Orienteering

Christchurch has 13 permanent orienteering courses spread over four regional parks.

Orienteering is suitable for people of all ages and levels of fitness. Permanent courses are graded so newcomers can start with the easy courses and experienced orienteers can find more challenging ones.

Bring a compass and wear appropriate shoes and suitable outdoor clothing.

The Groynes

There are two courses at The Groynes:

  • White 1.9km
  • Yellow 2.6km

Maps can be downloaded from the local orienteering club(external link).

Spencer Park

There are four graded courses at Spencer Park:

  • White 1.1km
  • Yellow 2.0km
  • Orange 3.3km
  • Red 4.0km

Purchase a map for $4 from the camp shop on site. It is open 7 days a week.

Victoria Park

There are four graded courses plus a score course at Victoria Park. The courses range between 1.5km and 3.3km. All courses start next to the main car park near the Port Hills Visitor Centre in Victoria Park.

Purchase a map pack $3.50 from Beckenham Service Centre, 66 Colombo Street, Beckenham. The map pack has instructions including the start, a series of control sites marked by a circle, and the finish. Clues describing where you will find the control site within the circle is marked on the map.

Please be advised that there are currently no available maps for the score course or course one. Limited maps remain for other courses.

Groups planning to use the course must email the Port Hills Park Ranger at porthillsparkranger@ccc.govt.nz beforehand.

Halswell Quarry Park

There are three permanent orienteering courses of varying levels of difficulty at Halswell Quarry:

  • Introductory (white)
  • Easy (yellow)
  • Intermediate ( orange)

Maps for the courses are available from the Te Hapua Halswell Library, 341 Halswell Road, Christchurch(external link). These cost $3.50 each (cash only). 

Events

Check the local orienteering club (external link)for regular events or search our events site for major events.