Central City ‘Runseeing’ Tour

This is a short ‘runseeing’ tour of the highlights of Christchurch’s ‘Central City’ — the area defined by four squares and bounded by Fitzgerald, Deans, Moorhouse, and Bealy Ave. The main commercial streets of Christchurch aren’t especially scenic, but one can put together a pleasant 5k incorporating some of the key squares, with easy add-ons of Hagley Park or the Avon River paths for a longer run. Note: still lots of earthquake damage and streets might be closed off due to construction.

We’ve designed a tour to minimize the turns. Use our map as a guideline for your own route!  We start at Town Hall, and do a quick 1.3 km loop up Victoria St. to the Clock Tower, and then south on Montreal St., through pretty Cranmer Square. Head east, passing the Quake City Museum, to Victoria Square. Run through the square, then east along Avon river path (Oxford Terrace) to the Margaret Mahy Playground. Run past the impressive Christchurch Cathedral and the impressive green of Latimer Square, using the pedestrian Hanui Ln. to reach Lichfield St. to High St., briefly, then LEFT on Cashel St. to the Bridge of Remembrance war memorial. Head north for 0.8 km along the Avon River path (Oxford Terrace) to the start.

Add-On/Longer Run: Paths along the Avon River, or Hagley Park.