Where Are The Best Beaches In Canterbury, New Zealand?
Christchurch has a surprisingly diverse coastline — think long, open surf beaches, in North Canterbury, and all the quiet, sheltered bays tucked around Banks Peninsula. It doesn’t matter whether you’re after an easily accessed city beach, a family-friendly spot, or somewhere a little more scenic and tucked away, Canterbury is rich in choices. Here are the best!
Best Beaches in North Canterbury
Just north of Christchurch city is the Hurunui district, which has three pretty amazing beach destinations all of its own:
⛱ Waikuku Beach
General Location: Waikuku Beach is tucked into Pegasus Bay immediately north of th Canterbury Bight on the South Island’s East Coast. Nearest Civilisation: The settlement of Waikuku Beach is extremely close, but the next hub of any significant size would be the town of Rangiora, 11 minutes drive inland (11 kilometres, or 7 miles).
Immediate Surroundings: Waikuku Beach is at the mouth of the Ashley/Rakahuri River, with Ashley/Rakahuri Estuary behind the shoreline. It is part of the wider Pegasus Bay coastline, and Tuhaitara Coastal Park (which runs the coast from Waikuku Beach, down to Woodend Beach, and beyond, to The Pines Beach).
Beach Name: Waikuku translates to “waters of freshwater mussels”. These would have been in abundance in the river mouth in the past but are nearly extinct now. Rakahuri translates to “turning and entangled” and describes the winding river. Getting There: Waikuku Beach is accessed just off State Highway 1 as it runs the east coast. You need to cross the dunes after parking to access the beach.
Vehicle Parking: There is vehicle parking at the Waikuku Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. Walking Options: Loop the Ashley/Rakahuri Estuary behind Waikuku Beach – a 7 kilometre loop (4.3 miles) that will take you up to two hours. It’s a river bank and pine forest walk, with lots of birdlife to see. Swimming: Swimming is good at Waikuku Beach! Lifeguards patrol during peak season.
Surfing: Surfing is good at Waikuku Beach, too! Dogs: Dogs can be off lead on the southern end of Waikuku Beach, away from the estuary, but need to be on lead on the estuary half of the beach. Amenities: Toilets are available at Waikuku Beach.
Camping: Campers can stay at Waikuku Beach Holiday Park nearby. Go, Because: Waikuku Beach is a safe, patrolled beach, with great surf for swimmers and surfers alike. Something Extra: There’s a lavender farm on Waikuku Beach Road; definitely pay a visit if you are there in season. Last Updated: May, 2026.
⛱ Woodend Beach
General Location: Woodend Beach is tucked into the coastline immediately north of the Canterbury Bight on the South Island’s East Coast. Nearest Civilisation: Despite being just 12 minutes drive from the town of Rangiora, Woodend Beach is closer to the town of Kaiapoi, which is 9 minutes drive south – 8 kilometres, or 5 miles.
Immediate Surroundings: Woodend Beach is along the stretch referred to as Tuhaitara Coastal Park – it runs north to Waikuku Beach and south to The Pines Beach, as well. Woodend Beach is part of Pegasus Bay, like the other two.
Beach Name: Woodend Beach is named for Thomas Woodend, a settler in the area in the 1850’s, although it is also true that the woods ‘end’ at Woodend Beach – like the other two, its backed by amazing pine forest – Woodend Beach Pine Forest. Getting There: Woodend Beach is easily accessed from the end of Woodend Beach Road, which comes off the main highway.
Vehicle Parking: There is a decent carpark at Woodend Beach. Walking Options: Your walking recommendation is the Tūtaepatu Trail. It links the beaches of Waikuku, Woodend and The Pines – so you can go in either direction. It’s 5 kilometres (3 miles) up to Waikuku Beach, and the same back again, which will take you three hours total.
Swimming: Swimming is good at Woodend Beach – and for boogie boarding, too! Lifeguards patrol in peak season. Surfing: Woodend Beach is a great surfing beach.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome on Woodend Beach as long as they are under control. Amenities: Woodend Beach Domain has good amenities – a great playground, toilets and a shower. Camping: Campers can stay at nearby Woodend Beach Holiday Park.
Go, Because: Woodend Beach is another great family friendly beach with enough surf to keep surfers entertained, too. Something Extra: From Woodend Beach you can cycle up to Kaiapoi on the Pegasus Trail – well worth doing, with amazing pine forest and river bank scenery. Last Updated: May, 2026.
⛱ The Pines Beach
General Location: The Pines Beach is immediately north of Christchurch city and the Canterbury Bight, on the South Island’s East Coast. Nearest Civilisation: By road (NB: on foot you take the longer river route), The Pines Beach is just 4 minutes drive from Kaiapoi, which is 4 kilometres (or 2.5 miles).
Immediate Surroundings: The Pines Beach sits within Pegasus Bay. It’s just up from the Waimakariri river mouth, the Brooklands Spit, and the Brooklands Lagoon behind the spit, parallel to the coastline. It’s part of the Tuhaitara Coastal Park which runs north to Waikuku Beach at the other end of Pegasus Bay.
Beach Name: The Pines Beach is named for the adjacent pine forest. Pine Beach is a separate beach in the Far North of New Zealand, and not to be confused. Getting There: The Pines Beach is easily accessed from Kaiapoi township, along Beach Road, until the end. The carpark is right before the sand starts. Vehicle Parking: There is a carpark at the beach end of Beach Road for access to The Pines Beach.
Walking Options: Walk over to the township of Kaiapoi from The Pines Beach – an 11 kilometre loop (7 miles), which will take you up the Waimakariri River and back and be just under three hours. Swimming: Unlike Woodend and Waikuku Beaches, The Pines Beach is not patrolled. It is near the Waimakariri river mouth and therefore the water quality is variable and should be avoided for up to two days after rain.
Surfing: Surfing is good at The Pines Beach. Dogs: Dogs can be off lead at The Pines Beach! It’s a wonderful spot to take them. Amenities: Toilets are available at The Pines Beach, and there is a playground, too.
Camping: Freedom camping for those who are self contained is generally okay in Pegasus Bay (with the exception of areas of Waikuku Beach). Go, Because: Back from The Pines shoreline are more of these wonderful pine trees, so the environment is very pretty and it’s not a long drive from Christchurch city, either.
Something Extra: Go explore nearby Brooklands Lagoon at the Waimakariri river mouth – there’s abundant birdlife and peaceful kayaking opportunities. Last Updated: May, 2026.
Best Beaches in Christchurch
⛱ New Brighton Beach
General Location: New Brighton Beach is contained within the city of Christchurch, halfway down the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Nearest Civilisation: New Brighton Beach within the city bounds of Christchurch, just 10 kilometres (6 miles) from the city centre – an 18 minute drive.
Immediate Surroundings: New Brighton Beach is long and straight, and runs down to Southshore Spit, at the South New Brighton Beach end. Beach Name: Maori referred to the area as Te Karoro Karoro, translating to “the chatter of the seagulls”. New Brighton Beach is thought to have gotten its name from England’s Brighton, merely nicknamed at first, whereupon it stuck.
Getting There: New Brighton Beach access points are all along Marine Parade in the suburb of New Brighton. Vehicle Parking: There is abundant vehicle parking in several spots along New Brighton Beach.
Walking Options: The major walking option in the area is the Southern Pegasus Bay Route – a three and a half hour walk (15 kilometres, or 9 miles) all the way fro Southshore Spit, up South New Brighton Beach, up North New Brighton Beach, past the pier and up to Spencer Beach. Swimming: There is good swimming at New Brighton Beach! In summer, it is patrolled by lifeguards.
Surfing: New Brighton Beach is a good one for surfers of all levels. Dogs: Dogs can be off lead on New Brighton Beach but need to be away from the lifeguard patrol areas and on the pier during peak season. Amenities: New Brighton Beach is very suburban so has lots of amenities all close by – shops, eateries, the library, a waterfront restaurant, the splash park and hot pools!
Camping: South Brighton Holiday Park at the southern end of New Brighton Beach is the local campsite. Go, Because: New Brighton Beach is so easy to get to, has great surf, has a paddling pool for toddlers to play in, and a hot pool for adults to soak in with views over the shoreline.
Something Extra: Do walk the length of the pier (300 metres)! It’s the longest on the continent. Last Updated: May, 2026.
Best Beaches on Godley Head
Godley Head is not too far out of Christchurch city in the other direction, and very accessible for half day – or less – excursions. It’s known for its dramatic cliffs, brightly coloured water, wonderful walks – and wonderful beaches.
⛱ Sumner Beach
General Location: Sumner Beach is located in the southeast outskirts of Christchurch, halfway down New Zealand’s South Island. Nearest Civilisation: Sumner is a 23 minute drive from the city centre of Christchurch, 14 kilometres, or 9 miles.
Immediate Surroundings: Sumner Beach is located across the Avon Heathcote Estuary entrance, opposite Southshore Spit (at the end of South New Brighton Beach). Shag Rock / Rapanui sits at the end of the beach, in the entrance to the estuary.
Beach Name: Sumner Beach was named after the Archbishop of Canterbury in the mid 1800’s, who was John Bird Sumner. Getting There: Sumner Beach can be accessed by public transport as well as by private vehicle. From the esplanade, it is an easy walk onto the sand.
Vehicle Parking: Several carparks are available at Sumner Beach. Walking Options: Walk the Sumner Promenade – a 20 minute stroll along the beachfront, just over a kilometre long (half a mile). Swimming: Swimming is great at Sumner Beach. Lifeguards patrol in peak season.
Surfing: Sumner Beach is a really good spot for beginner surfers to go to! Dogs: Dogs are permitted on Sumner Beach but need to stay clear of the surf patrol area and Cave Rock area during summer. Amenities: Cafés, toilets and a fabulous playground (Scarborough Park Playground) can all be found at Sumner Beach.
Camping: There are no campsites at Sumner Beach. Go, Because: Sumner Beach is home to Cave Rock, which is just a short little cave on the sand that you can walk through and explore at low tide, with a flagstaff on top.
Something Extra: Stroll down to the north end of Sumner Beach to take a look at Shag Rock. Last Updated: May, 2026.
⛱ Scarborough Beach
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx
Beach Name: Scarborough Beach’s namesake is England’s own Scarborough. Getting There: xx
Vehicle Parking: xx
Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: Dogs are permitted off lead at Scarborough Beach, just not around the surf patrol area in summer. Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: Scarborough Beach is a great surf beach and has the promenade that you can walk in this beautiful fringe suburb of Christchurch city.
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: May, 2026.
⛱ Taylors Mistake Beach
Taylor’s Mistake Beach is one of Canterbury’s top surf spots, the scenery is epic, and there are some coastal tracks up on the cliffs providing wonderful views.
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx
Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
Vehicle Parking: xx
Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: May, 2026.
Best Beaches in Lyttelton Harbour
Lyttelton Harbour is tucked just far enough out of Christchurch to entice you to escape the city, but is also so readily accessible to locals and visitors alike. Consider visiting one of the below bays if you are looking for a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon:
⛱ Corsair Bay
Corsair Bay is small, sheltered and safe – a great spot for young families.
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx
Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
Vehicle Parking: xx
Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: May, 2026.
⛱ Cass Bay
Like Corsair Bay, Cass Bay is safe and family friendly, with a floating pontoon that can be swum out to and jumped off.
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx
Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
Vehicle Parking: xx
Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: May, 2026.
Best Beaches on Banks Peninsula
There are around 50 bays on the Banks Peninsula alone! It’s a large area with endless choices of where you could spend a beach day. Here are the most loved ones!
⛱ Okains Bay
Okains Bay is a fantastic, scenic swimming spot, with a cave at the end of the beach to be explored.
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx
Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
Vehicle Parking: xx
Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: May, 2026.
⛱ Le Bons Bay
Le Bons Bay is a safe and quiet place for a swim, although quite isolated and lacking the facilities other beaches have.
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx
Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
Vehicle Parking: xx
Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: May, 2026.
⛱ Tumbledown Bay
Tumbledown Bay is a location where you can explore the caves and rocks, may find a seal or two, and even spot some of the little Hectors dolphins swimming by.
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx
Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
Vehicle Parking: xx
Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: May, 2026.
Best Beaches in South Canterbury
South of Christchurch we have a long, rather uneventful stretch of coastline, and just before the border into the Otago region we have the town of Timaru, which has its own special spot.
⛱ Caroline Bay Nearest Civilisation: xx
Caroline Bay is a spot you’ll want to visit at sunset to see the little blue penguin colony here!
General Location: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx
Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
Vehicle Parking: xx
Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: May, 2026.
From the long surf beaches to the quiet peninsula bays and even the odd bit of wildlife – Canterbury’s stretch of coastline has more variety than one might expect. Allow me to encourage you to explore a bit of the coastline when you are next in this hugely diverse, all-rounder of a region!
