Whether you’re after riverside views, forest trails, or coastal breezes, these pram-friendly walks in Christchurch have you covered.
Exploring the outdoors with little ones in tow doesn’t have to be a logistical nightmare. Christchurch is brimming with scenic walks that are pram-friendly, offering smooth paths, beautiful landscapes, and plenty of fresh air. Whether you’re after a quick stroll or a longer adventure, there’s something here for every family. So pack some snacks, load up the buggy, and get ready to discover the best pram-friendly walks in Christchurch.
Read more: Walking Groups for Christchurch Mums
Pram-friendly walks in Christchurch:
Estuary Edge Walk, New Brighton
Time: 30 minutes one way
This pleasant 2km stroll along the estuary edge features a boardwalk that glides over salt marshes, perfect for spotting wetland birds. The second half meanders through a pine forest and past South Brighton Park. It’s pram-friendly but take care after rain as the ground can get slippery.
Riccarton House Bush
Time: 40 minutes return
An urban oasis with buggy-friendly paths, Riccarton House Bush offers a shaded, peaceful walk among ancient kahikatea trees. The compact trail is ideal for a mid-morning stroll, with the added bonus of The Quarters at Riccarton House and Riccarton Saturday Farmers Market nearby for a post-walk treat.
Governors Bay Foreshore Track
Time: 30 minutes one way
This 3.2km track starts beside the Governors Bay jetty at the end of Jetty Road. It’s a gentle stroll around the harbour foreshore along a wide, gravelled track, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Breathe in the salty air as you follow this coastal path with stunning views of Lyttelton Harbour. The smooth, flat track is ideal for prams, and there are plenty of places to pause and take in the scenery. While there are no beaches, it’s a great spot for birdwatching along the mudflats. This shared track follows the coastline from Governors Bay to Teddington at the head of Whakaraupō-Lyttelton Harbour.
Ernle Clark River Walk
Time: 20 minutes return
Short but sweet, this river walk offers a leafy escape right in the city. The wide gravel path is buggy-friendly, winding alongside the Heathcote River with plenty of birdlife to keep little ones entertained.
Hagley Park Loop
Time: 1 hour 20
The crown jewel of Christchurch’s green spaces, Hagley Park offers expansive, flat pathways perfect for prams. The 5.8km loop trail loop track takes you past the Botanic Gardens, sports fields, and duck ponds. There are playgrounds, coffee and sweet treats dotted around, making it easy to stop for play breaks.
Travis Wetland Walkway
Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
For nature-loving families, Travis Wetland is a must. The flat, well-maintained boardwalk is perfect for prams, offering a peaceful loop through native wetlands. Spot birds, insects, and even eels if you’re lucky.
Christchurch Coastal Walkway
Time: Walk times depend on where you start from
Stretching along the coastline from Ferrymead Bridge to Scarborough Park at Sumner Beach, this 6.5km walkway offers expansive ocean views, fresh sea breezes, and easy, pram-friendly paths. Perfect for a sunny day, with cafes nearby to refuel.
Avon River Walkway Loop
Time: 55 minutes
Follow the gentle curves of the Avon River as you stroll through the heart of Christchurch. The flat, paved paths are perfect for prams, and there are plenty of grassy spots for a picnic or play.
Read more: These Christchurch Fitness Classes Welcome Children & Babies
Sumner Promenade
Time: 20 minutes one way
Seaside strolling at its best. The smooth promenade is perfect for prams, with stunning ocean views and plenty of spots to stop for ice cream or let the kids play in the sand. The Scarborough Beach Playground and splash pad will keep little ones entertained.
Te Waoku Kahikatea Walk, Marshlands
Time: 30 minutes return
Wander through native bush on this short, accessible walk. The boardwalks and flat paths make it pram-friendly, with shaded areas that are perfect on a hot day. The track loops around to finish where it starts, but be sure to cross the bridge and explore the Rongoā (traditional Māori medicine) Garden before heading back to the car park.
Spencer Park Walk – Wetland Pond Circuit
Time: 20 minutes return
A peaceful circuit around wetland ponds, this flat track is ideal for prams. Birdwatchers will love spotting local wildlife, and there’s plenty around to entertain kids post-walk.
Kakaha Park, Prebbleton
Time: Roughly 15 minutes
Kakaha Park in Prebbleton features a fantastic little bike track suitable for all ages, with various levels to accommodate different skill levels. The park offers plenty of parking, shaded seating, and a fenced dog park. Additionally, you’ll find sports fields, public restrooms, a swing set for the little ones, and a paved loop walking path around the green.
Halswell Quarry Park Walk
Time: 40 minutes
Halswell Quarry Park is a must-visit. The pram-friendly tracks wind through beautiful landscapes, including the stunning Japanese Garden and six Sister City gardens. Kids will love the colourful flowers, and open spaces to explore.
Tawhairaunui Trail, Victoria Park
Time: 20 minutes
Designed with accessibility in mind, this 1km trail is great for pushchairs. It meanders through bush with platforms built around trees, offering scenic views. Adventurous families can extend the walk up the Harry Ell Track to the Sign of the Kiwi for a cafe stop.
Ngā Puna Wai Walk: Augustine Drive to Curletts Road
Time: 30 minutes one way
This walk takes you through small native forests and open green spaces, perfect for off-road-style buggies. The walk features grassy areas, native planting, and plenty of birdlife. There is easy access and a playground en route.
St Albans Park Loop
Time: 10 minutes
A relaxed, pram-friendly loop with plenty of greenery and open spaces. It’s an easy, short stroll with playgrounds nearby, making it a great choice for families with young kids.
Rapaki Track Walk
Time: 1–2 hours return
For families with sturdy prams and older kids, Rapaki Track offers a rewarding challenge. The incline is gentle enough for off-road buggies, and the views over Christchurch and Lyttelton Harbour are worth every step.
Panako Walkway – Styx Mill Conservation Reserve
Time: 40 minutes
Panako Walkway is a 40-minute walk within Styx Mill Conservation Reserve, near Northwood, featuring wetlands, ponds, and a viewing platform. Begin at the Styx Mill Road carpark and follow the path into the reserve. Head right to pass stunning lakes teeming with wildlife. At the fork, the right track leads to a small lookout, while the left continues down the main track past open paddocks. At the end, either continue onto the Hussey View circuit track or return the same way.
Ōtūkaikino Walk – Ōtūkaikino Wildlife Management Reserve
Time: 35 minutes
This short, easy 1.2 km loop (around 35 minutes) circles a freshwater wetland, one of the few remaining original wetlands around Christchurch. The well-maintained boardwalk and paths wind through pools, flaxes, and native grasses. Keep an eye out for vibrant Pūkeko, graceful Royal Spoonbills, White-faced Herons, and New Zealand Scaup. Interpretive signs along the way share insights into the wetland’s role in biodiversity and conservation efforts, making it both a scenic and educational stroll
Westlake Reserve
Time: 15 minutes
This great paved loop track circles a picturesque lake, perfect for prams. There’s plenty of green space, a playground, and lots of birdlife—don’t forget some birdseed for the ducks!
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Time: As long as you like!
Explore the beautiful Botanic Gardens, where pram-friendly paths weave through diverse gardens. There’s a playground, paddling pool, and a café for a mid-walk treat. Discover the rose garden, climbable trees, peaceful picnic spots, and more as you wander.
Mona Vale Gardens Walk
Time: 20 minutes one way. Stroll through heritage gardens along the Avon River, where smooth, shaded paths are perfect for prams. Start on Fendalton Road by the Gatehouse. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawns, or continue out via Mona Vale Drive to connect with Little Hagley Park or North Hagley Park for a longer walk.
McLeans Forest Walking Track
Time: 2 hours 20 return
An 11km loop for adventurous families with off-road prams. It’s popular for walking and cycling, with lovely forest scenery and spots for picnics.
Bottle Lake Blue Tracks
Time: From 30 minutes to 2 hours
Explore pine forests on these pram-friendly tracks. The terrain is flat and easy, with plenty of shade perfect for warm days. Don’t forget to take your time looking around the fairy forest!
Papanui Stream Walk
Time: 15 minutes
The Papanui Stream Walk is a 1.3 km out-and-back trail in Christchurch, taking around 15 minutes to complete. This easy, peaceful walk follows the meandering Papanui Stream, with Erica Playground along the way for a fun stop with kids. There are multiple access points, including Taunton Green, Erica Street, Grants Road, Proctor Street, and Halliwell Avenue.
Lamar Track
Time: 20 minutes
Located in the Port Hills, the Lamar Track is a short, accessible 400-metre loop, taking about 20 minutes to complete. Suitable for all ages, buggies, and wheelchairs, the wide, gravelled path offers spectacular views over Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains. It’s an easy, scenic option for a quick stroll with a rewarding outlook.
Halfway Te Ara Trail Circle
Time: 2 hours
The Halfway Te Ara Trail Circle is a 9.2 km loop in Christchurch, popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists. It takes around 2 hours to complete and is best enjoyed from August through April. This shared path follows the Avon River, winding through parks, roads, and suburbs. The mix of gravel and paved paths makes it suitable for pushchair
Pram-Friendly Walks in North Canterbury:
Pegasus Lake Loop Track
Time: 45 minutes
A serene 3.5-km loop around the sparkling Pegasus Lake, this track offers wide, flat paths perfect for prams. The lake views are calming, and there are plenty of spots to stop for a snack or let toddlers stretch their legs. Families will love the local playground, designed for all ages, and nearby picnic areas, small beaches, and a suspension bridge. After your walk, head to The Good Home Pegasus, which serves family-friendly meals and has a dedicated kids’ play area. The loop takes roughly 45 minutes to complete, making it an easy, enjoyable outing.
More walks:
- Northbrook Wetlands, Rangiora: Approx. 30 minutes. Ideal for all-terrain buggies, with views of native ducks and swans.
- Kaiapoi River Stroll: Approx. 30 minutes. Gentle riverside walk.
- Kaiapoi Lakes & Wildlife Reserve: 30 minutes. Ideal for leisurely walks and bird-watching.
- Ashley River – Mike Kean Walkway: 20 minutes return. Follows the scenic Ashley River.
- Matawai Park and Path: 15–30 minutes. Bushy tracks perfect for pram strolls.
- Oakwood Park Neighbourhood Walk: 20–40 minutes. Easy loops with playground stops.
For more details on these tracks and to plan your next pram-friendly walk in Christchurch, visit planmywalk.nz. You’ll find up-to-date trail information, maps, and tips to help you prepare for your walk.
