Christchurch and the surrounding areas has a number great beaches for the family to visit check out the options below and discover some of what are on offer.
 CORSAIR BAY
Corsair Bay Corsair Bay Christchurch is a beautiful bay only ten minutes drive from Lyttelton, around the port hills and is a great place for the family swimming or a relaxing picnic. A lot of us in Christchurch would have experienced a day or two as kids at the bay. In my own case I went back with mates later on as it is a really good place to swim and relax. |
 PORT LEVY
Port LevyAbout an hour’s drive from Christchurch lies historic Port Levy bay. The long, sheltered bay is home to less than 100 people, but in the mid-19th century it was the largest Māori settlement in Canterbury with a population of about 400 people. There is still a marae at Port Levy, as well as a stone memorial marking the spot where the first Māori Anglican church was built. |
 TAYLORS MISTAKE
Taylors Mistake a Christchurch beach has always been a very popular beach in Christchurch. Surf Lifeguards patrol this beach over the weekends “Volunteers over summer", and paid Guards patrol during the week over the school summer break. There are rip currents to be aware of. It is generally safe to swim in surf under 1m. It is at the starting point of the Godley Heads track well worth taking on a good day. |
 TUMBLEDOWN BAY
Tumbledown BayIf you want a day at the beach without the crowds, head to Tumbledown Bay on the southern shores of Banks Peninsula. The bay got its name from an incident involving too much alcohol and bottles being smashed after a tumble down a steep slope so it has long been a place for summer fun. Sheltered by cliffs and a gentle surf, the bay is the perfect place for a paddle or a swim on a hot day. If you are lucky, you might spot hector dolphins swimming in the bay. |
 LEARN TO SURF
Learn to Surf in Sumner Christchurch, New Zealand. Your instructor Aaron Lock is one of New Zealand’s most experienced Surfing instructors and he has a great team of experienced instructors. From Beginner to Advanced |
 SCARBOROUGH BEACH
Scarborough Beach Christchurch Scarborough also has a 1.25 km promenade ending at Cave Rock good facilities a beach cafe and a great kid’s paddling pool. This is one of the parks in Christchurch that family's love to use behind the beach along with the paddling pool there is a playground and picnic area with public BBQ's fantastic place to take the family. Was always a favorite with my children and we had many a long day enjoying this beach. |
 TIKAO BAY
Tikao BayInstead of following all the holiday-makers who turn left at Barry’s Bay and head to Akaroa, turn right and head to lovely Tikao Bay. This peaceful little bay is a just a 10 minute drive from Barry’s Bay but has a laid-back holiday vibe that will have you feeling relaxed in no time. Nestled in the bush around Tikao Bay are a smattering of baches and holiday homes, but there are no shops or cafes so if you’re planning to spend the day chilling on the beach, pack a picnic. |
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 SUMNER BEACH
Sumner Beach Close to the township of Sumner this Christchurch beach that continues onto Scarborough beach by a 1.25 km promenade starting at Cave Rock. Sumner beach also has the nearby outlet of the Avon Heathcote Estuary. Note although it is possible to reach the South Shore side of the outlet from Sumner beach hidden strong rips and undertows at the mouth can be a danger to swimmers. |
Corsair Bay
Corsair Bay Christchurch is a beautiful bay only ten minutes drive from Lyttelton, around the port hills and is a great place for the family swimming or a relaxing picnic. A lot of us in Christchurch would have experienced a day or two as kids at the bay. In my own case I went back with mates later on as it is a really good place to swim and relax.
Swim out to the secured raft or sunbathe in the grass as the kids play in the shallow water of the inlet Canoe or kayak.
Learn to Surf in Sumner Christchurch, New Zealand. Your instructor Aaron Lock is one of New Zealand’s most experienced Surfing instructors and he has a great team of experienced instructors.
We offer surf lessons and surf coaching to all abilities of surfer.
From Beginner to Advanced
About an hour’s drive from Christchurch lies historic Port Levy bay. The long, sheltered bay is home to less than 100 people, but in the mid-19th century it was the largest Māori settlement in Canterbury with a population of about 400 people.
There is still a marae at Port Levy, as well as a stone memorial marking the spot where the first Māori Anglican church was built.
Scarborough Beach Christchurch
Scarborough also has a 1.25 km promenade ending at Cave Rock good facilities a beach cafe and a great kid’s paddling pool.
This is one of the parks in Christchurch that family's love to use behind the beach along with the paddling pool there is a playground and picnic area with public BBQ's fantastic place to take the family. Was always a favorite with my children and we had many a long day enjoying this beach.
Sumner Beach
Close to the township of Sumner this Christchurch beach that continues onto Scarborough beach by a 1.25 km promenade starting at Cave Rock. Sumner beach also has the nearby outlet of the Avon Heathcote Estuary. Note although it is possible to reach the South Shore side of the outlet from Sumner beach hidden strong rips and undertows at the mouth can be a danger to swimmers.
Taylors Mistake a Christchurch beach has always been a very popular beach in Christchurch.
Surf Lifeguards patrol this beach over the weekends “Volunteers over summer", and paid Guards patrol during the week over the school summer break. There are rip currents to be aware of. It is generally safe to swim in surf under 1m.
It is at the starting point of the Godley Heads track well worth taking on a good day.
Instead of following all the holiday-makers who turn left at Barry’s Bay and head to Akaroa, turn right and head to lovely Tikao Bay.
This peaceful little bay is a just a 10 minute drive from Barry’s Bay but has a laid-back holiday vibe that will have you feeling relaxed in no time.
Nestled in the bush around Tikao Bay are a smattering of baches and holiday homes, but there are no shops or cafes so if you’re planning to spend the day chilling on the beach, pack a picnic.
If you want a day at the beach without the crowds, head to Tumbledown Bay on the southern shores of Banks Peninsula.
The bay got its name from an incident involving too much alcohol and bottles being smashed after a tumble down a steep slope so it has long been a place for summer fun.
Sheltered by cliffs and a gentle surf, the bay is the perfect place for a paddle or a swim on a hot day. If you are lucky, you might spot hector dolphins swimming in the bay.
