The Southern Pegasus Bay Track is a scenic coastal walking, cycling, and running route located along the southern edge of Pegasus Bay in Canterbury, New Zealand. The track follows the coastline north of Christchurch and provides a varied outdoor experience that combines coastal dunes, beach views, and forest park trails. It is a popular route for both locals and visitors due to its accessibility and natural scenery.
Location
Region: Canterbury, New Zealand
Area: Southern Pegasus Bay coastline
Nearby Suburbs and Areas: New Brighton, Southshore, Burwood, Bottle Lake Forest Park, and Spencer Park
Access Points: Multiple entry points including New Brighton Beach, Broad Park, Bottle Lake Forest Park, and Spencer Park
Distance and Duration
Total Length: Approximately 10 kilometres (varies depending on entry and exit points)
Time Required: Around 2.5 to 4 hours for walking the full length; shorter sections can be completed in less time
Track Description
The Southern Pegasus Bay Track is a shared-use trail with a mix of surfaces and environments. The route generally follows the coastline, occasionally moving inland through forested areas.
Key features include:
Coastal paths running alongside sand dunes
Elevated dune crests offering wide ocean views
Gravel and natural-surface trails
Shaded sections through Bottle Lake Forest Park
Connections to other local walking and cycling tracks
The terrain is mostly flat with gentle rises over dune areas, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.
Scenery and Highlights
Expansive views across Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean
Coastal dune landscapes and native vegetation
Pine forest environments providing shelter from wind and sun
Opportunities to observe coastal birdlife
Changing scenery along the length of the track
Activities
Walking: Suitable for casual walks or longer coastal hikes
Cycling: Popular with recreational cyclists
Running: Frequently used by runners due to the varied terrain
Dog Walking: Dogs are generally permitted; local leash rules apply
Facilities and Amenities
Parking available at main access points such as New Brighton, Broad Park, Bottle Lake Forest Park, and Spencer Park
Toilets, playgrounds, and picnic areas available at nearby parks
Cafes and shops accessible in New Brighton
Practical Information
The track is exposed in places; sun and wind protection is recommended
Some sections are shared with cyclists, so care should be taken
Good walking or running shoes are advised due to sand and gravel surfaces
Carry water, especially for longer sections
Suitability
The Southern Pegasus Bay Track is suitable for individuals, families, and groups looking for a coastal outdoor experience close to Christchurch. It offers flexibility, with options for short walks or extended journeys, and showcases the diverse coastal and forest landscapes of the area.
Here are some of the best starting points if you want to do the Southern Pegasus Bay Track (coastal trail along Pegasus Bay near Christchurch). You can choose the one that suits how long you want to walk or ride and where you’ll park:
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Good Starting Points for the Southern Pegasus Bay Track
1. Spencer Park Surf Club (Southern End)
A very common and scenic place to start.
Parking is available, and you can begin your walk or ride northward along the coast from here.
This start gives you easy access to the dune crest and forest sections first.
2. Broad Park (Middle Section)
Ideal for a shorter section of the track.
Offers a convenient midpoint between Spencer Park and the spit.
Facilities like toilets and a playground make this a good choice for families.
3. Southshore Spit Reserve (Southern-most/Kaitiaki Wetland End)
Great if you want to start at the southern tip of Pegasus Bay.
It’s scenic with estuary and wildlife views before joining the main track.
Good option for quieter, more bird-focused segments of the trail.
4. Bottle Lake Forest Park Access (Waitikiri Drive or Forest Paths)
Starts you within the Bottle Lake Forest Park, linking onto the Southern Pegasus Bay Track.
Works well if you want a mixed walk or ride through forest and beach dunes.
The forest section adds variety and shade.
5. Waimairi Beach / New Brighton Area
If you prefer a more beach-focused segment, starting near Waimairi Beach or New Brighton lets you join the track from the south end and explore toward Bottle Lake or Spencer Park.
Parking is usually available along local streets near access points.
Tips for Choosing Your Start
Shorter walk: Start at Broad Park and do out-and-back sections north or south.
Full traverse: Start at Southshore Spit or Spencer Park Surf Club and walk the full coastal length.
Mixed terrain: Start in Bottle Lake Forest Park for forest tracks before hitting the beach dunes.
Family/amenities: Broad Park and Spencer Park both have facilities (toilets/playgrounds).
Is this walk a loop track?
No — the Southern Pegasus Bay Track is not a formal loop track.
How it works
It is primarily a linear (out-and-back) coastal track.
Most people start at one access point (such as Spencer Park, Broad Park, or Southshore Spit) and return the same way.
Can you make it into a loop?
Yes, informally, by using connecting tracks:
You can create a loop option by combining:
The Southern Pegasus Bay Track (coastal/dune section), and
Bottle Lake Forest Park tracks inland.
This allows you to walk or cycle:
One direction along the coast
Return through forest trails (or vice versa)
These loops vary in length depending on the forest paths chosen, but they are not signposted as an official loop, so basic navigation awareness is needed.
Summary
❌ Not an official loop
✅ Mostly out-and-back
✅ Possible to create a loop using Bottle Lake Forest Park connections