Summit Walkway offers a 2-3 day trek along the ridgeline of the Port Hills. This challenging route provides panoramic views of Christchurch, the Southern Alps, and the Canterbury Plains, making it a highlight for serious hikers. Starting about a 90-minute drive from Christchurch, this walk rewards hikers with breathtaking vistas and a sense of accomplishment.
Where to stay in Christchurch
When planning your day hikes near Christchurch, choosing the right base is an important step. Christchurch offers several excellent options for staying in a campervan, providing easy access to the walks near Christchurch highlighted above.
North South Holiday Park
Located conveniently near the airport, North South Holiday Park is an ideal base for those exploring in a campervan. With a range of facilities, including kitchen facilities, a dump station and a heated outdoor swimming pool, it offers a comfortable and convenient stay. Its location and amenities make it a perfect starting point for your New Zealand road trip.
Christchurch Top 10 Holiday Park
Christchurch Top 10 Holiday Park, situated in Spencer Beach, offers a blend of beachside relaxation and close proximity to Christchurch's activities and attractions. With excellent facilities such as laundry, communal kitchen and free WiFi, it's an ideal spot for families and travellers looking to enjoy both the city and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
South Brighton Holiday Park
South Brighton Holiday Park offers a serene setting close to the beach, making it a perfect retreat after a day of hiking and exploring. This holiday park is not only close to some of the best walks around Christchurch but also offers easy access to the nearby Christchurch activities and attractions. With a range of facilities to accommodate campervans and other lodging needs, it provides a peaceful and relaxing environment for travellers.
Looking for other things to do in Christchurch?
Christchurch isn't just about stunning walks and natural beauty; it's a city rich in culinary delights, nighttime adventures, and romantic spots. To make the most of your visit, check out our top guides below:
-
Check out the Local Food: There are plenty of great local eateries in Christchurch. For more ideas, check out the full foodie’s guide to Christchurch for the best local eats.
-
Nighttime Adventures: If you're wondering what to do in Christchurch at night, we've got you covered with our list of top nighttime activities.
-
Romantic Activities: For those seeking a touch of romance, explore our recommendations for romantic things to do in Christchurch.
Ready to explore Christchurch?
Whether you're drawn to the serene beauty of the Botanical Gardens, the challenging peaks of Arthur's Pass, or the tranquil shores near your campervan park, it's clear that Christchurch serves as an unbeatable starting point for any New Zealand road trip. Ready to start exploring Christchurch?
Book your maui motorhome online and pick it up from any maui branch to begin your journey through the heart of New Zealand's South Island. With the freedom of a campervan, every destination is within reach, from the coastal tracks of Godley Head to the alpine paths of Te Ara Pātaka. Christchurch awaits.