Corsair Bay

There are various fantastic beaches in Canterbury and surrounding Christchurch, but one of the favorites is at Lyttelton, which is not far away. After passing through the Lyttelton Tunnel, turn right to reach the beautiful Corsair Bay beach with views of the Banks Peninsula. During the long, hot summer months, this white sand beach also boasts a big grassy area that is ideal for picnicking and hanging out, and the calm waters are ideal for swimming. A floating pontoon is common on New Zealand beaches, and Corsair Bay is no exception. You can paddle out to the pontoon or dive right in from the jetty.

The beach is largely shelly, but the water is not too deep and there is a raft to swim out to. You can opt to relax on the beach or a little higher up on a grassy bank, but be aware that there is minimal shade! You can spend a long time here if you bring a picnic. The pirate ship playground is a separate attraction. If you are lucky, you will come across a food truck selling ice cream, coffee, and other treats. There are other walking trails to discover - find out more below.

Location: Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand