Starting in Hagley Park and ending at the pier in New Brighton is a beautiful and relatively easy bike ride.
You follow the Avon River through central Christchurch taking in several picturesque central city spots on the river. It's literally flat terrain all the way to the ocean - about 20km. Plan on about one hour each direction, plus a stop at the pier for an ice cream and a wander!
The Avon River winds its way through Hagley Park and through central Christchurch
The city is developing the Avon River Park to be green and attractive all the way to the ocean. They project a completion date of 2025, but it's stunning right now sure to be even better in the years to come. You can bike along the river the entire route with new walking/biking bridges in several places along the river.
It's literally flat terrain all the way to the ocean - about 20km. Plan on about one hour each direction, plus a stop at the pier for an ice cream and a wander!
Several rowing clubs are located near the Burwood community on the river. Just east from there you'll find the new new bridges designed for anything but cars!
There's lots of river activity including rowers and kayakers. It's a calm river, that actually is affected by the tides almost all the way to the city centre. The new bridges are very cool and were built after several bridges were destroyed in the 2010-11 earthquakes - walkers and bicyclists only! Well...maybe a few scooters and skateboarders as well 😊.
Kayakers are very common on the river. Another relaxing way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
There are several long stretches with no cars in the area, just the river and the sound of gently flowing water. It's quite relaxing and a nice steady bit of exercise. As you make your way to the beach the last short section is on city streets through New Brighton.
The New Brighton library, that adjoins the pier, is quite modern and stunning.
At the beach you are rewarded with fresh ocean breezes and miles of relatively uncrowded sand, with Banks Peninsula to the south and Bottle Lake Forest Park to the north. You can lock your bike or walk it on to the pier. The modern glass building that holds the New Brighton library is adjoining the pier.
There are several long stretches with no cars in the area, just the river and the sound of gently flowing water. It's quite relaxing and a nice steady bit of exercise.
Most days will have an ice cream vendor in the parking lot. Or you can go for a coffee or a beer in the cafe that's part of the library building. It's nice to head out to the end of the pier and share the view with the local bird population!
