Cruise Christchurch's Coastal Pathway
Christchurch City Council Newsline: 5th February 2025
More than four million cycling trips were made in Christchurch last year, can we beat that in 2025? Check out some of the city’s network of cycleways - first up Te Ara Ihutai Christchurch Coastal Pathway.
The Te Ara Ihutai Christchurch Coastal Pathway is arguably the most scenic bike ride in Ōtautahi. It winds along the water’s edge from the Ferrymead Bridge to Scarborough Park.
Over the 6.5km, watch the Avon-Heathcote Ihutai Estuary become the Pacific Ocean.
It’s a great day out whether you’re biking, walking, scootering, skateboarding or roller skating.
The route is popular, particularly on a sunny day so if you’ve got your dog with you, be sure to have it on the lead.
It’s around a half hour ride each way without stopping. But with plenty to see, stop and do, it’s worth taking your time.
Starting at Ferrymead, you ride past historic Penfold’s Cob Cottage, dating back to the early 1870s.
Then you head past the Mt Pleasant Community Centre along the causeway towards Redcliffs.
You’ll want to check the wind before heading out – this section can be a tough 1km cycle if a Christchurch easterly is blowing.
But it’s also a great spot for bird watching with more than 21 different birds calling the Estuary home from the royal spoonbill kōtuku ngutupapa and scaup pāpango to the oyster catcher tōrea and pied stilt poaka.
Or you might even be lucky enough to see a seal sleeping on a rock.
The path follows the water behind the new Te Raekura Redcliffs School, eventually wrapping back to Redcliffs Village slowly meandering past the shops – a perfect place to stop if you need to refuel.
The start of next section is marked by a pou by Ngāi Tahu carver Fayne Robinson, taking you around Moncks Bay, past the Christchurch Yacht Club and cantilevered out over the water.
On a still day, it’s particularly idyllic.
Carrying on around the corner, you finally meet the Pacific Ocean at Sumner Beach and the sights don’t stop.
Rapanui Shag Rock comes into view, Tuawera Cave Rock grows bigger in the distance.
You can hop off at Sumner Surf Life Saving Club and head into the the village to make the most of the endless hospitality options, or head to Matuku Takotako Sumner Centre to check out the library.
The path continues its final stretch down the recently upgraded Esplanade along to Scarborough.
That’s when the 6.5km comes to an end at the iconic clocktower and playground.
After a break, an ice cream at least, turn around and do it all over again - hopefully with a tail wind home.