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Exploring Canterbury Beaches
When the sun's rays beat down and the day gets hot, what better place to go than the beach? Christchurch is a coastal city, so visitors have their pick of over fifty kilometres of sandy beaches extending from Banks Peninsula all the way up to the mouth of the Waipara River in North Canterbury.
Sumner is a perfect family beach, with its curving sand nestled against a backdrop of cliffs, caves and historic houses. Kids love the playground and pools below Scarborough Hill, while young and old alike enjoy exploring iconic Cave Rock. Sumner's a perfect place to enjoy the beach, shopping and cafes by day, then dinner and a movie in the evening.
If you've got time it's worth taking a trip over Scarborough Hill to Taylor's Mistake - a popular surfing beach with stunning views, cute baches and coastal walks. This area is perfect for paragliding and biking too.
From there you could drive over Evans Pass to Lyttelton harbour and the port town of Lyttelton. As well as offering great views there are also many smaller beaches to explore. Try Corsair Bay just past Lyttelton for swimming and its playground, or drive right around the harbour to scenic Camp Bay.
The long stretch of beach from South Brighton to North Brighton is great for a range of activities, including swimming, fishing, horse riding, surfing, kite flying and land boarding. Or if you're in a mellow mood, just walk or explore the dunes. Visit New Brighton pier for a view that extends from Banks Peninsula to the majestic Kaikoura mountains in the north.
A hire car lets you explore North Canterbury's beaches, including Waikuku, Leithfield, and Amberley. These beaches are the perfect place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but you can still enjoy shopping and dining in the area's cafes, galleries and wineries. Make sure you stop in at Pukeko Junction, the Nor'wester Cafe, and the Brew Moon Garden Cafe & Brewery for local art, crafts and refreshment.
If a day trip leaves you wanting more, you can extend your stay with the range of accommodation available at Sumner, New Brighton and Amberley. Whether you want a bed and breakfast, hotel, motel, or just a great day out, there's something for you at Canterbury's beautiful beaches.