Make a day of it along the City to Sea pathway

With plenty of picnic spots, nature play areas and time for real fruit ice cream along the way, the City to Sea pathway makes for the perfect day of exploration on foot or wheels.

The City to Sea pathway begins from Barbadoes Street in the Central City, and travels through the heart of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor (OARC).

Once complete, the full pathway will continue to the entrance of New Brighton at Pages Road. Currently, it makes for a smooth winding journey to Avon Park.

Grab the whānau, pack a picnic, and jump on the pathway in the city centre to begin your travels towards the east.

Stop in at the Richmond Community Garden and explore the gardens, fungi farm, or Riverlution Café with coffee, pastries, toasties and real fruit ice cream for a summer’s day treat.

Cruise towards Medway Street, make your way across the foot bridge and find yourself at the midst of a nature play area at Sullivan Park. Climb the play structure and jump along logs spotted within the green area.

When you’re ready to hit the road again after you’ve refuelled, head towards the recently completed Dallington Bridge. Take a moment and listen to the sounds of the river flowing under the OARC’s latest foot bridge, which opened last September.

After crossing the bridge, continue over the Gayhurst Road Crossing where there is short diversion off the pathway. Set up for lunch here, at Dallington Landing - the perfect place for a picnic.

Take a seat at the picnic tables, relax in the shade and enjoy the native plantings surrounding the area. The public toilets here are a handy addition too.

Meander along the pathway until you reach Avon Park, accessible via Torlesse Street or Avonside Drive (north of 730 Avonside Drive). Swing around on the playground or throw some hoops at the basketball courts – both will be accessible to the public over the summer break.

From there, Te Ara Ōtākaro Avon River rough trail continues to Pages Road in New Brighton, if you’re keen for a dip in the sea, a walk along the Pier, or a quick shop before turning around and whizzing home.

Now you’ve enjoyed a perfect day out exploring the latest and greatest of the OARC.