Sumner guidebook
Sightseeing
A local beach that is great for swimming and surfing with a fantastic walking track. If you decide to take the track, Allow 2-3 hours there and back if go the whole way and take water and a snack. We always recommend it to our overseas visitors but ought to do it ourselves more often, it is incredibly beautiful and doesn't cost a thing. A great family walk but if you take littlies you need to hold their hands near the cliff edges.
17 locals recommend
Taylors Mistake - Awaroa / Godley Head Walk
229 Taylors Mistake RdA local beach that is great for swimming and surfing with a fantastic walking track. If you decide to take the track, Allow 2-3 hours there and back if go the whole way and take water and a snack. We always recommend it to our overseas visitors but ought to do it ourselves more often, it is incredibly beautiful and doesn't cost a thing. A great family walk but if you take littlies you need to hold their hands near the cliff edges.
Sumner Beach
A great beach for swimming and surfing.
The Gondola is a great way to see all of Christchurch from the very top of the port hills. A fantastic ride to the top with a cafe and local history ride for the kids. Make sure to get a pass for the Gondola and tram, it will save you!
247 locals recommend
Christchurch Gondola
The Gondola is a great way to see all of Christchurch from the very top of the port hills. A fantastic ride to the top with a cafe and local history ride for the kids. Make sure to get a pass for the Gondola and tram, it will save you!
Playground
Our local playground (within walking distance from the house) with multi-play structures including a mouse wheel, eagle's lair, dancing snake rope swing and large climbing tower. Bring togs and towels for the water play areas.
6 locals recommend
Scarborough Park
147 EsplanadeOur local playground (within walking distance from the house) with multi-play structures including a mouse wheel, eagle's lair, dancing snake rope swing and large climbing tower. Bring togs and towels for the water play areas.
The best playground around, worth the trip! Created in memory of one of our best Children's writer, this award winning playground with be a hit.
150 locals recommend
Margaret Mahy Playground
Armagh StreetThe best playground around, worth the trip! Created in memory of one of our best Children's writer, this award winning playground with be a hit.
Shopping/Gift buying
Harakeke Florist
17 Marriner StreetA gorgeous florist and gift shop
This bookshop is a dream, beautiful children's books hand-picked by the lovely owner who is truly an expert.
The Children's Bookshop
Beachville RoadThis bookshop is a dream, beautiful children's books hand-picked by the lovely owner who is truly an expert.
A car trip away, but worth the travel. A beautiful historic archade filled with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. There's something for everyone.
205 locals recommend
The Tannery
3 Garlands RdA car trip away, but worth the travel. A beautiful historic archade filled with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. There's something for everyone.
The Ivy
10 Wakefield AvenueGreat selection of homewares and gifts- Just round the corner for last minute gift buying.
Neighbourhoods
A very special little harbour village with great food, coffee, bars and shops, and a famous farmers market on Saturday mornings
99 locals recommend
Lyttelton
A very special little harbour village with great food, coffee, bars and shops, and a famous farmers market on Saturday mornings
Entertainment
Hollywood Cinema is Christchurch's oldest cinema built in 1938. It comes with three screens and a cafe and is the last remaining New Zealand theatre with a waterfall curtain.
33 locals recommend
Hollywood Theatre
28 Marriner StHollywood Cinema is Christchurch's oldest cinema built in 1938. It comes with three screens and a cafe and is the last remaining New Zealand theatre with a waterfall curtain.
Our beautiful cities main Gallery showcasing major exhibitions by local and international artists. Often holds music gigs and festivals in the evenings too, Absolutely worth a visit and checking out what is on offer while you are here.
304 locals recommend
Christchurch Art Gallery (Te Puna o Waiwhetu)
312 Montreal StOur beautiful cities main Gallery showcasing major exhibitions by local and international artists. Often holds music gigs and festivals in the evenings too, Absolutely worth a visit and checking out what is on offer while you are here.
Food scene
The best pastries and breads around, catering to vegans as well. The perfect spot for grabbing takeaways, and heading to the beach or back home.
18 locals recommend
Bohemian Bakery
43 Nayland StThe best pastries and breads around, catering to vegans as well. The perfect spot for grabbing takeaways, and heading to the beach or back home.
My favourite cafe, great food and coffee with lovely service too. Just get in quick for a seat as it's a local favourite!
Niche Coffee + Eatery
42 Marriner StreetMy favourite cafe, great food and coffee with lovely service too. Just get in quick for a seat as it's a local favourite!
Miss Peppercorn 花椒小姐
32 Nayland StBeautiful authentic Chinese food.
The Headless Mexican
43 Nayland StGood Mexican food and drinks.
Red Snapper
25a Wakefield AveBest Fish and Chips in Sumner
Utopia Ice
15 Wakefield AveDelicious ice-cream in a gorgeous garden setting.