Below is a list of the top and leading Bush Walks in Christchurch. To help you find the best Bush Walks located near you in Christchurch, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Christchurch’s Best Bush Walks:
The top rated Bush Walks in Christchurch are:
- Riccarton House and Bush – a lovely bush walk located at Christchurch
- Victoria Park – presents majestic views of surrounding areas
- Travis Wetland Nature Heritage Park – home to numerous wetland plants and birds
- Rapaki Track – an exposed walking track offering a glimpse of Harbour areas
- Eastenders Track – a popular spot for walkers and hikers
Riccarton House and Bush
Riccarton House and Bush is a popular track in Christchurch, New Zealand featuring two historic building sites, gardens and open parkland. The bush track offers a view of the Avon/Ōtākaro River and a lush growth of kahikatea trees aged up to 600 years old. It is a 12-hectare reserve close to the city centre presenting the perfect spot for family bonding and relaxation to city residents. Popular areas housed within the bush track are the Riccarton Bush and Deans Cottage.
Products/Services:
Historic Homestead, Deans Cottage, Native Bush Putaringamotu Guided Walks
LOCATION:
Address: Fendalton, Christchurch 8041
Phone: (433) 411-018
Website: www.riccartonhouse.co.nz
REVIEWS:
“Beautiful place, a little gem of paradise nestled away in the heart of Riccarton. I highly recommend people check it out. Feels like you are right in the West Coast when you enter the reserve.” –Josh From Aotearoa
Victoria Park
Victoria Park can be accessed via the Sign of Takahe, Sign of The Kiwi and the main Victoria car park. It is a hiking area providing a glimpse of popular scenic spots like the Southern Alps, Canterbury Plains and Pegasus Bay. Amenities inside include a children’s playground, cross-country and downhill mountain bike tracks and walking tracks. It is a beloved bushwalk of Christchurch residents due to its simple tracks making it ideal for all members of the family. Each hike would be different from the previous with a lot of tracks to choose from.
Products/Services:
Tawhairaunui Trail, Sugarloaf Circuit, Coronation Hill, Harry Ell, Latters Spur Track, Mitchells Track, Gilpins Track, Cedrics Track, Thomsons Track
LOCATION:
Address: Victoria Park Road, Cashmere, Christchurch 8022
Phone: (439) 418-999
Website: www.ccc.govt.nz/victoria-park-walks-and-tracks
REVIEWS:
“What a great spot high in the hills of Cashmere with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, multiple walks, picnic areas and playground. Great for dogs with allocated exercise areas too and all just minutes away from the City.” –Mark Christopher
Travis Wetland Nature Heritage Park
Travis Wetland Nature Heritage Park is a 116-hectare hiking area housing a rich collection of native wetland birds and plants. It is the largest freshwater wetland in Christchurch, New Zealand and used to be a farmland area. The area was acquired by the Christchurch City Council in 1996 and at present considered a nature heritage park in the Canterbury region. Its walking track starts at Beach Road, Mairehau, and Clarevale Reserve. The walk is described as easy and pushchair and wheelchair accessible.
Products/Services:
Anne Flanagan Walkway, Clarevale Reserve, Angelas Stream
LOCATION:
Address: 280 Beach Road, Burwood, Christchurch 8083
Phone: (439) 418-999
Website: www.ccc.govt.nz/travis-wetland
REVIEWS:
“Note the place where you left your car! 😄Otherwise, you will, like us, find yourself far away from the place you left it and made the whole way across the park, which is one hour 20 minutes approximately (a loop 1-hour track is advertised at the entrance, we followed all the signs… missed something? 🤔) Nice walking area with pretty much shady places throughout the walkway, and a small view tower to enjoy a scenic landscape.” –Lana New Zealand
Rapaki Track
Rapaki Track is located in the Port Hills area of Christchurch, New Zealand. The bushwalk is popular among mountain-hikers, walkers and runners. Walks start via the areas of Rapaki and Centaurus Road in Hillsborough. Guests would be presented with a unique view of the Lyttelton Harbour. The bushwalk spans a distance of 3.5km and needs 90 minutes to finish the track. Its gradual climbs offer a view of the valley area below while the area near the Rapaki Track car park is suitable as a rest station for hikers.
Products/Services:
Lyttelton Harbour, Banks Peninsula, Huntsbury Track, Mt Vernon
LOCATION:
Address: 66-26 Rapaki Road, Hillsborough, Christchurch 8022
Website: www.ccc.govt.nz/rapaki-track
REVIEWS:
“This track is for intermediate to expert bikers. It is a steep track with a different path to godly, Sumner and different exciting bike tracks. You can also jog or walk-in different tracks in the main track and also in the unique paths in the side of the trail.” –Tabrilla Eliza
Eastenders Track
Eastenders Track got its name from the group of volunteers who constructed it. It is a bushwalk that can be accessed either via the end of Bay View Road or via Barnett Park. Starting from Barnett Park, hikers need to head over the sports fields and pass by a small bridge to access the eastern flank. A new track awaits after the eastern flank which leads to an uphill area filled with twists and turns. The hike can be finished after 2 hours and is not advised during the winter season. Eastenders Track is in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Products/Services:
4WD Track, Walking Track, Connecting Track
LOCATION:
Address: Sumner, Christchurch 8081
Website: www.ccc.govt.nz/eastenders-track
REVIEWS:
“Trailhead is at Barnett Park. It’s a beautiful hike, a little hairy in spots. The one side of the trail is closed, but because we did the loop from the other side we did not know until we had actually finished the loop. Cool cave at the top, a little waterfall just behind it, recommend this trail.” –Scott Sternig
