Punting on the Avon is one of the oldest traditions in Christchurch, and it remains one of the most relaxing ways to see the city. The ride starts at the Antigua Boatsheds, a pretty wooden building on the river bank beside the Botanic Gardens, and follows a quiet stretch of the Avon under willows, past lawns and daffodil banks and through the edge of the gardens themselves. A punter in classic attire stands at the back of a flat-bottomed boat and propels it with a long pole, while commentary covers the history of the river, the gardens and the city that grew around them. The ride lasts about thirty minutes, so it fits easily between other plans, and the pace is slow enough that you can watch ducks, eels and the reflections in the water without hurrying. Blankets and umbrellas are provided in colder or wetter weather, and in winter hot water bottles are offered too, which makes the trip comfortable well outside summer. It is a visual contrast to the rebuilt, modern centre of Christchurch, because for half an hour the city seems to disappear behind trees and water. The experience suits couples looking for something quiet, families with children who enjoy boats, and visitors who have limited time and want a classic Christchurch moment without a long commitment. Photographers will find that the light through the willows is at its best in the morning and late afternoon, and the gardens look their finest in spring, when bulbs and blossom line the banks.
What to expect
You meet at the Antigua Boatsheds, board a flat-bottomed punt and settle in for a ride of about thirty minutes that starts and ends at the same landing. The punter does all the work, so there is nothing to learn and no effort required. Passengers sit in the boat for the whole trip and cannot leave early for safety reasons, so use the facilities before you board.
The route runs through a tranquil, shaded part of the river and along the edge of the Botanic Gardens, and the commentary mixes local history with notes on the plants and birds you pass.
Planning
The Boatsheds sit beside Rolleston Avenue on the edge of the gardens, close to Canterbury Museum and the Arts Centre, so the punt combines naturally with a walk through the gardens, a visit to the art gallery or a ride on the tram. Transport to the start is not included, but the area is easy to reach on foot from most central hotels. Trips can be affected by high water or poor weather after heavy rain, so keep a little flexibility in your plans, and check the departure times for the season, since the schedule is more generous in summer and thinner in winter.
What to bring
A jacket or a light layer, since the river is cool and shaded even on a warm day, a hat and sunscreen in summer, and a camera or phone you are happy to hold over water. Blankets and umbrellas are supplied when needed. Wear shoes that are comfortable for stepping into a boat, and keep bags on your lap rather than on the floor of the punt.
Who it suits
Couples, small families, older visitors who want a seated activity and anyone who likes a slow pace. It is a very short trip, so it works well as an add-on rather than a full-day plan. If you want something with more adventure, the zipline and the gondola are close by in spirit, while the tram offers a seated overview of the city in a different way.
Pairing the punt with a picnic in the gardens or afternoon tea nearby turns it into a relaxed half day. The ride is also a good first activity for visitors on arrival day, because it asks little of you, orients you to the geography of the centre and gives you a feel for the green, river-threaded character that gives Christchurch its Garden City name.
What to expect
The experience
A seated, guided punt of about thirty minutes on the Avon River, starting and ending at the Antigua Boatsheds and passing through the edge of the Botanic Gardens.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon for soft light, and spring for bulbs and blossom along the banks.
How long
About thirty minutes on the water, plus a little time to board and settle in.
Tips
Bring a light layer, use the facilities before boarding, and check seasonal departure times and weather before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples, families and short-stay visitors who want a quiet, classic Christchurch experience.
- Families
- Children enjoy the boat, the ducks and the punter; the ride is short enough to hold their attention.
- Couples
- A calm, scenic half hour that pairs well with a stroll in the gardens.
- Pair with
- The Botanic Gardens, the Christchurch Art Gallery or a ride on the tram.
- Time needed
- About 30 minutes, or an hour with check-in time.
Good questions
How long is the punting trip?+
The ride lasts about thirty minutes and starts and finishes at the Antigua Boatsheds.
Where does it start?+
At the Antigua Boatsheds beside the Botanic Gardens, a short walk from central Christchurch.
What is provided in cold weather?+
Blankets and umbrellas are provided when needed, and hot water bottles are offered in winter.
Do I have to paddle?+
No. A punter in classic attire poles the boat and gives the commentary, so you can sit back.
Can I leave the boat early?+
No. For health and safety reasons passengers stay on board until the punt returns to the landing.
