Explore Canterbury by Foot
Canterbury is made for outdoor recreation - with rolling countryside, lush green spaces, brilliant blue waterways, and a dynamic alpine environment.
Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more strenuous hike, there's something for every energy level. Explore what the districts of Canterbury have to offer.
Top 5 Short Walks Around Ōtautahi Christchurch
Grab those sneakers and enjoy the awesome scenery which makes Ōtautahi such a special place to live. Here's our list of the top five short walks with amazing views around Christchurch.
Inspire Me
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Kaikōura Coastal WalksThe breath-taking scenery of Kaikōura is best explored on foot with a great variety of coastal walks. Enjoy the rugged landscape whilst spotting marine life. If you have time be sure to stop for a seafood lunch in and around the town.
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Akaroa & Banks Peninsula WalksBanks Peninsula offers a variety of walks with charming vistas and stunning views to reward every footstep. Explore the dramatic outer bays and take your time to soak in the magic of the region.
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Walks On The Way To Arthur's PassThe Selwyn district has a number of short walks ranging from 10 minute walking tracks to 2-4 hour return tramping tracks and half day tracks.
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Arthur's Pass WalksExplore the range of walks in and around Arthur's Pass.
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Lake Coleridge And Rakaia WalksDiscover the history of the area with a great range of tracks from easy walks to longer day hikes.
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Southbridge, Lincoln And Leeston WalksDiscover a broad range of native bird and wildlife and historical landmarks on these easy walking tracks.
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Hurunui and Hanmer Springs WalksExperience the forest and hills of Hanmer Springs and the Hurunui districts with a great variety of walks. From 15 minutes to half day, enjoy tracks through native bush, exotic plantations or woodland areas.
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Aoraki/Mount Cook WalksExperience spectacular sub-alpine scenery, abundant bird life and lovely views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki on the following tracks.
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Lake Tekapo WalksSee what Lake Tekapo and surrounds has to offer by foot! Turquoise lakes, 360 degree views at Mount John, stunning mountain scenery and the historic Church of the Good Shepherd are just a few of the highlights to discover.
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Mid Canterbury WalksA vast selection of tracks to experience the sub-alpine and tussock settings of Mid-Canterbury. Highlights include waterfalls, beech forest and the Mt Somers southern fault system.
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Waimakariri Walking and Hiking TracksThe Waimakariri district has a great selection of walking tracks from 20 minutes to a couple of hours that will take you along sandy beaches, by lakes, rivers and wetlands or through the native bush.
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Christchurch Walking And HikingExplore the unique landscapes of Christchurch by foot. Highlights include a mix of wildlife, historic sites and expansive coastlines.
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Twizel And Surrounding Area WalksTwizel is a popular base to explore the Mackenzie District. Twizel was built in the 1960's as a town to house power scheme workers involved with the Upper Waitaki Power Scheme. Today Twizel is the perfect recreational area with numerous scenic walks to enjoy.
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Fairlie And Burkes Pass WalksFairlie marks the entrance to the Mackenzie District. Enjoy this rural township by foot and learn about the rich history that helped shape the pioneering settlement of the Mackenzie Country.
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A Day in Peel Forest and GeraldinePeel Forest, the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts, with forests, paddocks and rivers the main characteristics of the area.
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South Canterbury WalksSouth Canterbury has varied landscapes and attractive scenery, with a number of easily accessible and well maintained walking tracks. From coastal trails to sub-alpine South Canterbury hiking tracks, there's something for everyone and most within a short drive from Timaru.