Heathcote River
Paddling the River Avon through the heart of Christchurch / Ōtautahi is an amazing way to see the city! An easy journey that can be done by those with limited experience in kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)
Quick Facts
Start - Worsleys Reserve, Worsleys Road, Christchurch, 8025
Finish - Hansen Park, Riverlaw Terrace, Christchurch, 8022
Distance - 8km
Time - 2-3 hours
Difficulty - Easy
Cautions - Keep your eyes peeled for low hanging branches and shallow rocks. Never wear an ankle leash on a SUP on moving water.
Remember - wash your boat/board before and after going on the river to help stop the spread of invasive specifis and pests. See more information on the Ministry of Primary Industries website
Start this trip from Worsleys park. Leave your car on Worsleys Road and carry your boat/board the short distance down the steps to the river. This is actually Cashmere Stream, but joins Heathcote River after about 50 metres. The whole river is very steady and there are no difficult sections, making this an ideal trip for those with limited experience.
The river first heads towards Cashmere, remaining narrow all the way. There are frequent speedy chutes to propel you along, but most of this trip is a steady convyor belt giving you a unique view of Christchurch's Southern suburbs.
Just before you get to Colombo Street the river turns left and descends down a short rocky rapid, and then turns right under the bridge. There is concrete and debris in the centre and left of the river under the bridge, so try to stay right.
There are places to get of the river all the way along, but a nice place to finish is opposite Hansens Park. You can leave your car at the dead end on Riverlaw Terrace. You'll paddle under the footbridge and then get out.
Beyond here is the top of the tidal limit, so is best paddled when the tide is going out. Check the tide times at Sumner, but remember that the change in tide at the top of the tidal limit is likely to be an hour or more later.