Avon and Heathcote Estuary

Quick Facts

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Start / Finish - Use any of the parks on the map above for a good trip. Pick the best spot based on what the tide is doing (details below). Sometimes the tide might work to go there and back, sometimes it may be a one way trip. Moncks Bay is a good place to play at the peak of the flow - you don't need to go an​​ywhere, just have fun in the current!

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Cautions - At the peak of the tide the estuary flows fast. SUPs must not use an ankle or calf leash in this environment as there is a high risk to life should you get caught up in a boat mooring or similar. Use a quick release waist belt with your leash. You can buy a good one from Moana or get in touch to buy directly from us.

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If you plan to start or finish at Sumner then bear in mind that there will potentially be surf to contend with. When the estuary is flowing out, this is likely to increase the wave size / cause confused water across Sumner Bar. Remember, if it looks too much, just head back to Moncks Bay or straight to the beach.

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Good to Know - If you've got the tide time wrong, don't be afraid to just get off. The road from Ferrymead to Sumner is never far away. Take your bus pass with you, or $2 in cash so you can get the bus back to your car!

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How to Use this Page  - Below are the tide times for Sumner and below that is a table that describes which way the water is flowing. Find the time you paln to be on the water and see what the water is doing! Plan your journey so that you have a good time getting pushed along by the flow, rather than fighting it! You should note that there is nothing scientific about the table and you should use it as a guide rather than rely on it completely. It's put together by looking at the water as I cycle past! The description of the speed is purposefully vague, but you can probably assume that if it is flowing fast, you'll find it hard to paddle against in a sea kayak and impossible on a SUP.

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