PADDLEBOARD THROUGH THE CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH

Paddling through a city centre makes me think of paddleboarding back in the UK. Shopping trolleys in the water, water lilies, willow trees and an audience watching you paddle past! It feels like I am back in the south east of England!

This is a unique paddle down the Avon River / Ōtākaro  which winds right through the heart of the city of Christchurch. This 7km paddle takes you through lush parks, past punters and row boats, city sculptures and bridges, and right into the peaceful stillness of the city fringes.

The journey starts just below Mona Vale park and winds through the edges of Hagley Park, past the Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Hospital, and right through the city. My friend, Nick and I paddled this one on a cloudy summers day whilst I was staying in the city and it totally delivered. The Punting on the Avon boatshed in the city centre was a real throwback to our Cambridge city centre paddle that I used to guide with the Paddle Cabin, where you spend a lot of time dodging punting boats who can't steer! There is one little section here just after the boatshed, where the river gets narrower and the flow increases. You may need to walk down as it is very shallow gentle rapids, or you can kneel on the front of the board to lift your fins to get down it. This was the prime lunchtime spot for locals to watch Nick and I slide down here, to their amusement. After the statue of the man in the water (a piece by Andy Goldsworthy), you drift out of the city and into the Red Zone—a eerie derelict area, abandoned after the 2011 earthquakes.

This is a great paddle for anyone wanting to experience Christchurch from a new perspective, with enough flow on this river that it needs to be a one way paddle but with nothing technical, making it perfect for families.

We finished up further down the Avon corridor, at Fitzgerald Reach. Here, you will need to sort out your shuttle or stash a bike here at the end to get back to the start. You could add another 5km to your paddle and keep going on the river to Dallington Bridge if you wanted to make it longer.

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route

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PADDLING INFO for the river avon, christchurch

RATING

• Easy paddle

ROUTE & conditions

• The flow on this river is affected by rainfall, and can have very low water levels in the summer and very shallow sections, and flow will increase after heavy rainfall.
  

• In general, it is not a deep river, but there is flow on this river with occasional shallow, faster-flowing sections to be aware of. This paddle is sheltered from the wind and does not have exposed sections.
  

• Be careful of low-hanging branches and shallow rocks to catch your fin on.

WHERE TO PARK & LAUNCH

• Launch point is on the river by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – 25 Fendalton Road. There is a grassy verge by the river—perfect for launching, and roadside parking on Fendalton Road. There are no facilities. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/3NvFjp3beZGgSnNEA)

• Egress at the steps at Fitzgerald Reach. You can park on Bangor Street here. There are no facilities. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/VtG7JtL8QoF9XiHM7A) Alternatively, you could get out at Dallington Landing, via steps on river left just after Dallington Bridge.
  

• The shuttle time is 10 minutes between the Fendalton Road and Bangor Street.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

• You’ve just paddled through the middle of Christchurch, so you’re spoiled for choice. Here are a few favourites near the finish or easy to detour to:

  • Little Poms – Local favourite for great coffee, breakfast, and lunch.

  • Riverside Market – Worth the detour back into town for post-paddle snacks, drinks, or a proper feed.

  • Child Sister – Great spot for a cheeky cake and caffeine fix.

WHERE TO SLEEP

• If you’re coming from out of town, Christchurch has loads of options for all budgets:

  • The Observatory Hotel – Boutique and beautiful, right in the Arts Centre

  • Drifters - hotel, hostel, bar, restaurant, art - it's got it all!

LOCAL INFO

• As this river has moving water, a quick release waist belt (rather than an ankle cuff) with a coiled leash is advised for this paddle, so you can quickly release your leash from your waist in an emergency.
  

• If you want to paddle with a group in Christchurch, check out Christchurch Paddleboarding for SUP lessons, rentals, tours and meet ups.

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WEATHER

• I use Windy, Wind Finder, Met Service and NIWA check the weather and wind.

Enjoy the big city :)

Until next time, happy paddling!