Nearby to Heathcote Valley
Shopping
Ferrymead, to the north of Heathcote Valley, offers a variety of shopping opportunities. There is a Woolworths supermarket, a Mitre 10 Mega, cafes and restaurants, takeaway food outlets, several gyms and fitness studios, as well as a variety of other small businesses.
Woolston, a short distance to the west along Ferry Road, has a New World supermarket, and a number of takeaway food outlets and various small businesses including a number of second hand stores.
The Tannery, in Garlands Road, is a unique shopping location that offers a number of boutique stores, restaurants and the Deluxe Cinema. It can also be accessed via the Heathcote Expressway cycleway.
Beaches and Watersports
The Avon Heathcote Estuary is popular for kite surfing and small boat sailing. The water is very tidal and not really suitable for swimming. The Mount Pleasant Yacht Club is located just across the bridge at Ferrymead and has an active fleet of lasers, sunbursts, optimists, and p class dinghies. Club racing takes places most weekends between September and April. They also have an active Learn to Sail programme for both Juniors and Adults.
At Redcliffs many people try their luck at fishing. The current here can be quite strong, so this is not a good place for swimming. A little futher along, at Moncks Bay, there is a spot where people sometimes swim alongside the Coastal Pathway. Here you will also find the Christchurch Yacht Club, which was established in 1891, making t one of the olddest yacht clubs in the country. They have strong fleets of Zephyrs and Lasers supported by a growing fleet of juniors sailing Optimists, O'pen Skiff, P Class and Starlings – all positively encouraged. New members and families are always welcome, with learn-to-sail and junior coaching programmes available throughout the season.
The beach at Sumner is a popular spot for swimming. It's a safe beach with lifeguards on duty during the summer. The Sumner Surf Livesaving Club was established in 1911, and since then has been providing beach patrols and safe swimming education in the district.
For those keen on surfing, then Scarborough beach at Sumner or Taylors Mistake beach are the go-tos. Scarborough is home to some of the best longboard surf in the area. Both of these beaches are also popular for swimming, and there is a surf partol at Taylors Mistake during the season.
Lyttelton Harbour is just through the tunnel, and safe swimming can be had at Corsair Bay and Cass Bay. The harbour is popular for water sports including sailing, powerboating, kayaking and paddleboarding. The Naval Point Club, based at Magazine Bay, provides opportunities for boats of all classes, including junior/youth dinghies, senior dinghies, windsurf, trailer yachts, keelboats, powerboats, waka, jet-ski, swim and other open water sports.
Ferrymead Heritage Park
Right on our doorstep, the Ferrymead Heritage Park features an early 1900s (Edwardian) township. The park has a variety of restored cottages plus a school house, church and businesses which reflect the period and allow visitors to experience life for the early residents of Christchurch including the smell of a coal range and the sounds of a tram rattling past the door. There is a large array of heritage exhibitions and displays that are open for viewing, particularly on Sundays. Once a month, on a Sunday, the steam train will be running. We often hear its cheery whistle in Heathcote Valley!
Ferrymead Golf
Featuring a 9-hole golf course, mini putt, and a driving range, Ferrymead Golf is a fun place to visit. And there's much more than just golf, with a paintball arena, cafe and bar, and an event centre for hire.
Christchurch Coastal Pathway
The Christchurch Coastal Pathway is a 6.5-kilometre-long shared walkway that lets people enjoy the estuary while travelling the coastline from Ferrymead to Scarborough Beach. The wide pathway offers a safe, off-road option for pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, and people using scooters, wheelchairs and pushing strollers. This multi purpose facility promotes health, fitness and sustainable transport. There are lots of things to see and do along the esplanade. Running, cycling, skateboarding, walking, kayaking, surfing, windsurfing and birdwatching.
Christchurch Gondola
The Christchurch Gondola offers stunning 360-degree views of the city, Lyttelton Harbour and beyond from the summit station situated atop the Port Hills. See the snow-capped Southern Alps, sprawling Canterbury Plains and the sparkling waters of Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Explore the many walking tracks amid fresh mountain air, learn about the history of the area on a Christchurch Discovery Ride ride (free with your Christchurch Gondola ticket or Annual Pass) and indulge in a spot of shopping at the Shop at the Top gift store. Sit back and relax with a snack from the Red Rock Cafe and take in the spectacular views.
Lyttelton
Though on the other side of the hill, Lyttelton is only a few minutes away by road. Here you will find a number of cafes and bars, as well as an eclectic range of shops and a public library.
As Canterbury's oldest settlement, Lytteton is a great place to explore. You might like to visit the Timeball Station or track down the Pilgrim's Rock (6 Oxford St, By Sutton Quay) which marks the spot where the first Canterbury Settlers stepped foot on New Zealand soil in 1850. (Due to land reclamation by the Port, the stone does not sit at the waters’ edge, giving you an indication of how much the Port has developed since these early days.)
Every Saturday, from 10:00am to 1:00pm, the Lyttelton Farmers Market is held. Here you will find up to 50 stalls selling a broad range of fresh products, ranging from free-range eggs to freshly baked bread to meat & fish and cheeses. There is usually some good local entertainment for you to enjoy as well.