New Brighton Beach — Attraction in Christchurch

The beach is a popular summer destination for Christchurch’s residents. Bathers come to swim in the cool waters of the South Pacific Ocean while surfers make the most of the clean, rolling waves. Beachgoers congregate around New Brighton Pier. Stroll to the end of the pier to enjoy uninterrupted views of the coastline and watch as fishermen wait patiently for a catch.

For a more secluded beach experience, walk in either direction from the pier to discover quiet areas. Enjoy the opportunity to sit unaccompanied amid the lap of nature, take a nap on the soft sand or sit and read a book. Pristine coastal forests and sand dunes frame the beach’s northern reaches. Explore these areas as you follow trails on foot or by bike.

Getting out of the city and onto a beach is your best bet for a fun afternoon in Christchurch, and New Brighton Beach is one of the best (and most accessible) beaches close to the city. There’s also a massive pier to walk down and a slightly scruffy shopping and eating area — everything you need for a few hours by the ocean!

Things to Do in New Brighton on a Budget

The seaside suburb in Christchurch is known for one thing: SURF! This is where all the surfers of the city come to get their fix after work or during their days off. In the most “English city outside of England”, the town truly feels like an English seaside resort with its long stretching beach and its gigantic pier. But make no mistake, you are in New Zealand and wildlife is very close by and abundant.

Should you be visiting for a few days or working in the Christchurch area, New Brighton is a must-visit. To help you stretch your budget further and save every cent, we’ve compiled this list of free or very cheap things to do in New Brighton so you can explore the area without...

New Brighton Beach is a lovely spot for relaxing, swimming, or picking up groceries. However, the surrounding area does have some graffiti and can attract people struggling with alcohol and drug issues. Despite this, the nearby hot pools are a must-visit.

The New Brighton Pier is a highlight of the area, stretching out over the water and offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll or to watch the sunrise or sunset. From the end of the pier, you can enjoy panoramic views along the coastline and across the cityscape, with the waves crashing below and seabirds often flying overhead. The pier’s vantage point also makes it popular with photographers and fishing enthusiasts. It's a scenic, tranquil escape that truly captures the natural beauty of...

The beach is nice enough, though people ignore the dog ban and the council is doing nothing about it. You cannot let your kids run. Dogs can though. It's a shame. Please do something about this, city council or take down the ban signs if you are not serious about it. According to the signs the ban is still effective till March. Noone seems to care. We even saw a dog bathing in the kids pool at the beach playground. It's disgusting and dangerous. Saw the ranger today driving along the beach. Wondering...