Christchurch, New Zealand, features some of Canterbury's best swimming spots. It's a great place for cooling off during the summer months.
Whether you're looking for coastal beaches or forested pools, there's something for everyone who wants a dip. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy these spaces. Here, we've included options for family outings and those more adventurous swimmers.
Here are some of the best places to swim, relax, or enjoy nature in and around Christchurch.
Hays Bay
Hays Bay is a quiet spot just a short drive from Christchurch in Lyttelton Harbour. It's scenic and protected from strong winds, making it a good spot for families with younger children.
The water is shallow, and there are relatively few waves. The bay is calm and enjoys full afternoon sun. You can swim, lounge on the beach, or float on a lilo.
There's parking available on Black Rock Road.
- Distance from Christchurch: Approximately 25 minutes by car
- Recommended for: Families, nature lovers, picnickers
- Best time to visit: Summer for warmer water and afternoon sun
Taylor's Mistake Beach
Taylor's Mistake is one of the most popular beaches in Christchurch. It's famous for its consistent surf, hence its popularity. There are also great places to surf and swim in Auckland, too, if you're considering a trip.
That said, it's not just surfers who can enjoy it; with the sheltered bay creating good conditions for swimmers, they can also enjoy it.
However, the beach can get rather busy on summer weekends, but it's still worth visiting.
If you'd like to go for a walk, we recommend the nearby Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track, a coastal hiking trail that includes views of historic World War II structures.
With hiking, surfing, and swimming all in one place, Taylor's Mistake Beach is a popular choice for many people.
- Distance from Christchurch: Around 20 minutes by car
- Recommended for: Swimmers, surfers, hikers
- Best time to visit: Early mornings or weekdays to avoid the crowds
Waimairi Beach
Wairmairi Beach is one of the most popular summer destinations at the northern end of New Brighton. With a long sandy shore and excellent waves, it's popular for swimming and kite surfing.
On summer weekends and holidays, there's a lifeguard, which families will appreciate. You can also head to Broad Park, which has a playground and picnic areas that are excellent for families with younger children.
The combination of surf, sand, and excellent facilities make it a popular beach in the summer.
- Distance from Christchurch: About 15 minutes by car
- Recommended for: Families, surfers, beachgoers
- Best time to visit: Summer for lifeguard patrols and warm weather
Waltham Summer Pool
The Waltham Summer Pool is a favourite spot for swimming. This family-friendly outdoor pool experience has a relaxed atmosphere.
The gradual entry makes it accessible for young children and less confident swimmers. Families with very small children will enjoy the toddler pool, and kids will love the hydroslide.
It's common for families to spend the whole day here, enjoying a swim and using the BBQ facilities available for hire.
Whether you're going with family and friends, Waltham Pool offers an option for swimming in a more controlled environment.
- Distance from Christchurch: In Waltham, a 10-minute drive from the city centre
- Recommended for: Families, swimmers of all ages
- Best time to visit: Open throughout the summer season
Abberley Park Paddling Pool
This peaceful green space in St. Albans has a paddling pool, which is excellent for toddlers and young children.
The pool area is shaded, which means kids can splash around in the water while also being protected from the summer sun.
The park is also great for picnics, with large trees offering shade. There's also a nearby playground, so it'll be a great day out.
- Distance from Christchurch: In St. Albans, about 10 minutes from the city centre
- Recommended for: Families with young children
- Best time to visit: Open during the summer season, particularly on warm days
Rakaia Gorge
Rakaia Gorge is about an hour and fifteen minutes from Christchurch by car, so it's worthwhile spending some time there if you make the drive. Luckily, it's breathtaking and worth every minute of the drive.
With beautiful turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, this picturesque destination is great for swimming and enjoying the natural beauty of Canterbury.
You can find spots along the river where you can safely enter the water. The whole area is excellent for swimming, hiking, and photography, though obviously not all at once.
If you're looking for something a little bit more exciting, you can even take a jet boat tour of the gorge.
- Distance from Christchurch: About 1 hour 15 minutes by car
- Recommended for: Nature lovers, adventure seekers, photographers
- Best time to visit: Late spring through summer for swimming; autumn for scenic views
Lake Clearwater
Although this destination is a bit further afield, though not as distant as some of Hamilton's best swimming spots, we recommend making the trip. Swimmers, kayakers, and campers will love this pristine lake with mountain views.
The lake features crystal-clear waters and a nearby campsite where visitors can enjoy a night under the stars.
Camping also offers better opportunities for enjoying the lake early in the morning before everybody else arrives.
If you're looking for a summer getaway, Lake Clearwater's excellent water quality and remote setting make it a great choice.
- Distance from Christchurch: Approximately 2 hours by car
- Recommended for: Swimmers, kayakers, campers
- Best time to visit: Summer for warm water and clear skies
Corsair Bay
This popular swimming and picnicking spot is located in Lyttelton Harbour. Corsair Bay is sheltered and has calm waters, great for families with younger children.
There are grassy areas for picnics, barbecue facilities, and some walking trails, making Corsair Bay a relaxing day out.
- Distance from Christchurch: 20 minutes by car
- Recommended for: Families, beachgoers, swimmers
- Best time to visit: Summer afternoons for sun and warm water
Rapaki Bay
Rapaki Bay is known for its calm waters and scenic surroundings. This tranquil beach is nestled within Lyttelton Harbour. It's a great place to swim, sunbathe, and relax while enjoying nature.
The waters are shallow, so families with small children will love it, and it's typically quieter than some of Christchurch's other crowded beaches.
- Distance from Christchurch: Around 20 minutes by car
- Recommended for: Swimmers, families, locals
- Best time to visit: Summer for calm water and beautiful views
Sumner Beach
Sumner Beach features a range of activities for all ages, which is why it's such a popular summer spot. It features sandy shores and waves that are great for surfing, swimming, and beach volleyball.
There are plenty of restaurants and cafés in the area, so you can also grab a coffee or a bite to eat while you're there.
Both locals and tourists enjoy visiting Sumner Beach and taking in the views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Distance from Christchurch: 20 minutes by car
- Recommended for: Beach lovers, surfers, families
- Best time to visit: Summer for swimming and water sports
Safety Tips for Swimming In and Around Christchurch
Swimming, especially in one of New Zealand's best swimming spots, can be a lot of fun, but you must ensure that you do it safely. After all, many of these are natural bodies of water with unique conditions and safety considerations.
Here's our advice to ensure you have good, safe fun at these spots:
- Check the current: Natural bodies of water, particularly the ocean and rivers, will have a current. Strong currents can be dangerous, so always check before entering the water.
- Swim with others: The simple act of never swimming alone can greatly decrease any inherent risk of swimming in natural bodies of water, especially secluded ones.
- Respect lifeguard flags: It's common for some beaches like Waimairi and Sumner for lifeguards to set up flags denoting safe swimming zones. These flags are to be respected.
- Wear suitable footwear: The ground at natural swimming holes often comprises rocks and uneven surfaces. We recommend wearing water shoes.
- Stay hydrated: Hydration is key to any physical activity, particularly during hot days. It's surprisingly easy to forget to drink water despite spending all day in it.
As you can see, Christchurch and the surrounding areas have plenty of great places to swim, enjoy New Zealand's natural beauty, and spend a day with families and friends.
There are spots in the city and places you can escape to in your car in just a few hours. Whether going with friends or family, you're bound to find something.
If there are any we missed, be sure to let us know about them in the comments. If you feel your swimming could be better, be sure to look for a swimming coach on the Superprof website!
Many offer the first session for free, so you can try a few before choosing the right one.
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