The first section of the Christchurch Coastal Pathway is open to walkers and cyclists; from Ferrymead to Beachville Road in Redcliffs.

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 or view the concept plan.

Ferrymead to Beachville Road - open

Start: Scotts Park car park.

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

Distance: 3 km.

Dogs: Under effective control.

Toilets: Redcliffs Park.

Access: Wheelchair accessible, shared pathway.

Description:

The 4-metre-wide pathway starts at Scotts 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 - oystercatchers are common, while godwits and royal spoonbills are seasonal visitors.

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

Redcliffs Village - incomplete

The shared pathway is not installed through the main commercial area of the village yet; this section of footpath is suitable for walkers only. There is a cycle lane on the main road.

The 4-metre wide shared pathway starts from the south end of the village and goes as far as the lovely historic tram stop made of stone, in Moncks Bay.

Redcliffs to Sumner Beach - suitable for walkers only

From the tram stop there is an unmaintained single track that continues around the coastline to Rapanui / Shag Rock - suitable for walkers only.

A well-formed gravel track starts here that travels beside the road along the length of Sumner Beach connecting walkers to the main car park area for Sumner; suitable for walkers only.

Sumner to Scarborough - open to shared use

See the track description for the Sumner Beach walk along the esplanade.