Sumner Beach Tours and Activities

Sumner Beach showing rocky coastline
Sumner Beach showing rugged coastline, surfing and a coastal town
Sumner Beach showing general coastal views and a beach
Sumner Beach which includes swimming, a coastal town and waves
Sumner Beach featuring 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.

Plan a trip to see Sumner Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
298 Westside Motor Lodge
Lavender Cottage at Akaroa Lavender
De Lago Motel Apartments

Tours & day trips

See all 98 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 33 activities

Cruises & boat tours

See all 13 activities

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 4 activities

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 3 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Sumner Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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
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
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.
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
Ocean Views at Rapanui Lodge- 4BR Gem with Parking

Ocean Views at Rapanui Lodge- 4BR Gem with Parking

Christchurch
Ocean Views at Rapanui Lodge- 4BR Gem with Parking
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, Canterbury, offers a picturesque outdoor area perfect for relaxation and recreation. Stroll through the charming Sumner Village, where you can discover unique shops and cafes. For a quick glimpse of the scenic beauty, take a video tour that highlights the stunning coastline. If you're a surf enthusiast, don't miss the renowned surf break, ideal for catching some waves and enjoying the vibrant beach culture.

Shopping

The Lyttelton Farmers Market, only 4.8km away, offers a lively atmosphere with local produce and crafts. For a broader shopping experience, the Tannery (6.4km) and Eastgate Mall (8.0km) provide a mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, explore other nearby malls for unique finds.

Recreation

At Caddyshack City, enjoy a fun-filled round of mini golf with family and friends, just a short drive from Sumner Beach. For a more serene experience, visit Wilding Park Tennis Center for relaxation and wellness activities, or indulge in rejuvenating treatments at He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views from the Christchurch Gondola, located 4.8km from Sumner Beach, perfect for outdoor family adventures. For thrill-seekers, the Christchurch Adventure Park offers an exhilarating zipline and ropes course, 11.3km away. Alternatively, catch the excitement of motor racing at Woodford Glen Speedway, 19.3km from the beach.

Nightlife

At Sumner Beach, the nightlife is vibrant with options like the Isaac Theatre Royal, 9.7km away, offering cultural performances and a romantic atmosphere. The Court Theatre, 11.3km away, also presents engaging shows for families and couples, ensuring a delightful evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Sumner Beach

Sumner Beach offers a delightful mix of attractions for tourists, including its stunning beach and picturesque harbour. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying outdoor activities and the vibrant city atmosphere. With various event and conference venues, there's something for everyone to experience, making Sumner Beach an ideal destination for both relaxation and exploration.

  • New Brighton Beach: Just 1.6km from Sumner Beach, New Brighton Beach offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or beach volleyball. The iconic New Brighton Pier provides stunning views and is a great spot for a leisurely stroll.
  • Lyttelton Harbour: Located 4.8km away, Lyttelton Harbour is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, bustling waterfront, and vibrant local markets. Enjoy a scenic walk along the harbour or take a ferry to explore the surrounding bays.
  • Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre: Situated 11.3km from Sumner Beach, this state-of-the-art venue hosts a range of business events and exhibitions, showcasing Christchurch's modern flair and professional atmosphere.

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
February61.5°F (16.4°C)No RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
March58.5°F (14.7°C)No RainMostly 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 RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
September48.0°F (8.9°C)No RainMostly 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 on your trip to Sumner Beach, consider visiting during the cheaper months of June to August when accommodation prices drop. Booking your stay about a month in advance can also lead to lower rates, especially if you check for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Sundays are typically the least expensive days to stay, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Additionally, combining accommodation with flights and activities through package deals can yield further savings. Don't forget to explore free activities, such as enjoying the beach and scenic walks, to make the most of your visit without breaking the bank.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Sumner Beach about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Sumner Beach accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia