Christchurch Beaches and Surfing

(Christchurch, Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand NZ)



Christchurch BeachesThe Christchurch area is home to plenty of extremely appealing beaches, bays and surfing hotspots, which are all easily accessible and often connected to the city centre by frequent buses. Beaches around Canterbury are used for a whole host of different activities, including sunbathing, scuba diving, snorkelling and swimming. Surfing is a major pastime here, especially at Leithfield, Sumner and Waikuku, as well as Taylor's Mistake, without doubt the premier surfing location.

Some of the area's best coastal stretches are located around Redcliffs and Sumner, while to the east of Christchurch lies an 8-km / 5-mile expanse of sand, from Waimari to the mouth of the Avon Estuary. Also, New Brighton, with its long pier and stunning coastline, features excellent amenities and attracts many keen anglers.


Christchurch BeachesSwimming is best during high tides and many beaches are suitable for swimming, although the sea can be rough at times, meaning that it is always sensible to exercise caution. Worth noting, volunteer lifeguards are often available at the weekend.

The beaches of Christchurch have always been an impressive tourist attraction and are used throughout the year, especially during New Zealand's summer months of December, January and February, although are never crowded.

Christchurch Beaches

South Brighton Beach

Address: Marine Parade, New Brighton, Christchurch, Canterbury, South Island, 8007, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)3 388 2020
South Brighton Beach, on the eastern side of the city, features a peaceful beachfront suitable for sunbathing, swimming and even surfing at times. Highlights include picnic facilities, walking trails and a long pier, as well as a number of surrounding golf courses and parks. You may also like to take a stroll along Marine Parade, enjoy a bite to eat at the renowned Salt on the Pier restaurant, and then perhaps pay a visit to the Rawhiti Domain Park.

Ashworth's Beach

Address: Ashworth's Beach, Hurunui District, South Island, 8251, New Zealand NZ
Ashworth's Beach is located on the outskirts of Christchurch, within easy driving distance of the city centre. Featuring golden sand, calm waters suitable for swimming and secluded areas, Ashworth's is a peaceful location with much to offer visitors in this part of New Zealand. Nearby, the Thomson Park Scenic Reserve, Sandy Beach Road and Rapaki Bay all provide further interest, as do the occasional sightings of killer whales.

Corsair Bay

Address: Governor's Bay Road, Lyttelton, Christchurch, Canterbury, South Island, 8012, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)3 328 9093
Corsair Bay is a small area of Lyttelton Harbour, based on the far southerly outskirts of Christchurch, being especially suitable for swimming, with nearby changing facilities available. Other attractions include a playground area for children, walking trails and picnic spots.

Christchurch Beaches

Governors Bay

Address: Main Road, Governors Bay, Christchurch, Canterbury, South Island, 8033, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)3 328 9093
Located in Lyttelton Harbour, Governors Bay contains a quiet beachfront featuring impressive harbour views. With coastal walking trails, sandy stretches, secluded areas and calm waters suitable for swimming, this destination has long been a popular haven for sunseekers.

Leithfield Beach

Address: Hurunui, North Canterbury, South Island, 8251, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)3 314 8518
Leithfield Beach can be found outside of Christchurch and is around a 45-minute drive from the centre, being located directly to the north and close to Amberley. Popular with swimmers and surfers from around the North Canterbury area, Leithfield is certainly never overcrowded.

Sumner Beach

Address: The Esplanade, Sumner, Christchurch, Canterbury, South Island, 8008, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)3 379 9629
Sumner Beach is a breathtaking stretch based in the Sumner region of Christchurch, where it boasts many scenic views. Noteworthy highlights include swimming, surfing, sunbathing, changing facilities, nearby shops and coastal walking trails.

Taylor's Mistake Beach

Address: Taylor's Mistake Road, Christchurch, Canterbury, South Island, 8008, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)3 326 6771
Taylor's Mistake Beach is widely considered to be the region's top surfing spot and can be reached along Nayland Street. With strong waves and rip tides, Taylor's Mistake attracts mostly experienced surfers and plays host to a number of exciting surfing events during the course of the year.

Waikuku Beach

Address: Waikuku Beach, Waimakariri, South Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)3 312 7663
Located on the northern outskirts, Waikuku Beach features golden sand, changing rooms, nearby shops and excellent surfing conditions, drawing keen surfers from all over Canterbury.

Waimairi Beach

Address: Beach Road, Waimairi Beach, Christchurch, Canterbury, South Island, 8009, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)3 388 9234
Waimairi Beach is situated in northern Christchurch and is one of the most popular coastal stretches in the area. With vast expanses of fine sand, secluded areas and coastal walks, other attractions at Waimairi include swimming, some strong waves, a children's playground and scenic picnic spots.