Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the coast from Ferrymead to Scarborough.

coastal pathwayThe Christchurch Coastal Pathway is a community-driven project. Their vision is for a world-class tourist attraction that will cater for children, pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, and people using scooters and wheelchairs. It will eventually travel the six-kilometre-long coastline from Ferrymead to Scarborough Beach.

Track descriptions for those sections which are open are listed below. Future sections are planned to be in place within the next 3 to 5 years.

For more information you can visit the Christchurch Coastal Pathway(external link) website.

Ferrymead to Beachville Road - open

Start: Scott Park car park.

Finish: Beachville Road, Redcliffs end of McCormacks Bay causeway.

Distance: 1.9 km.

Time: 25 minutes one way.

Dogs: On leash.

Toilets: Redcliffs Park.

Access: Wheelchair accessible, shared pathway.

Description:

The four-metre wide pathway starts at Scott Park beside the Ferrymead Bridge; there is car parking here.

The pathway follows the coastal edge for the length of McCormacks Bay causeway and is popular with cyclists, walkers and runners. Features include a large macrocarpa tree which is a popular shag roost, and the numerous wading birds that use the mudflats. Oyster-catchers are common, while godwits and royal spoonbills are seasonal visitors.

The pathway currently ends at the intersection of Beachville Road and Main Road. Redcliffs Park is on the way and has a playground.

Redcliffs to Moncks Bay

Start: Beachville Road junction with Main Road (Redcliffs Village end)

Finish: Beachville Road junction with Main Road (Moncks Bay end)

Distance: 1.5 km.

Time: 20 minutes one way.

Dogs: On leash.

Access: Wheelchair accessible as walk is on footpath.

Description:

Using the footpath, head down Beachville Road until reaching the waterfront. Walk along this scenic pathway before heading up the rest of Beachville Road to Main Road. A 4 metre wide shared pathway starts nearby and goes as far as the lovely historic tram stop in Moncks Bay.

Cyclists need to use the cycle lane on the road.

Moncks Bay to Sumner Beach

Start: Moncks Bay historic tram stop

Finish: Near Cave Rock

Distance: 1.6 km.

Time: 25 minutes one way.

Dogs: On leash.

Toilets: Sumner Beach

Description:

From the tram stop there is a narrow unmaintained track that continues around the coastline to Rapanui/Shag Rock. This is suitable for walkers only.

Past here, a well-formed gravel track starts that travels beside the road along the length of Sumner Beach connecting walkers to the main car park area for Sumner.

Sumner to Scarborough

See the track description for the Sumner Promenade along the esplanade.