Sumner
Sumner, between the hills and the sea
Sumner is the seaside village at the end of the road from Christchurch, between the Port Hills and the sea. The beach is over the road from the village shops, and from our gate. Here's a feel for the place, and our guides to the rest.
Down on the flat, Sumner and Scarborough beaches have safe swimming and good surf, with the Esplanade running the length of the sand from Cave Rock to Scarborough. The tram reached Sumner from the city in 1888, and on a fine day the place still has the feel of a day at the seaside.
Up the hill, the cliff top and hill tracks give big views of the Pacific, the Canterbury Plains and on to the Southern Alps. Godley Head, the Summit Road and the Gondola are all a short drive from the village, and some tracks start right at the end of the beach.
Our guides
What we tell guests over the gate: where to swim, which tracks to walk, where to eat, and how to get into town.
- Across the roadThe beach and Cave RockOver the road from us. Climb Cave Rock for the view, or walk through it at low tide and explore the small caves.
- Up the hillWalks and the Port HillsUp the hill behind the village: Godley Head, the cliff walk from Scarborough, and the bike tracks Norm rides.
- Five minutes' walkEat, drink and shopOur own list of the village, all a short walk away. The Bohemian Bakery: have to be in early, very popular.
- On the busChristchurch: work, games and gigsThe number 3 bus runs from the village to the city all day long. Handy for work, the rugby and big concerts.
How far is it?
- Across the road
- Sumner Beach and Cave Rock
- Five minutes' walk
- The village, and the Silky Otter cinema
- About 10 minutes by car
- Ferrymead Golf and the Gondola
- Over the hill
- Lyttelton and the harbour ferries
- On the bus
- The city, about 45 minutes
- About two hours by car
- The ski fields
Call or email to book
Call or email with your dates and how many of you are coming, and one of us will get back to you.