11 Walks to Do in Canterbury and Where to Reward Yourself After

If you live in or around Christchurch, you’ve likely taken a Sunday stroll up the headlands around Sumner. Beginning at Te Onepoto/Taylors Mistake and winding its way up to gun emplacements from World War II, you’ll enjoy stunning ocean vistas and pretty baches dotted around the coast. The walk is an easy one that should take about 3 hours for the round-trip. We recommend kicking off early if you want to avoid too many people.

To treat yourself afterwards, head to Sumner Post Office for Neapolitan-style pizzas and cold brews in the sun.

Swap the coast for mountains and head for the Bealey Spur Track, just inside Arthur’s Pass National Park. This well-marked track is a great option for those wanting alpine views without steep ascents, as this track never goes above the bushline. The 6km walk is listed by DOC as easy and estimated to take about 2.5 hours each way.

A walk like this deserves a pastry pairing, so we highly recommend stopping off at Sheffield Pie Shop on the way so you can take in the lush views with a delicious, flaky snack in hand. Known for their winning mixture of classic flavours (hello mince and cheese!) and gourmet combos (think venison and whisky relish), you definitely won’t be disappointed – or hungry.

The Packhorse Hut is another favourite among Cantabrians. The 2-hour intermediate walk offers spectacular views of Lyttelton Harbour and is a great walk for kids. Walking along paddocks and into pine forest, trampers emerge to discover volcanic rock formations and more stunning harbour views.

After that climb, you’ll need to refuel at the Little River Cafe and Gallery, an adorable little cafe with something for everyone. From good coffees to delicious cabinet food, you can grab-and-go or settle into the lovely courtyard and enjoy the bustling environment. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, be sure to check out their selection of classic kiwi desserts, like lamingtons and ginger slices.

There’s something undeniably enchanting about stumbling upon waterfalls along your native bush walk. This kid-friendly trail walks along the Rata Stream (with a few crossings so expect wet feet!) and offers not one, but two magnificent waterfall vistas. Listed as an easy walk with an expected time of 2 hours return, walkers will clock 3km for the day. Located in the Peel Forest Scenic Reserve, you’ll feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, pop into Barker’s Foodstore and Eatery in Geraldine to refuel over fresh, flavoursome food. Make sure to stock up on their iconic condiments, spreads, syrups, and more while you’re there.

For those keen for a longer, challenging tramp, Mount Somers is an excellent choice. Climbing steeply up the mountainside, you’ll be rewarded with 360 views of the surrounding mountain range and coastal plains. Taking about 5 hours one way, and less going down, this is an advanced track with rough, uneven terrain that’s best suited to experienced trampers.

Once down the mountain, rest your weary legs at The Dubliner, a cosy Irish pub in Methven that serves up hearty pub classics, a great pint of Guinness, and oodles of charm.

On a sunny day, a walk in Aoraki National Park is difficult to beat, and Kea Point is no exception. Walkers will enjoy subalpine grassland that slowly winds up to a viewing platform, showing off the Mueller Glacier moraine wall. Listed as easy, this 2-hour return walk from the village is a great way to stretch the legs!

Once completed, treat yourself to a brew and a pizza at the Ministry of Works Bar and Eatery in Twizel. With a strong selection of New Zealand beers on tap, you’ll be tempted to settle into their lively, friendly atmosphere for the night.

If you’re keen for some varied landscapes on your walk, try Mt Nimrod in the Hunters Hills area outside of Timaru. Walking through a forest, trampers will reach a waterfall that plummets out of a rock arch and then continue on to a climb out of the forest with views of the coast at the top. Listed as an advanced track, Mt Nimrod can take about 2-3 hours, depending on your pace.

After you've tackled the climb, head to Arthur St Kitchen in Timaru, renowned for its delicious breakfast and lunch menu, plus house-made baking and hearty salads.

Kowai River Walk in Leithfield is a nice easy stroll with native birdlife and beach vibes that feels quintessentially Aotearoa. For 2-3 relaxing hours, you’ll get to enjoy coastal lagoon views, sounds and smells. A good one if you’re looking for something slower paced with no tramping boots required!

Afterwards, stop in at Brew Moon Brewery in Amberley for a pizza and a pint. With a woodfired oven, patio and 16 taps, it’s the perfect ending to your wholesome day out. 

This 10.4km track in Waipara slowly meanders through native bush, wetlands, plantation forest and more before opening up to an unspoilt ocean view. Listed as a medium-intensity walk, you’ll want to make sure you have comfy walking shoes for the long journey. The track itself is easy to follow and mostly undulating terrain with a few steep climbs. You’ll be rewarded with the lookout point, where stunning views of the Kaikōura Ranges appear. Plan for about a 3-hour return journey.

After your walk, you’ll be ready for a glass of wine. Lucky for you, Black Estate Winery in Waipara is close. With a hatted restaurant and cellar door overlooking lush vines and rolling hills, it's a dream setting to enjoy award-winning dishes championing local produce, all thoughtfully paired with their beautiful wines.

Nicknamed the 'stairway to heaven' – although your calves may beg to differ – the panoramic views of alpine lakes, Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Hooker Valley are well worth huffing and puffing up these 2,200 steps. A pretty decent level of fitness is required to tackle the Sealy Tarns Track, which is estimated to take about 3-4 hours return. Pack plenty of water and snacks to fuel your Aoraki National Park adventure.

For a well-deserved lunch, venture back to the lakeside in Tekapo and find The Better Batter, a cute food caravan that attracts a crowd with their popcorn chicken, crispy squid, and arguably the best fish and chips for miles.

A popular stroll for young families, with stunning views overlooking Akaroa Harbour and a few surprise friends to meet along the way. The Childrens Bay Walkway is accessible from Akaroa, and winds up through lush farmland where you'll spot giraffe and rhino sculptures (as well as a few real farm animals) grazing in the fields – a very entertaining sight for all ages. The return trip is approximately 1-1.5 hours, with a bit of an uphill climb so good shoes are recommended.

Stock up on delicious baguettes and pastries at A La Baguette, an authentic boulangerie that adds a big boost to Akaroa's French charm. If you're looking for some extra toppings for your baguette or slice of sourdough bread, check out Akaroa Butchery & Deli down the road for lots of local pantry goodies.