Christchurch, Walks & Parks
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Biking - McLeans Island
Part of the Waimakariri River Regional Park, the McLeans Track is a well-built, smooth 10km mountain bike track that is ideal for family biking. There are plenty of twists and turns, bumps and small ups and downs, to make it great fun, without being too technical. Ideal for beginner bikers or family groups! Plenty of parking at the start of the track, and there's also a cabin open at weekends, selling bottled water, drinks, muffins and other goodies. You can even rent bikes (for both kids and adults) and helmets, at the start of the track (weekends only, or by arrangement from On Your Bike - 03 348 1738).
read more- Location: Opposite Orana Wildlife, McLeans Island Road, off Johns Road, Christchurch
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Biking - Bottle Lake Forest Park
This Kidz Go! favourite has it all! Immerse yourself in miles of sandy beaches, walking tracks galore, superb forest mountain bike trails that are easy yet varied and fun, mountain bike terrain park and a recreation area with adventure playground, flying fox, paddling pool, tennis courts, sandy volleyball and BBQ pits. The flat trails are ideal for buggies but this area really comes into it’s own as a perfect place to take the kids mountain biking. Try the Pegasus Bay track which skirts the forest, following the beach from Spencer Park to New Brighton’s North Shore. Otherwise discover the maze of fun, winding mountain bike trails that criss-cross the forest. You can pick up maps of the forest from the information centre at Spencer Park (Off Lower Styx Road.) Alternative access and recreation area off Waitikiri Drive.
read more- Location: Christchurch - 10km northeast of city centre.
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Margaret Mahy Family Playground
This spectacular all-ages, all-abilities playground is named after one of Canterbury's much-loved authors, Margaret Mahy. Plenty of thought and planning has gone into making the playground an amazing place for all. Here's what you'll find:
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- Playground equipment, like the 4 metre wide-slide and double flying fox.
- Sand play, swings, rockers and a crawl tunnel for toddlers.
- Water cannons, sprinklers and a splash pad with controllable jets.
- Separate activity zones for different age groups.
- Food and beverage retailers - Rollickin' Gelato, Berry Healthy Real Fruit Ice Cream, Mo Coffee and Bueno Cantina.
- Lawn picnic areas and seating.
- Public toilet, change facilities and shade canopy.
- And plenty more to discover!
The Playground is free to visit and open all day everyday. There is a free car park at 177 Armagh Street.- Location: 177 Armagh St, Christchurch
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Christchurch–Little River Railtrail
This biking/walking rail trail is a community project, which eventually plans to extend for 44 km between Christchurch and Little River. Two sections have been completed to date; f... read more
- Location: There are a number of entry points into the railtrail, accessed off the Christchurch to Akaroa highway.
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Godley Head (Port Hills)
From Sumner or Lyttelton, take the Summit Road out to the headland to explore the relics of a WWII coastal defence battery. Older children will enjoy the Tunnel Walk (1 hour return) but note the track down to the tunnel is very steep and slippery when wet. Littlies may prefer to just explore around the old gun emplacements and underground magazines (take a torch). Children must be supervised as the steps down to the magazines are steep.
read more- Location: Godley Head, Summit Road, Christchurch
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