Family fun at The Groynes with a diverse range of activities. Enjoy fishing at The Groynes or take a paddle boat out on the lake. Family and friends will enjoy the various walking tracks and picnic spots.
The Groynes is free entry (Christchurch City local government reserve).
On holiday with your furry friend? The Groynes has a large dog exercise area.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Day Entry
Book advance tickets to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for guaranteed kiwi sightings and up-close access to native New Zealand species.
Christchurch Sheep Farm Visit
Visit a working sheep farm in the heart of the Canterbury Region on this day trip from Christchurch.
International Antarctic Center General Admission Ticket
Learn about Antarctic landscapes, wildlife and explorers with tickets to the International Antarctic Center in Christchurch.
Christchurch: Guided Crater Rim Walk and Picnic
Enjoy a guided walk around a spectacular extinct volcano. Marvel at world-class views over oceans and mountains.
Arthur’s Pass Day Tour – TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch
Explore the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps on this Arthur’s Pass day tour from Christchurch.
Arthur’s Pass National Park with TranzAlpine Train Tour from Christchurch
Travel by TranzAlpine railway to Arthur’s Pass National Park, riding across the Canterbury Plains.
Christchurch: Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket
Experience Christchurch by land and water with a combo ticket to the hop-on hop-off vintage tram.
Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket
Take an aerial journey on the Christchurch Gondola to the Port Hills crater rim and Mt Cavendish summit.
TranzAlpine Train Journey from Christchurch to Greymouth
Ride a train through the Southern Alps on a remarkable scenic journey aboard the TranzAlpine Train.
Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram
Travel the full circuit aboard the Christchurch Tramway, which departs regularly.
TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass & Castle Hill Day Trip from Christchurch
The TranzAlpine train is often referred to as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys.
Kids at play in The Groynes, Christchurch
There are several playgrounds throughout the Groynes with various equipment suitable for toddlers up to teenagers willing try out anything. The Groynes flying fox is popular. For smaller visitors near the boat shed is a see-saw, slides and swings. There are rope swings and safe slides.
Boating at The Groynes, Christchurch
During the weekend you can hire a boat and paddle around the lake. There are pedal boats, aqua bikes, single and double canoes to choose from. Open 10.30am to 4pm, located next to the play and picnic area.
How are your navigation skills, challenge family and friends with an orientation course at The Groynes. There are two permanent courses; white (1.9 km) yellow (2.6 km). Purchase a map for $4 from the Rosebank Cafe, (near the entrance to the Groynes Park) or download from the local orienteering club.
Fishing at The Groynes, Christchurch
The small lakes and waterways provide great trout fishing opportunities for children. Anglers can fish in the fishing and recreation lakes all year. The streams in the park are closed to fishing during spawning (April to October). All anglers need to have a fishing licence available online from Fish and Game New Zealand. Licenses for children under 12 years old are free.
Enjoy one of three dedicated walking tracks:
- The Otukaikino Track – a long walk running from Belfast to Roto Kohatu lakes via the Groynes and Clearwater Resort.
- Island River Loop – a shorter loop through patches of dense, attractive bush.
- Waimairi Walkway – runs from the Groynes into farmland and alongside the new motorway.
Access
Access to the Groynes is from Johns Road.
Metroinfo has up-to-date bus information.
Gates and opening hours
- Daylight savings 7am to 9pm
- Rest of year 7am to 7pm
- Ring Christchurch City Council on 0800 800 169 or 941 8999 to release locked in vehicles, at owner’s expense.
Dogs
There is a large off-leash exercise park for dogs.
Dogs are not permitted anywhere else in the Groynes except if passing through on the Otukaikino Track where they must be on a leash.
Sunrise wildlife sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve
Discover remote bays and native marine wildlife in New Zealand on this 3-hour sea kayak tour from Akaroa.
Pohatu & Flea Bay Penguin Watching Tour from Christchurch
Experience great insight into the life of a penguin and the chance to see the birds up close.
Akaroa Scenic Nature 4-WD Tour from Christchurch
4WD safari to the spectacular, award-winning Wild Side Conservation area.
Sea Kayaking Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour & Quail Island
With transport from Christchurch, this kayaking tour makes it easy to enjoy the natural beauty of Lyttleton.
Akaroa and Banks Peninsula Wild Penguins Tour
This is a great option for a Christchurch day trip that combines nature, local wildlife, and delicious food experiences too.
Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch
Be enchanted on a Kaikoura dolphin swim during a 12-hour day trip from Christchurch.
Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo
See the sights of Garden City at your own pace with a full-day ticket for the Christchurch Tram.
Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo
Discover the heritage city of Christchurch and its surroundings from a different perspective.
Discover Christchurch Tour
First-time visitors to Christchurch will enjoy a fun half-day overview tour of the city with a small group of travelers.
The Groynes is a great place to visit in combination with the nearby Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.
The Groynes is part of a network of parks and reserves for locals and visitors to explore Christchurch’s outdoor spaces.
Find out more about:
And enjoy the town and country vibe that it is Christchurch.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
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