Six Adventures Around New Brighton

Grab the kids and head down to the New Brighton Playground and Splash Park on Marine Parade.

With views of the iconic New Brighton Pier in the background, this special playground is the perfect way to keep the kids busy!

There’s heaps of different equipment including wet and dry play areas (season dependent). Lest we forget, you must say g’day to the legendary, 600kg whale in the splash pad play park, a beloved member of the New Brighton community.

Good for:

Great coffee at the Salt on the Pier cafe
Hire some books from the New Brighton Library/Te Kete Wānanga o Karoro
Take a walk along New Brighton Beach and Pier

As the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, enjoy the stunning ocean views while soaking in the hot pools at He Puna Taimoana/New Brighton Hot Pools.

Feel your problems melt away during a relaxing stint in the five outdoor pools ranging from 26 to 40 degrees. A steam in the sauna overlooking the sea makes everything alright!

The pools are a major drawcard for visitors coming in from the city. Make sure to book your session online before heading along.

Good for:

A relaxing soak Superb views of New Brighton Beach and Pier
Romantic dates, friend dates or solo dates
Great food and coffee at Saturdays Cafe

Life is good by the sea! The lively New Brighton Seaside Market is a staple community event held every Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

The New Brighton pedestrian mall fills with stalls and market goers with a warm and colourful environment filled with creativity.

There’s something for everyone with a variety of stalls selling produce, homemade arts and crafts, and great food on offer too. Just don’t be startled if you see a pirate or two kicking around!

Good for:

Local crafts and gift ideas
Families
Take an ice cream to the beachfront
Local art is also found at the Brighton Gallery open all week

What better way to get outside and enjoy the peace and quiet than improving your swing at the local golf course.

The Rawhiti Golf Course is a great course for beginners and expert golfers alike.

With options of premier, one-off or social play, Rawhiti offers one of the most affordable rates in town.

Good for:

Cheap golf and memberships
Stop by the Pro Shop or the clubrooms for a coffee or snacks for the day on the green
Other nearby clubs to check out: Waimairi Beach Golf Club or Avondale Golf Club

From Waimairi to Southshore, there are so many options for beautiful nature walks around the New Brighton beaches.

Enjoy views of the neverending ocean or the tranquility of the forest on trails stretching from Spencer Park, Bottlelake Forest, Waimairi Beach, North Brighton to Southshore down the coast.

Head to The Burger Joint for a juicy patty to refuel after a satisfying walk.

Some of the many local public parks have free public barbecues too, making for great picnic spots for hungry family and friends.

Good for:

Lots of trails accessible for all
Some dog-friendly trails or under-effective-control
Catching up with family or friends

Only a five-minute drive from New Brighton, time spent meandering around Ōruapaeroa/Travis Wetland in Burwood is good for the heart and soul!

Enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful wetland on foot. The large freshwater wetland is home to many native wetland plants and bird species. The Nature Heritage Park is a hub of interesting ecological research, conservation and educational projects.

Home to around half of Christchurch’s total pukeko population, keep an eye out for cheeky pukekos roadside during your visit! No dogs allowed.

Good for:

A lazy Sunday stroll with coffee in hand
Recharging the batteries (symbolically)
Learning more about conservation