Overview
There's a common thread with sundowner spots in Christchurch; most require travelling in an upward trajectory to find the best vantage point. With that comes uninterrupted views of our solar system's giant ball of hot plasma sinking into the horizon, wide open heavens, and the perfect opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved cold one. In partnership with Rekorderlig, here are five scenic spots to watch the sun go down in Christchurch.
Nathanael Coyne via Flickr
GIBRALTAR ROCK
Gibraltar Rock is Canterbury's smallest crag, making it a popular destination with the rock climbing community. A ten-minute walk from the access point on Summit Road, the pointy outcrop overlooks small rural area Tai Tapu, with stunning views out across the Canterbury Plains. If you're lucky, the experience will be shared with native bellbirds and wood pigeons which inhabit the area.
James Nimmo via Flickr
CASHMERE HILL LOOKOUT
Cashmere is not only a fantastic place to enjoy views of the pancake-flat Christchurch landscape, but also a panoramic outlook across Lyttelton Harbour, Banks Peninsula and the Southern Alps on a clear day. Public transport services the hill, or you could simply give your legs a decent workout by walking from the bottom. There are several walks to viewing points where you can unload the picnic basket and settle in for some sustenance and glorious red, orange, purpleish views.
Martyn via Flickr
MOUNT PLEASANT
Mount Pleasant is the highest elevation in the Port Hills so you know the views are going to be...pleasant. From Summit Road it's a 40-minute trek to the Mount Pleasant gun emplacements. You'll climb through the rolling tussock landscape to a gravel road and past some radio masts to the trig, a destination offering mind-blowing 360 degree views over the Canterbury Plains and across to Mount Herbert and Kaitorete Spit.
VICTORIA PARK
Atop the suburb of Cashmere, Victoria Park is a sizeable recreational area offering walking tracks, cross-country mountain bike trails and plenty of lush grass to sit back and soak in the environment. To help you get your chilly bin full of goodies up to the summit, there are bus routes which go as far as the Sign of the Takahe access point. The gates close at 7pm (and 9pm during daylight savings months) so you'll need to be prepared once the sun sinks over the horizon.
GODLEY HEAD
This spot references otherworldly powers for a reason. Godley Head is as picturesque as it comes in the Garden City; the exposed headland on top of 120 metre-high cliffs can provide views across the harbour to Banks Peninsula and down the pristine coastline — but for this one you'll want to be looking in the opposite direction. To get there you'll need to make your way up the Port Hills to reach Godley Head car park. From there it's a breezy three-hour return walk along a well-maintained track, so give yourself ample time to see the sun set back over the west. The area is exposed to the elements so appropriate clothing should be carried for all situations.
To start your summer sundowner adventure, grab a four pack of Rekorderlig's new Arctic Berries range.