Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 Hillside park with caves |
Main Road Redcliffs Christchurch 8008 New Zealand +64 (0)3 379 1660 (Christchurch City Council Parks) http://www.ccc.govt.nz/Parks/P... |
From the entrance, Barnett Park looks like any other suburban park, with a children's playground and sports field. But at the rear there is an open valley area with a four-kilometre walking track, which leads to two hill-side caves. Sheep graze in this old volcanic area which has red-tinged rocks, a waterfall, a stream and a small pocket of native bush. The park is situated in the aptly-named seaside suburb of Redcliffs (Te Rae Kura), 15 minutes drive from the city centre. The area was the site of a former Maori settlement. According to locals, in the early 1900s a Maori family lived in one of the park's caves. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jeffrey  |
|
Views of Sumner and the Estuary |
Clifton Terrace Sumner Christchurch 8008 New Zealand |
For superb views of the Estuary of the Avon and Heathcote Rivers, the northern coastline and the Kaikoura Mountains, head for Clifton Hill. An increasingly popular area for homeowners to buy into, Clifton Hill is located in the historic seaside village of Sumner. A 15-minute drive from City Central, there are picnic tables and a children's playground at Brownlee Reserve—turn right from the Main Road into Clifton Terrace. Alternatively, leave the car at the bottom of Clifton Terrace and take the one and a half-hour hike up the sign-posted Mulgans Track. Passing through well-established trees and shrubs, this track is one of the steepest and longest footpaths in the city—but well worth the effort. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Popular seaside walking spot |
From Cave Rock to Scarborough Park Sumner Christchurch New Zealand +64 (0)3 379 9629 (Christchurch Information Centre) |
The Esplanade is perfect for those looking for a blast of sea air and great views. Well known to walkers, cyclists and surfers, the Esplanade is a broad walkway running just behind the high sea wall of volcanic stone that protects the beach suburb of Sumner. The beach below the sea wall is only visible at low tide. From Cave Rock to the Sumner Clock Tower and the small, pleasant Scarborough Park, the walk is approximately one kilometer long. There are superb views of Pegasus Bay and the Sumner Head. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Working Edwardian village |
Ferrymead Park Dr Christchurch 8002 New Zealand +64 (0)3 384 1970 http://www.ferrymead.org.nz |
For a genuine time warp, visit this historic theme park. From the car park, catch a tram or steam train and alight, feeling curiously out of place, in an Edwardian township complete with residents in period costume. Children of all ages will love the working cooperage and blacksmiths, the horse and cart, and the fascinating details of the post office, the bakery, jail, schoolhouse and cobblers. There are also two museums--the Hall of Flame (fire engines) and the Hall of Wheels (transport). Check website for further details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Geof Wilson |
 Photo: Geof Wilson |
|
Semi-rural setting |
Port Hills Road Heathcote Christchurch 8002 New Zealand |
With the feeling of a rural town park, the Heathcote Domain is a great place to "get away from it all" with the children. Nestled in the hills, with a sunny northerly aspect, this tree-studded park would be a great picnic spot even without the fantastic playground, which includes multiple swings and slides, a roundabout, an adventure-playground structure for younger children, and a magnificent flying fox for older children. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nate Cull |
 Horse riding for all |
131 Bridle Path Rd Christchurch 8002 New Zealand +64 (0)3 384 1971 |
The Heathcote Riding School offers horse treks and riding lessons for all ages and abilities. Disabled riders are welcome and ramps are provided for those requiring wheelchair access, although the owner says that these are best in dry conditions. The horses are quiet and well trained. Half-hour rides around the 900-acre farm are offered on Saturdays and treks are by arrangement. Cost:NZD15 for lessons; NZD30 for private treks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Breath-taking alpine skiing |
Main Road Methven Christchurch 8353 New Zealand +64 (0)3 302 8108 http://www.heliskiing.co.nz |
This is every skier's idea of heaven; untracked powder and brilliant views. It is the best way to experience the Southern Alps but recommended for skiers who classify themselves as intermediate level and above, as the terrain is fairly challenging. The day begins with a helicopter ride from Glenfalloch Station, up to three mountain ranges, Arrowsmith, Palmer and Rugged Ranges. From some vantage points you get to see the Tasman Sea to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the East, so take your camera! You must be fit and happy to ski the 3000 vertical meter slopes, most of which are powder during peak season. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Clifftop park with a view |
Scarborough Road Sumner Christchurch 8008 New Zealand +64 (0)3 379 1660 (Christchurch City Council Parks Unit) http://www.ccc.govt.nz/Parks |
Dramatic Nicholson Park sits on top of Scarborough Hill, overlooking the seaside suburb of Sumner. With the sound of the sea below, there are wonderful views of the city, the alps and the bay from this breathtaking, hilltop park. Gum trees, grassy areas, a small formal garden, picnic tables, a children's playground and walking tracks along the cliffs are features of the park, named after a former mayor of Sumner. Watch children, as the cliffs are very steep. Twenty minutes drive from the city centre, public transport only goes to Sumner below. From there, a steep track leads up to the park, about a 20-minute walk. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Spectacular flying with expert instructors |
6 Sumnervale Drive Christchurch 8008 New Zealand +64 (0)508 72 7245 / +64 (0)800 11 1611 http://www.paragliding.co.nz |
Enjoy stunning panoramas while in the experienced hands of Martin and Linda Thoma, New Zealand's longest running paragliding operators. Using top gear with all the safety features, they offer tandem flights, extended tours, and training from beginner to advanced levels. Flights take place in sites around the Port Hills, and departure is dependent on wind conditions. Longer tours, tailored to suit individual tastes, will take you to some of the best flying sites in the world. Just turn up at the airport and they will take it from there. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Views, parks and walkways |
Whitewash Head Drive Sumner Christchurch 8008 New Zealand |
For breathtaking views of the coastline all the way to the Kaikoura Ranges, check out Scarborough Hill. Beginning at the end of the seaside suburb of Sumner (15-20 minutes from city central), the walking tracks have frequent resting spots, with stone seats strategically placed to allow you to catch your breathe (it is a steep climb!). Once at the top, walk along the cliff crest to Nicholson Park to find Christchurch's best-placed swing, flying out over Sumner and the rest of the world. If, however, that all seems too much, then drive. Apart from being quicker and less exhausting, it is much easier to drive when bringing a picnic basket with you. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Christchurch's most picturesque beach |
The Esplanade Sumner Christchurch 8008 New Zealand +64 (0)3 379 9629 (Christchurch & Canterbury Visitors Centre) |
Generations of Cantabrians (locals) have promenaded down the Esplanade, which overlooks this idyllic stretch of ocean, renowned for safe swimming and good surfing. Dominating this patrolled beach is Cave Rock, a protrusion of volcanic stone through which the sea has eroded a large cavern. At low tide you can walk right through the cave to an assortment of limpet-encrusted rock pools, each one a tiny, self-contained ecosystem. Beware of deep holes scoured around some rocks. Toilets and changing sheds are available. There are also plenty of cafes and stores on The Esplanade and in nearby Sumner village. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gary Korhonen |
 Photo: womenshouldntwearclothes |
 Photo: Amie LaRouche |