Beaches · Christchurch · New Zealand
The best beaches in and near Christchurch
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Michal Klajban, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Sumner Beach (About 12 km south-east of the centre).
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 3
- Warmest sea
- 16°C (61°F)
The beaches
About 12 km south-east of the centre · Families and swimming
1.Sumner Beach
The city's most popular swimming and surf beach, with Cave Rock, a café-lined esplanade and summer lifeguards.
About 9 km east of the centre · Walks and hot pools
2.New Brighton Beach
A long surf beach with the pier, the He Puna Taimoana hot pools and dunes stretching north.
About 14 km south-east of the centre · Surfing and coastal walks
3.Taylors Mistake
A sheltered cove beyond Sumner, reached by road or a cliff-top walk, popular with surfers.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 16°C (61°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
| February | 16°C (61°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| March | 15°C (59°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
| April | 13°C (55°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 14°C (57°F) |
| June | 11°C (52°F) | 12°C (54°F) |
| July | 10°C (50°F) | 11°C (52°F) |
| August | 10°C (50°F) | 12°C (54°F) |
| September | 11°C (52°F) | 15°C (59°F) |
| October | 12°C (54°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
| November | 13°C (55°F) | 19°C (66°F) |
| December | 15°C (59°F) | 21°C (70°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$ · Best for beach, couples, families and quiet stays
Sumner
Sumner is a seaside suburb about 12 km south-east of the centre, with a sandy beach, the Cave Rock landmark, an esplanade of cafés and a small cinema. It suits travellers who want sea views and walks on the Port Hills, with buses to the city.
- Good
- Beach on the doorstep; Relaxed village atmosphere; Coastal and hill walks
- Watch out
- Limited accommodation; 20–25 minutes to the centre
- Nearby
- Sumner Beach, Cave Rock, Taylors Mistake, Port Hills
Getting to the beaches
- Bus — Metro buses run across the city from the central Bus Interchange, including to the airport, Sumner, New Brighton and Lyttelton.
- Tram — Restored heritage trams run a central-city loop past Cathedral Square, New Regent Street and the Art Gallery; tickets are hop-on, hop-off sightseeing passes rather than commuter fares.
- Car — Hire cars are widely available at the airport and essential for day trips; parking in the centre is relatively easy compared with larger cities.
- Train — The TranzAlpine scenic train leaves from Addington across the Canterbury Plains and over the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass to Greymouth.
Beach-weather months
Air temperatures rarely reach classic beach weather here: the warmest month, January, averages 23°C (73°F).
Beach safety
Christchurch is generally relaxed for visitors. New Zealand is seismically active, so learn the 'Drop, Cover, Hold' drill; the sun's UV is very strong, and beaches can have rip currents, so swim between the flags. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Christchurch have beaches?
Yes: Sumner Beach, New Brighton Beach and Taylors Mistake.
+What is the best beach near Christchurch?
Sumner Beach: The city's most popular swimming and surf beach, with Cave Rock, a café-lined esplanade and summer lifeguards.