Beat the heat and keep the kids happy with these shady walks around Christchurch and beyond. From fairy trails to waterfall wanders, these cool spots make outdoor exploring a breeze (literally).
When the sun’s blazing but the kids still need to run, climb, and explore, shaded walks in Christchurch are the perfect solution. Luckily, the city and its surrounds are packed with tree-lined trails that keep little adventurers cool while they burn off energy. Whether you’re after a quick stroll or a longer wander, these shady spots are ideal for family-friendly exploring. Pack a picnic, slap on some insect repellent, and let’s hit the trails!
Note: Not all walks on this list are fully shaded from start to finish. Many dip in and out of tree cover, offering plenty of cool spots for a breather and a well-earned snack. Be sure to check the track details and do your own research to make sure it’s the right fit for your family! Don’t forget to bring a pack for tired little legs.
Read more: The Best Pram-Friendly Walks in Christchurch
Shaded walks in Christchurch:
Harry Ell Walkway
A little bit of history, a lot of nature, and just the right amount of adventure—Harry Ell Walkway is a winner for families. This 4.5km out-and-back trail winds through lush native bush in the Port Hills, with plenty of shady spots to keep things cool. The walk is mostly easy, with wooden steps and gentle inclines, it takes around 1 hour and 12 minutes to complete (but who’s counting when you’re having fun?). Keep an eye out for native birds, take in the occasional hillside views, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. You can hop on the track at Victoria Park or along Dyers Pass Road, with a carpark at the trailhead.
Riccarton Bush
An urban oasis right in the heart of Christchurch, Riccarton Bush is a peaceful, shady loop through the city’s last remaining lowland kahikatea forest. The towering trees keep things cool, making it the perfect spot for a mid-morning stroll with little explorers. The buggy-friendly paths make it an easy walk for all ages, and if you time it right, you can swing by the Riccarton Saturday Farmers Market or grab a treat at The Quarters at Riccarton House afterward. Keep an eye out for native birds flitting through the branches—they love this spot just as much as we do! (Approx. 40 minutes return.)
Sharplin Falls
Tucked into the foothills of Mt Somers, Sharplin Falls is a family-friendly walk that’s perfect for little legs and beginner hikers. The well-formed track winds through lush beech forest, keeping things cool and shady, with plenty of birdlife along the way. A swing bridge adds a bit of excitement before the trail leads to the stunning Sharplin Falls—a great spot to pause and soak it all in. Wooden benches along the way offer perfect rest stops for snack breaks. The walk takes around 45 minutes each way (a bit longer with kids), and it’s about 35 minutes from Ashburton or just under 90 minutes from Christchurch.
Bottle Lake Forest & Blue Tracks
A sprawling pine forest near Christchurch, Bottle Lake is packed with wide, well-maintained trails perfect for walking, biking, or scooting. The towering pines provide fantastic shade, making it a great spot for an afternoon wander. For an easy, pram-friendly option, check out the Bottle Lake Blue Tracks—flat, shaded paths that take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to explore. Keep an eye out for the enchanting fairy forest, a hidden gem kids will love.
Christchurch Adventure Park
A shady pine forest walk with a fun twist—what’s not to love? This 30-45 minute loop trail at Christchurch Adventure Park winds through towering pines, offering plenty of cool shade and a chance to spot native birds along the way. The well-formed paths make it an easy adventure for kids. If you’re up for more of a challenge, take the uphill walking track—but be aware it’s not shaded. The good news? You can ride the chairlift back down for free! No park entry fee needed—just lace up your walking shoes and go. The pine forest track starts and ends behind the Adventure Park Café, where a well-earned treat (and a trampoline!) await.
McHugh’s Forest Park (Darfield)
This pine forest is made for little adventurers. The trails are flat, shady, and easy to follow—but the real magic? The Fairy Door Walk. With over 40 tiny doors tucked among the trees, kids will be busy spotting them all (and making up stories about who lives inside). It’s pram-friendly, toddler-approved, and just the right length for small legs. Before heading home, swing by Darfield Dairy for a seriously big scoop of ice cream—you’ve earned it.-marked trails make it a relaxed adventure.
Marker Bay Track
This short, family-friendly track follows the edge of stunning Lake Pukaki, about 10 km north of Twizel. The walk is mostly shaded by exotic trees, making it a great choice for hot summer days. It’s an easy 20-minute stroll, suitable for kids as young as three to walk on their own, while younger ones can ride in a buggy. The trail ends at a peaceful stony bay, ideal for a paddle or skipping stones.
Quailburn Bush & Historic Site
This beech forest walk near Omarama is a great spot for a shady family outing. The track leads to Quailburn Saddle, but younger kids will enjoy stopping at the historic site, where they can explore old farm buildings from 1866. Bring insect repellent—sandflies love this place!
Temple Valley View Track
A one-hour loop through mountain beech forest, this track is ideal for kids five and up. The gentle climb offers great views, and the shaded trail keeps things cool. Just be ready for the sandflies!
Talbot Forest (Geraldine)
Right in the heart of Geraldine, Talbot Forest is an easy, shady retreat with four walking tracks winding through rare lowland podocarp and hardwood forest. Picnic areas and toilets make it a perfect stop for families.
McLeans Forest Walking Track
A well-maintained, flat forest track near Christchurch. Surrounded by pine trees, it offers plenty of shade and a peaceful setting for an easy family walk.
Ohoka Bush
This short 20-minute walk near Ohoka meanders through native bush, with open spaces perfect for a picnic. The track is well-maintained and easy for little walkers.
Mears Track (Oxford)
A 2km loop through one of the last native bush stands near Oxford. Kids will love spotting native plants along the way, and there are seating areas for snack breaks.
Matawai Park (Rangiora)
This beautiful native park is full of winding trails that open into hidden alcoves and grassy clearings. A perfect spot for a leisurely shaded walk in Christchurch with little ones.
Methven Enchanted Fairy Forest
Tucked beside Opuke Hot Pools, this short but enchanting walk is packed with fairy doors, tiny houses, and whimsical signs to spark little imaginations. New surprises pop up often—keep an eye out for the enchanted castle and maybe even a dragon or two hiding in the trees! The shady path makes it a cool and easy adventure for all ages.
Old Halswell Quarry Loop
A little bit of everything—open views, shady bush, and just the right amount of uphill to feel like you’ve earned that post-walk snack. This 1.8km loop takes about 30 minutes and is a hit with families, runners, and dog walkers. The track is well-maintained and buggy-friendly, making it an easy win for a quick nature escape.
The Willows Loop Track
A fresh little spot near West Melton, The Willows is a 4km loop that’s great for walking, biking, and letting the kids (or the dog) burn off some energy. It starts off open, dips into a shady pine plantation, then pops back out among native and exotic trees—keep an eye out for friendly pīwakawaka flitting about! The gentle ups and downs add a bit of fun, especially for little legs on bikes. There’s a toilet at the start, plus some sneaky side trails if you’re up for a bit of exploring near the river. Dog-friendly too—just watch out for hares if your pup’s got a thing for chasing!
West Melton Forest
West Melton Forest is a bit of a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors. With its mix of towering pines and wide-open grasslands, it’s a favorite for horse riders, walkers, and runners. Originally planted for flood protection, it’s now a spot to explore, with plenty of trails to enjoy. Just a heads up—horses get the right of way here, so if you’re on foot, give them some space! There’s also a picnic area, complete with hitching posts for the equestrian crowd. If you wander north from the car park, you’ll find Kowhai Savannah, a cool spot that gives you a glimpse of what the Canterbury Plains looked like back in the day. Think rare mosses, lichens, and native plants.
Kowai Bush Reserve
If you’re looking for a shady spot to take the kids on a walk, Kowai Bush Reserve is the perfect place! Just 8km off State Highway 73 near Springfield, this easy loop track takes you through a cool, quiet beech forest. It’s a short, family-friendly hike—about 30 minutes to an hour—and while it’s not pram-friendly, it’s ideal for young adventurers. The forest is lovely and sheltered, so it’s a great option for warmer days. Plus, the reserve is steeped in history, being one of the country’s earliest European settlements. So you can get some fresh air, enjoy the shade, and sneak in a bit of history too!
Whether you’re after quick shaded walks in Christchurch or longer forest adventures in Canterbury, there are plenty of cool, tree-covered trails to keep the whole family happy.
Have a favourite shady walk we’ve missed? Let us know!
Image #1 credited to Riccarton House & Bush, image #2 credited to Christchurch Adventure Park
