[Tia Maria]

Although we will be eventually be settling in Auckland, we will stop by Christchurch when we first land.

Originally we were considering a week in Sumner, but have heard it can be very busy mid Jan, and its sea water of poor quality. Despite this its still had a big thumbs up from everybody, so we're not totally put off. But we were just wandering what the alternatives were. Maybe the Christchurch gang could let me know what they think?

Our requirements:

1) Beach a walk away, (playground, an added bonus)
2) Bus into central Christchurch
3) Self catering Accommodation (2 beds if poss)
4) Reasonable facilities - food shops, take aways, family pubs etc (doesn't matter if it just has one of each, just don't want to get on a bus to get essentials)

Basically we want a base from which to explore Christchurch, to recover from the jet lag, and for the children, (age 4 & 2) to play on the beach.

Seen places like New Brighton and Waimairi Beach on a map, but have no idea what they are like.

Cheers

[Moorf]

Tough one, I love Sumner but yes it does get crowded in the school hols months - which is silly when you are on a crowded Sumner beach loooking out onto the almost totally empty, bigger and sandier South Shore beach across the spit!! I assume the reason no-one goes to South Shore beach area is that there are no chippies/ice cream vans and cafe's on it's shore (things I am quite happy not to have!).

As for an alternative beach area in Chch... hmmm... perhaps look around Chateris Bay (Lyttleton Harbour area) but I wouldn't imagine the sea water quality was any better (prob worse with the container ships etc). Waimari Beach area is mainly residential - again, no beachfront cafes etc.

To be honest, Sumner is as good as beachside gets in Chch, and if you stick to the Shag Rock end of the beach the water quality is ok, it's the Scarborough end that is getting poor. Other than that, go for South Shore (i.e. along the spit) - I know the people who own the South Shore Motor Camp (new Brit couple) and that's a lovely spot on the estuary with the yacht club etc, and the beach just a road away on the other side.... the empty beach but with no cafes!!

[Richard_from_Long Beach]

New Brighton could be a possibility for you Tia. It meets all your requirements. Like Moorf says, the beach at New Brighton down to South Shore is vast and uncrowded. Sumner's a little nicer as a place to stay though.

[Moorf]

Yep Richard, you can't compare the two though - would be like comparing Bognor with Brighton UK :D

[veronica]

and possibly the prices too

[adamsat]

If you were prepared to go a little further outside Christchurch (25+ mins to the centre) You could try Pines Beach near Kaiapoi or some of the other beaches to the north like Woodend or Waikuku. No beachront cafes or much at all really in the way of commercial outlets. Just miles of empty sandy beaches. I think accomodation is pretty reasonable too :)

[Tia Maria]

Thanks for all your replies. Everywhere was pretty busy as we were looking in January but we've finally managed to book a 2 bed holiday house in Sumner, which was the same price as a 1 bed apartment.

Can't wait to have a good look round all the areas mentioned. There seems to be lots for children to do in Christchurch, anybody have any favourite places? (my little ones are age 4 & 2). I'm afraid we won't have a car, so nothing too far please!

Cheers