PADDLEBOARD FROM SUMNER TO CASS BAY

Jo Taylor
Nov 24, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Jun 19

If you want to paddleboard in Christchurch, this one way paddle passes the most spectacular coastline, paddling past breathtaking bays and towering cliffs. It's not one for beginners, with some rolling swell expected in the exposed sections, so grab a friend, set up your shuttles and head out on a 16km adventure! I joined my friends Nick and Sarah who live in Christchurch, and we headed to the beach with my SUP and their sea kayaks!

Paddleboarding IN CHRISTCHURCH ON THE SEA

Your paddle begins at Sumner Beach, a popular spot for surfers and beachgoers just 12 km from Christchurch city centre. Sumner is a long sandy beach that gets good waves (so make sure you come back for a surf or SUP surf here), and it's an excellent starting point due to how easy it is to park up and launch here. There is a real buzz here of locals loving their beach, and a good community vibe, I would love to have stayed and caught some waves!

You will be heading westward, skirting around Scarborough Hill, so we launched from the west end of the beach, up by the Scarborough Lifeboat station as this is more sheltered from the waves and closer to access at low tide. Try not to do what I did, which was be so enthusiastic to get on the water that I tripped over a rock and face-planted on the sand, throwing my board into the water. Buoyancy aids do really cushion a fall though, so I bounced back up and on to the water!

The Scarborough headland is stunning. with dramatic cliffs, and once you get round, you head into the bay, Taylors Mistake – another great surf spot in Christchurch. And one with the best name ;) This bay is also a great place to pause, explore, use the loo and enjoy the pretty beach here. However, it is a surf beach so waves are common here and landing can be tricky, as Sarah found out, ending up rather wet. Legend has it that the name comes from Captain Taylor, who mistakenly believed the bay was the entrance to Lyttelton Harbour.

As you carry on past the rugged cliffs at Godley Head, you can wave to walkers out on the hillside tracks and explore caves along the way. A true highlight of this route, Godley Head is perched on the easternmost tip of the Port Hills and offers a glimpse into military history. Atop Godley Head lies the Godley Head Coastal Defence Battery, a key part of New Zealand's WWII coastal defences, where gun emplacements and tunnels still remain. This part of the paddle is exposed, so expect swell and be careful navigating around the rocks.

Whilst Sarah was suffering from a badly timed period of sea sickness in her kayak, I was happily being followed by a Hector dolphin as I paddled around the headland into Lyttelton Harbour, where the water is calmer and more sheltered (in general, but wind dependent!). Lyttelton Harbour was formed by volcanic activity around 11 million years ago, and this section gives you beaut views of the Port Hills to the north, the Banks Peninsula to the south and Quail Island in front of you. If you have time, Quail Island would make a great stop to visit, camp or stay at the hut here, and this would add about 5km to your trip.

Once you cross the busy entrance into Lyttelton Harbour (take care as ships move fast), you will wiggle past Corsair Bay (gorgeous) and head into the sleepy, pretty Cass Bay. The small beach at Cass Bay is a great landing point, with parking at the waterfront and facilities to use. Don't do what I did (again!) and come back to a flat battery from leaving your lights on in the car. But it wouldn't be a day out without Jo forgetting something!

Paddle Sumner to Cass Bay in Christchurch, New Zealand

route

PADDLING INFO for sumner to cass bay

RATING

Challenging

ROUTE & conditions

The paddle can work in both directions, so consider the winds and the tides before deciding your route.
The incoming tide flows from Sumner to Lyttelton Harbour and can be noticeable on big tides. We set off around two hours before the high tide at Sumner, so the incoming tide will assist you until you reach Lyttelton. You could paddle the opposite way too, starting at Cass Bay two hours before low tide.
As typical here, the winds tend to pick up throughout the day so check the forecast to use the wind to aid you as much as possible.
The swell can be big around Godley Head and tends to be calmer on the Lyttelton side.

WHERE TO PARK & LAUNCH

Free parking is available at Sumner Surf Life Saving Club, Sumner Lifeboat Institute (2 Scarborough Road, Scarborough, Christchurch 8081, https://g.co/kgs/jB6zmyQ) or along the esplanade. Parking fills up quickly on weekends, so it’s best to arrive early. Toilets are present here too.

Egress at Cass Bay (8082), park up by the toilets and parking is free. https://maps.app.goo.gl/QcEdhYznVjjnx5cm8
The shuttle time is 20 minutes between the two spots.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Sumner: Grab a coffee or a meal at Clink Restaurant & Bar for modern Kiwi cuisine or head to Niche Coffee for more casual food and (most importantly) coffee, with stunning sea views.
Lyttelton: Civil and Naval is a top choice for local craft beer and fresh eats, or try Super for gourmet brunch, toasties, tacos, and laid-back vibes after your paddle.

WHERE TO SLEEP

Sumner: Stay close to your launch point at Sumner Bay Motel providing self-contained units perfect for a comfortable stay.
Lyttelton: For those wanting to stay near the finish, Ōtoromiro Hotel in Governors Bay offers stunning views and a taste of local history, just a short drive from Cass Bay.

LOCAL INFO

As some parts of this paddle are quite isolated with limited emergency landing points, carry a Personal Locator Beacon or VHF radio. Tune into Channel 16 around Lyttelton Harbour so that the Harbour Master and ships can contact you if needed.
There are not many exit points between Taylors Mistake and Lyttelton so make sure you are within your paddle ability.
Lyttelton Harbour is a busy port with a lot of traffic so be careful crossing the shipping channel and make sure you are clear of it until you cross.