Take a walk through the dunes, the beach and the estuary. There are great views and interesting birdlife.
 
| Start | Rockinghorse Road, Southshore | 
|---|---|
| Finish | Rockinghorse Road, Southshore | 
| Distance | 1.5 km | 
| Time | 20 minutes return | 
| Toilets | Located at the end of Rockinghorse Road | 
| Dogs | Check the maps on-site to see where you must keep dogs on leash and where they can be under effective control | 
| Description | From Rockinghorse Road walk past the information panel and toilet and start along the Southshore Spit dune loop track. This wanders through the coastal duneland out towards the beach before swinging around to the estuary side of the spit. Take a short detour to a seat at the edge of the estuary and enjoy the wonderful birdlife and views across to Redcliffs and back to Christchurch. On a clear day you can see the mountains in the distance. When you're ready, head back to the dune loop track and follow it back to Rockinghorse Road. Get ready for this track using Plan My Walk(external link)(external link) by the NZ Mountain Safety Council. You can find track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list, so you are set for your adventure. | 
Walking tracks
Shared use
Connecting tracks
Closed
 
Parking
 
Bus stop
 
Toilets
 
Water fountains
 
Accessible tracks
 
Challenging feature
 
Entry and exit point
 
Point of interest
 
            Take time out with the kids this summer and discover some of the amazing play spaces our city has to offer!
20 Oct 2025 
            A new regional park will be established next to Wairewa/Lake Forsyth, providing space for outdoor recreation, and ongoing conservation protection.
6 Oct 2025 
            A project to restore a significant wetland and deliver a long-planned expansion of Bower Park will get underway in 2026, following endorsement from the Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board.
9 Sep 2025