The Walking Festival

Over the past few weeks, we’ve loved seeing families, friends, and furry companions out exploring the city – from rivers and wetlands to art trails, historic streets, and stunning natural spaces. Your energy, laughter, and curiosity have made this festival truly special.

There’s been so much fun, learning, and adventure and we can’t wait to see you on the next walk.

Thank you for making the festival amazing!

The lucky last walks of the Christchurch Walking Festival are almost here – don’t miss out!

- Walk on the Wild Side of Sugarloaf – Saturday 18 April, 9 am to 3 pm.
A challenging adventure for experienced trampers 15+. Explore the heart of Sugarloaf Reserve, walk under a regenerating forest canopy, and enjoy stunning views of the Port Hills and Lyttelton Harbour.

- Nature Walk through Waikākāriki / Horseshoe Lake – Sunday 19 April, 10 am to 1 pm.
Take a slow with iNaturalist NZ experts to discover Christchurch’s incredible biodiversity and learn about the species around us.

- Travis Wetland Whānau Hīkoi – Sunday 19 April, 11am.
A peaceful 3.4 km stroll for all ages and abilities. Learn about the wetlands’ whakapapa and their importance to mana whenua while connecting with nature.

Grab your walking shoes and get in quick for these final adventures!

Full details and meeting points here: ccc.govt.nz/walkingfestival

Get ready for some fun and adventure in Lincoln, Bromley, and Richmond this week! There’s something for everyone – families, kids, and anyone who loves exploring outdoors.

Liffey Stream and Wetlands Walk – Tuesday 14 April, 10 am to 11:30 am.
Take an easy, flat walk with the biodiversity team along the Liffey Stream and discover the natural and manmade features of the wetlands.

Discover the pathway to play – Wednesday 15 April, 9 am to 1 pm.
A self-guided treasure hunt style walk for tamariki to connect with their neighbourhood, play spaces, and local services. Includes pop-up play events, storytime, and even painting wooden eels for the Linwood drain mural. Rain day: Friday 17 April.

Going on a Bear Hunt – Wednesday 15 April, 11 am to 12:30 pm. A fun swishy, swashy, splashy adventure for young families, ending with the excitement of finding the bear!

Hooray for Hat! Storywalk – Thursday 16 April, 10:30 am to 12 pm. Hop, skip, and stroll through Richmond Community Gardens with Elephant and Friends, enjoy a fun craft activity, and visit the library van along the way. Rain day: Friday 17 April.

Bring your family, friends, and furry companions, and make some memories on these fun walks!

Full details and meeting points here: ccc.govt.nz/walkingfestival

What an amazing couple of weeks it’s been! From 1–10 April, walkers of all ages have been out exploring Christchurch, enjoying history, nature, art, and even a magical Gruffalo adventure for the kids.

We’ve loved seeing families, friends, and furry companions getting out, having fun, and making memories together. From sunrises on the beach to riverside strolls, city trails, and guided adventures, there’s been so much laughter, learning, and fresh-air fun.

And the best part? There’s still plenty more to come! If you haven’t joined a walk yet, now’s the perfect time to get out, explore, and make some good times of your own.

Check out all upcoming walks and plan your next adventure here: ccc.govt.nz/walkingfestival

Gruffalo Explorers returns for another year! On Monday the 13th April, join us as young walkers can become 'mouse' to explore the deep dark woods on this self-guided walk to meet new friends, including snake, fox, owl, a few special New Zealand species and... the Gruffalo!

Enjoy storytelling and craft activities.

Length: 2.3km easy, suitable for preschoolers and for children in pushchairs and buggies. Please note that some areas may be rocky or sandy.

No dogs please.

Bookings required (free) - see this link for more details and bookings:

Gruffalo Walk 2026 The Gruffalo Walk is not one to be missed. Perfect for kids, this interactive walk takes you around Bottle Lake Forest.

Unfortunately, the Dunes at Dawn Sunrise Walk at New Brighton due to take place on 8 April, has been CANCELLED due to expected bad weather ☔️🌨️

Send a message to learn more

We’ve got some fantastic walks coming up in April – there’s truly something for everyone!

Lyttelton Antarctic Walk – 11 April, 1 pm. Explore Lyttelton’s port town and learn about Scott and Shackleton’s iconic Antarctic expeditions on this guided walk with volunteers from the NZ Antarctic Society.

15th Great Otakaro Avon River Walk – Pier to Peace Bell – 11 April, 10 am to 3 pm. Follow the river from New Brighton Pier to Hagley Park, enjoy the scenery, and learn about its history. A reasonable level of fitness is needed. Koha/donation appreciated.

Gruffalo – Children’s Walk – 13 April, 10am. This one is not to be missed! Perfect for little explorers, it’s a fun, magical way for kids to enjoy walking, stories, and the outdoors.
Bring your family, friends, and furry companions, and make the most of these adventures!

Full details here: ccc.govt.nz/walkingfestival