Things to do  |  1 Apr 2022

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Is it a while since you've been into town? Perhaps a walk on the Hidden Worlds Discovery Trail will help to rediscover the beauty and fun of our city centre.

The Hidden Worlds Discovery Trail is available to download as part of Walk Waitaha/Canterbury and takes in city sights like the Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch City Art Gallery and the Tūranga Central Library.

Walk Waitaha is a selection of self-guided walks and walking activities around the city and region and offers an alternative to the traditional Walking Festival which was unable to run in its usual form this year due to the COVID-19 red light setting.

It runs from Friday 1 April through to 15 May and Christchurch City Council Head of Community Support and Partnerships John Filsell says they’ve tried to develop a programme that caters for every kind of walker.

“We wanted to offer walks that take people to different parts of Waitaha/Canterbury; places where people might not have been before or haven't visited in a while and that showcase the incredible diversity of landscapes we’re lucky enough to have in this part of the world.

"Along with walking activities like disc golf - there's a new course just opened at Warren Park - and orienteering, we've also developed a selection of self-guided walks. 

Children can spot the fairy doors at Christchurch Adventure Park.

“There’s an art walk at Pegasus Wetland and beach for instance which takes you around Te Kohanga Wetlands and onto the beach where you’re invited to create a unique piece of beach art – bring a garden rake or something to help you get creative!

“Families might enjoy looking for the fairy doors at the Christchurch Adventure Park Village, or exploring the Richmond Red Zone where there will be a special Anzac Art display of white crosses and knitted poppies from 20-27 April.

“Walk in the Willows West Melton is a gentle 4km meander amongst willows, poplars, pine forest and mature kowhai. Bring a picnic and make a day of it. Or follow the Scape Public Art Trail to see some of the amazing large-scale artworks within the central city.

“Walking can enhance our mental and physical wellbeing and autumn is the perfect mellow season to get together with friends or family, lace up your walking shoes and enjoy the fresh air and (hopefully) sunshine!”

The full Walk Waitaha programme is available online. There are 15 accessible walks of varying distances from 500m - to as far as you want to go.