On the trail to forest walks

Over-indulged on Christmas mince pies and festive treats? Need to burn off some calories but don’t want to sweat under the hot summer sun?

Then try one of these great forest walks where you can stretch your legs in the shade and escape the stresses and strains of the festive season.

Majestic trees that date back hundreds of years dominate Riccarton Bush.

Riccarton Bush

You don’t need to venture far to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the forest.    

Riccarton Bush lies just minutes from the city centre but is home to some of the region’s oldest trees and provides a shady sanctuary on a hot summer’s day.

An ancient stand of kahikatea, with their impressive buttress-like roots, dominate the area but you will also see mataī, tītoki and hīnau trees bordering the boardwalk paths that wind through the bush.

A gentle stroll beneath the forest canopy, listening to the birdsong, will help refresh your mind and your body.

Orongomai Trail

Give your calf muscles a work-out on the Port Hills by taking a walk on the Orongomai Trail.

The 3.5 km trail starts at the Sign of the Bellbird on Summit Road and zig zags through Kennedys Bush Reserve. The lower part of the reserve has some of the best accessible forest in the Port Hills with towering tōtara and matai trees. The trail also climbs through kanuka forest on its way back to the Sign of the Bellbird, where you will get great sweeping views of Lyttelton Harbour.

The trail takes about 75 minutes to complete and no dogs are allowed.

Tawhairanui Trail

Even a short walk through a forest can leave you feeling refreshed so check out the Tawhairanui Trail. This 20 minute walk near Victoria Park on the Port Hills passes through native plantings to a wooded area with boardwalks and wooden view platforms. The second platform is shaded by a large red beech tree – Tawhairanui is its Maori name. The track is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies and dogs are allowed on leads.

Ngaio Point Coastal Track

If you’re out Akaroa way, go for a walk along the 2km-long Ngaio Point Coastal Track. The track starts at a gate near the layby in Monarch Drive, just off the main Christchurch-Akaroa highway.

Go through the wire gate and follow the track downhill until you reach a fork in the track. Stay on the main track to enjoy a walk through native bush on the Ngaio Point headland and great views of Onawe Peninsula, before heading down to Bayview Beach.

If you take the fork to the left you will end up at Archdalls Beach, which is sandy at low tide and good for swimming.