Sumner Beach Tours

Sumner Beach featuring rugged coastline
Sumner Beach featuring surfing, a coastal town and rugged coastline
Sumner Beach featuring a beach and general coastal views
Sumner Beach featuring swimming, surf and a coastal town
Sumner Beach which includes 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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Carnmore Hotel Christchurch
City Central Motel Apartments
Hotel 115 Christchurch

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Best Lodging Options Near Sumner Beach

Sumner Bay Motel & Apartments

Sumner Bay Motel & Apartments

3.5 out of 5
26 Marriner Street, Sumner, Christchurch
Sumner Bay Motel & Apartments
Cave Rock Guest House

Cave Rock Guest House

3 out of 5
16 Esplanade, Sumner, Christchurch
Cave Rock Guest House
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
Modern, quiet comfort for two

Modern, quiet comfort for two

Redcliffs
Modern, quiet comfort for two
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
South Brighton Holiday Park

South Brighton Holiday Park

2.5 out of 5
59 Halsey Street, Christchurch
South Brighton Holiday Park
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

Explore the charming Sumner Beach in Canterbury, New Zealand, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the sandy shores or take a short walk to the picturesque Sumner Village. Don't miss the opportunity to visit local shops and cafes, and soak in the stunning coastal views. For a more immersive experience, consider joining a tour to discover the area's hidden gems and rich history.

Food and drinks

For a delightful experience, visit Omarino Wine Park, known for its romantic ambiance, just 11 miles from Sumner Beach. Alternatively, Darjon Vineyard, 14 miles away, offers a charming setting for wine lovers. Both spots provide a taste of local flavors and exceptional drinks.

Shopping

New Regent Street, 6 miles from Sumner Beach, offers a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. The Riverside Market, located 7 miles away, features local vendors and unique finds. If you're up for a drive, Papanui Road, 8 miles away, has a variety of family-friendly stores and eateries.

Recreation

At Orangetheory Stadium, embrace an energetic workout atmosphere that motivates you to achieve your fitness goals. Nearby, the peaceful Victoria Park offers serene walking paths and lush greenery for relaxation, while the family-friendly Margaret Mahy Playground provides outdoor fun and bonding opportunities for visitors of all ages.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at Christchurch Adventure Park, featuring an exhilarating zipline and ropes course set in an outdoor adventure atmosphere located 7 miles from Sumner Beach. For motorsport enthusiasts, Woodford Glen Speedway offers exciting motor racing vibes, situated 12 miles from the beach.

Nightlife

For a lively night in Sumner Beach, visit the Christchurch Casino for some thrilling gaming and vibrant city vibes. Alternatively, catch a captivating show at the Isaac Theatre Royal or The Court Theatre, both offering rich cultural experiences perfect for families and couples alike.

Find the best attractions near Sumner Beach

Sumner Beach, located in Christchurch, New Zealand, offers a delightful mix of outdoor activities and eco-friendly experiences for families. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful local beach, explore the nearby urban parks, and take in the stunning views of the Christchurch estuary. With its inviting atmosphere and variety of attractions, Sumner Beach is perfect for those seeking a relaxing yet adventurous getaway.

  • Lyttelton Harbour: Just 3 miles from Sumner Beach, Lyttelton Harbour offers stunning coastal scenery and a charming harbor vibe. Enjoy picturesque views, quaint cafes, and a sense of serenity as you explore the area, perfect for a relaxing day out.
  • New Brighton Beach: Located only 1 mile away, New Brighton Beach is a lively spot known for its beautiful sands and vibrant beach atmosphere. Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or beach sports, this destination is perfect for a fun-filled day by the ocean.
  • Hagley Park: A short drive of 7 miles brings you to Hagley Park, an expansive urban park that offers family-friendly activities and outdoor recreation. Stroll through lush gardens, enjoy a picnic, or partake in various sports in this vibrant city oasis.

Best time to go to Sumner Beach

The best time to visit Sumner Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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

To save money during your visit to Sumner Beach, take advantage of free activities like Hagley Park and Taylor's Mistake Beach. Plan your trip between June and August for lower accommodation rates, and consider booking your hotel about a month in advance for the best deals. Tuesdays are typically the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are pricier. Use Expedia's search tool to compare prices, filter for eco-friendly hotels, and explore package deals that combine flights and accommodations for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also offer exclusive discounts.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Sumner Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Sumner Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Sumner Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, preferred location, and other criteria. You can organize your results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type. For instance, if you select the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll find a selection of sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your Sumner Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.