Why Christchurch is the very best city in New Zealand for bicyclists

Calling itself the ‘city of cycling’, Christchurch/ Ōtautahi has a growing network of city cycleways and lots of terrific riding around the fringes.

One silver lining of Christchurch’s post-quake reconstruct some really slick biking facilities maximizing modern-day city style and brand-new open areas. This implies it’s reasonably simple and safe to see the city sights by bike, not simply in the centre however from corner to corner by means of a series of popular cycleways that have actually seen bike travelling blow up over the last few years.

There’s some enjoyable riding to be had around the edges too, especially up in the Port Hills and along the coast. Combine this with safe cycle-touring paths such as the Hurunui Heartland Ride through to Hanmer Springs, and Christchurch has actually become a really hot biking center for visitor and regional alike.

FIND OUT MORE:
* RidingRotorua: The finest New Zealand city for a biking vacation
* HanmerSprings is tough to beat for a cycling vacation
* The cycle tracks you have actually never ever become aware of in Central Otago

New Brighton by means of the Avon River Trail

The path referred to as Te Ara Ōtākaro is a serene, mainly off-road cruise from Cathedral Square to New Brighton beach. Taking an hour approximately, it follows the Avon River/ Ōtākaro for much of the method and travels through the red zone where there are traces of earthquake muntage to be seen.

On reaching South Shore spit, it’s well worth following the waterside course around the estuary. Once you have actually had your fill of serenity and bird-spotting, head around to New Brighton to stroll the pier and eat to consume at Switch café. HePuna Taimoana hot swimming pools are here, too.

Return flight alternatives are unlimited. Using the city board’s Bike Easy map, you can easily discover a backstreet path to the Woolston Tannery– house to Cassels Brewery Bar and store stores– then head back to town by means of the Heathcote Expressway.

Rapaki–SummitRoad to Lyttelton or Sumner

E-bikes have actually opened a panopoly of Port Hills riding to simple mortals, including this recommended alternative that might quickly be sliced and diced a various method with map in hand.

Start by directing the popular Rapaki Track, the high 4WD roadway that climbs up progressively to reach the Summit Road that snakes along the ridge separating Christchurch from Lyttelton Harbour/Whakaraup ō.

Heading east along the roadway will take you all the method out to Godley Head/Awaroa– up there with the very best of Aotearoa’s seaside lookouts, for sure.

Fit, capable riders can continue around to Lyttelton by means of the SumnerRoad Partake in drinks in the town prior to continuing around the bays to DyersPass Let’s hope you have actually left some e-charge prior to tackling this climb back up to the Port Hills top where you can rejoin the Rapaki Track pull back to town.

A much shorter option is to avoid the Summit Road at Evans Pass Road, which unwind to the beachy suburban area of Sumner and back to town by means of Te Ara Ihutai.

Te Ara Ihutai from the city to Sumner

The flight from the CBD to Sumner is a beautiful half-day trip, specifically now that Te Ara Ihutai enables you to ride off-road for much of the method. Also referred to as the Coastal Pathway, this 6km-long, shared path links Ferrymead to Sumner’s ScarboroughBeach It’s pancake flat and will be completely offroad when ultimately finished.

You can select the path up at Ferrymead by following the Heathcote Expressway from the CBD. Enjoy the beautiful seaside views and feel the sand in between your toes at ScarboroughBeach Pack your togs if you can be found in summer season.

Sumner has adequate hospitality too, consisting of Niche Coffee +Eatery What this covert gem does not have in views it more than offsets with champ cheese scones and chilli rushed eggs.

At the danger of duplicating ourselves, let us advise you that the Heathcote Expressway passes right by the Tannery where a pint and pizza at Cassels Brewery Bar are best for settling your experience.

Christchurch Adventure Park

Half an hour’s flight from the city centre, Christchurch Adventure Park is fantastic one-stop-shop for outside action. Along with cycling and strolling tracks, there are chairlift trips and a zipline, mountain cycling lessons, kids’ vacation programs and other occasions, plus a large café embeded in forests surrounds.

The chairlift takes the sting out of a huge Port Hills’ climb. It’s New Zealand’s longest at 1.8 km and was particularly developed to bring riders and bikes. (Buy a day pass and you’ll be taking a look at around $8 a lift; bikes and all equipment offered for hire). Even if you do not ride, it deserves directing for the grandstand views.

The 358- hectare, partly forested park sports more than 40 tracks varying from simple and streaming to technical rough things. Maps and other details are outstanding as is on-site guidance from personnel and a legion of residents who’ll set you on the best track.

Little River Trail Heartland Ride

Much of this flight traces a historical train line from the centre of Christchurch through to Little River town, nestled at the base of BanksPeninsula Along the method it takes in city, rural and lakeside surroundings as it follows a series of courses, streets and back road.

The entire path is 50 km long and pancake flat, so can be finished as a day-trip by in shape riders or e-bikers. There are likewise great deals of alternatives for much shorter and return trips from numerous areas along the path.

A great trip for leisure riders is the area in between Lincoln and Little River, with Lincoln’s bike-friendly Laboratory craft beer club an excellent location to begin or complete. This flat, tranquil 38 km follows the old train line past the regrowing wetlands Te Waihora/LakeEllesmere and Wairewa/LakeForsyth. Little River has a popular café and art gallery.

Between Lincoln and Little River is the small rural settlement of Motukarara, where there’s a wonderful domain with adequate parking and picnic chances. It’s a simple departure point for 2-3-hour return trips in either instructions with café alternatives at each end.

Another popular alternative is to begin at Raspberry Caf é at Tai Tapu and flight through to Little River from there. Seek out the Little River Trail sales brochure for maps and more information.

Essentials:

Find biking maps on the City Council site ccc.govt.nz/ transport/cycling

Chill Bikes in the city provides bike hire and directed trips.

Staying safe: New Zealand is presently under Covid-19 limitations. Follow the guidelines at covid19 govt.nz