Sumner Beach Tours and Activities

Sumner Beach showing rugged coastline
Sumner Beach which includes surfing, rugged coastline and a coastal town
Sumner Beach showing a beach and general coastal views
Sumner Beach showing swimming, surf and a coastal town
Sumner Beach showing rocky coastline as well as a large group of people


The main beach in the seaside retreat of Sumner is an idyllic place to spend a day in the sun away from the centre of Christchurch.

Lie on the soft, warm sand and work on your tan or swim in the shallow waters at gorgeous Sumner Beach. Explore the iconic Cave Rock or unwind with a drink at one of the bars that overlook the ocean when you visit Christchurch’s favourite weekend destination.

Officially the first beach of the stunning Banks Peninsula, Sumner Beach is a 400-metre (1,300-foot) stretch of white sand that offers everything you need for a classic Kiwi day at the seaside. While Scarborough to the east is better suited to surfing, the town beach is the best place around to enjoy some sunshine with a range of amenities close by. Head west along the beach towards the estuary and you can even find a secluded patch of sand all to yourself.

Back at the far eastern side of the beach, the imposing Cave Rock is not to be missed. Christened “Tuawera” by the Maori people, this chunk of rugged lava is said to represent the body of a whale that washed up on the beach many years ago. Discover the nooks and crannies of this huge black rock before you climb to the summit to admire pristine views along the coast.

If you get hungry, make your way along the esplanade that runs the length of Sumner and Scarborough Beach. Tuck into fantastic food at one of the cafés lining the shore or enjoy a refreshing beer at one of the nearby bars. Head farther into the village and you will discover a strong local community, with interesting shops and excellent restaurants.

Sumner is located a 20-minute drive east of Christchurch. The beach has lifeguards between November and March but caution is advised when swimming on the western side of the beach as there is often a strong current from Avon Heathcote Estuary.

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Best Lodging Options Near Sumner Beach

Cave Rock Guest House

Cave Rock Guest House

3 out of 5
16 Esplanade, Sumner, Christchurch
Cave Rock Guest House
Sumner Bay Motel & Apartments

Sumner Bay Motel & Apartments

3.5 out of 5
26 Marriner Street, Sumner, Christchurch
Sumner Bay Motel & Apartments
The Ultimate Cecil Wood Stay - Hot Tub, BBQ & Views

The Ultimate Cecil Wood Stay - Hot Tub, BBQ & Views

Christchurch
The Ultimate Cecil Wood Stay - Hot Tub, BBQ & Views
Hill-side sanctuary - Stunning views

Hill-side sanctuary - Stunning views

Clifton
Hill-side sanctuary - Stunning views
Ocean View  tiny house

Ocean View tiny house

Christchurch
Ocean View tiny house
Beach House on Beachville

Beach House on Beachville

Christchurch
Beach House on Beachville
Coastal Comfort: Spacious 3BR Getaway in Redcliffs

Coastal Comfort: Spacious 3BR Getaway in Redcliffs

Christchurch
Coastal Comfort: Spacious 3BR Getaway in Redcliffs
Modern 2-Bedroom Oasis, Just Steps from the Beach

Modern 2-Bedroom Oasis, Just Steps from the Beach

Christchurch
Modern 2-Bedroom Oasis, Just Steps from the Beach
Beautiful 80 m sq, 2-bedroom apartment, with stunning views over the Pacific.

Beautiful 80 m sq, 2-bedroom apartment, with stunning views over the Pacific.

Christchurch
Beautiful 80 m sq, 2-bedroom apartment, with stunning views over the Pacific.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Sumner Beach

Sumner Beach in Canterbury, New Zealand, is a fantastic destination for adventure and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy surfing in the stunning waves, take seaside excursions to explore the coastline, and embark on beach walks to soak in the natural beauty. For those keen on surfing, day surf options are available, and it's essential to check the surf report for optimal conditions. Experience the perfect blend of thrill and tranquility at this beautiful beach.

Shopping

In Sumner Beach, you can visit The Tannery, a charming shopping mall just 6.4km away, perfect for family and entertainment vibes. The Lyttelton Farmers Market, 4.8km from Sumner, offers a local experience. For more options, Eastgate Mall is 8.0km away, featuring a variety of shops.

Recreation

At He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools, indulge in soothing body treatments while enjoying stunning coastal views just 6.4km from Sumner Beach. For active relaxation, Wilding Park Tennis Center offers tennis facilities 8.0km away. Caddyshack City, a fun mini-golf venue, provides family-friendly adventure only 6.4km away.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views at the Christchurch Gondola, located 4.8km from Sumner Beach, where you can enjoy a scenic ride. For thrill-seekers, the Christchurch Adventure Park, 11.3km away, offers exhilarating ziplining and ropes courses, while the Woodford Glen Speedway, 19.3km away, provides exciting motor racing.

Nightlife

At Sumner Beach, the nightlife is vibrant and diverse. The Christchurch Casino offers exciting gaming and an electric atmosphere. For a cultural experience, head to the Isaac Theatre Royal or The Court Theatre, both featuring captivating performances and a romantic ambiance, perfect for a memorable evening out.

Find the best attractions near Sumner Beach

Sumner Beach in Canterbury, New Zealand, offers a delightful blend of stunning beaches, a picturesque harbour, and vibrant event venues. Perfect for those seeking culture and outdoor adventures, visitors can explore viewpoints for breathtaking photos, enjoy the sandy shores, and immerse themselves in the local scene. Whether you're capturing the beauty of Sumner Beach or experiencing its lively atmosphere, there's plenty to enjoy during your stay.

  • Lyttelton Harbour: Experience the stunning scenery and vibrant beach vibes of Lyttelton Harbour, located just 4.8km from Sumner Beach. Enjoy picturesque views and charming coastal walks, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and exploration.
  • New Brighton Beach: Just 1.6km from Sumner Beach, New Brighton Beach offers a lively atmosphere with golden sands and great surf. It's an ideal location for sunbathing, beach sports, or a leisurely stroll along the shore.
  • Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre: Situated 11.3km away, this modern venue boasts a dynamic atmosphere, hosting various events and conferences. It's a hub of business activity and a great place to engage with the local professional community.

Best time to go to Sumner Beach

The best time to visit Sumner Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Sumner Beach falls in January, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Sumner Beach falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
February61.5°F (16.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
March58.5°F (14.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
June45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
July43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August45.5°F (7.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
September48.0°F (8.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sumner Beach

Visiting Sumner Beach on a budget is easy with several free activities and smart planning. Enjoy free entry to Sumner Beach and nearby attractions like Lyttelton Harbour and Hagley Park. For accommodation, consider visiting from June to August for lower prices, and book about a month in advance. Sundays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find affordable hotel options, refine searches by budget, and take advantage of package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities, all while enjoying free cancellation.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Sumner Beach are June to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Sumner Beach about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Sumner Beach is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Sumner Beach is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase hotels that prioritise sustainability and eco-friendliness, all available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Sumner Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.