Walk Details

NZ Walking Routes > Canterbury > Christchurch > Avon River Daywalk (from the square to the estuary)

Avon River Daywalk (from the square to the estuary)

Location

Start from Victoria Square in the city and finish at the estuary.

Description

This is a long distance walk down the Avon River. You can enjoy the city as a scenic pathway of changing river landscapes through public reserves that are traffic free and alongside quiet roads. The first section of the route crosses busy inter city roads although there are pedestrian lights. This is an interesting historic section of the river but if you would prefer to avoid the traffic start at the Avon Loop instead.

You might like to ensure you have a Christchurch road map with you.

Toilets: Avebury Park, Avon Park, Bower Park, New Brighton Mall and pier.

Cafes: Victoria Square and New Brighton Mall and pier.

Estimated times: 1 hr to Avebury Park; 2 hrs to Kerrs Reach; 3.5 hrs to estuary at Bridge Street or New Brighton Pier.

Leave Victoria Square and follow the paths along the river crossing Colombo Street into Oxford Terrace. The Avon River walk offers views of the Edmonds Rotunda and takes you along Oxford Terrace across Manchester Street past the Centennial Pool.

From Madras Street, cross to the seats at the Firefighters Reserve which features a 9/11 memorial. Cross one-way Kilmore Street walking along the river bank past the information panel and plaque to the historic Brick Wharf.

Cross one-way Barbadoes Street to the ‘Avon Loop’ section of the Avon River. Walk along the inside curve of the Avon River past the river jetty swinging around to Kilmore Street. From Kilmore Street cross at the lights to Fitzgerald Avenue. Turn left over the bridge and right into River Road.

Follow River Road across Stanmore Road continuing along the riverside downstream to Avebury Park, 20 m along Evelyn Couzins Avenue. The park has seats and toilets.

Leave Avebury Park walking along River Road on the footpath or along the riverbank which has seats all along. Cross over the footbridge by Medway Street following the sealed footpath winding along the Avonside river loop and past the river jetty to Avonside Drive.

Cross at the lights into Gloucester Street. Turn left across the bridge and right into Locksley Avenue. Continue on the road to the footbridge, cross to the other side of the river. Avon Park has toilet facilities.

Follow the sealed path alongside the Avon River joining the access roads past the Rowing Club buildings and hockey ground at Porritt Park. This area is known as Kerrs Reach.

Cross over the footbridge, an old river loop of the Avon following the sealed path alongside Kerrs Reach. There are many seats available to rest here.

Walk along the path to the Avondale Road crossing here onto the path connecting with Hulverstone Drive. Continue along the sealed path to the new Anzac Drive bridge. On your right is the Cedarwood Park with a children’s playground.

The path goes under the bridge continuing along to the Wainoni Road bridge. Turn left, cross the bridge using the pedestrian island to the river side of New Brighton Road.

Follow the gravel track from the car park downstream along the river onto the Cockayne Reserve. Look for waterfowl visible from the track and native pukeko. Walk along the trail between river and raupo wetland area and you arrive at a grass area with seats.

Walk the short distance to Page Road. Cross over the road at the pedestrian island. Continue along the river, or turn left down Seaview Road to New Brighton Mall and pier.

If you take the river route, follow this gravel pathway following the stopbank on a long section of traffic-free walking to Kibblewhite Street and Bridge Street. Views of the lower Avon River saltmarsh and Naughty Boys Island, with waterfowl, scaup, Canada geese and shags.

Bridge Street is the last bridge across the Avon River. This is where the river merges with the estuary and incoming tide.

Distance

13.0 km

Amenities

• Food & Drink
• Historical
• Lookouts
• Plant Life
• Playground
• Toilets

Source

Christchurch City Council – Avon River Walks Brochure

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