New Brighton Beach

New Brighton Beach which includes a sandy beach, surf and surfing
New Brighton Beach which includes general coastal views
New Brighton Beach which includes a sandy beach and surf
New Brighton Beach
New Brighton Beach featuring general coastal views and a sandy beach


Surf, spot birdlife, walk across wild sand dunes and shop for handmade goods at a weekly market at this sandy beach and coastal suburb.

New Brighton Beach is a great coastal retreat to visit when holidaying in Christchurch. The beach boasts about 18 kilometres (11 miles) of golden sand, stretching from the mouth of the Waimakariri River to South Spit. Activities at New Brighton Beach range from surfing in rolling waves to wildlife spotting and walking amid untamed landscapes. Find accommodation options, cafés, restaurants and a weekly market at the village adjoining the beach.

The beach is a popular summer destination for Christchurch’s residents. Bathers come to swim in the cool waters of the South Pacific Ocean while surfers make the most of the clean, rolling waves. Beachgoers congregate around New Brighton Pier. Stroll to the end of the pier to enjoy uninterrupted views of the coastline and watch as fishermen wait patiently for a catch.

For a more secluded beach experience, walk in either direction from the pier to discover quiet areas. Enjoy the opportunity to sit unaccompanied amid the lap of nature, take a nap on the soft sand or sit and read a book. Pristine coastal forests and sand dunes frame the beach’s northern reaches. Explore these areas as you follow trails on foot or by bike.

Be sure to visit South Spit, a reserve set on a peninsula at the beach’s southernmost point. Come between August and March for the chance to see seabirds such as dotterels, godwits, gulls and pied stilts. Gaze across the estuary to see Summer Beach and look inland to make out the peaks of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

In the village of New Brighton, casual dining options, fast-food joints and surf shops line the Brighton Mall commercial zone. On Saturday morning, go to the New Brighton’s Seaside Market, held in the mall’s pedestrian-only section. Dine at food trucks and browse stalls offering fresh produce, handicrafts and quirky fashions, among other items.

New Brighton Beach is just a 20-minute drive from Christchurch’s city centre and easy to reach via public buses or rented bike. Free parking is available on Marine Road, which runs parallel to the beach. In January, hundreds of colourful kites fill the sky for the beach’s annual Kite Day.

Plan a trip to see New Brighton Beach

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Carnmore Hotel Christchurch
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Christchurch City
The Mayfair

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Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Modern 2-Bedroom Oasis, Just Steps from the Beach

Modern 2-Bedroom Oasis, Just Steps from the Beach

Christchurch, Canterbury
Modern 2-Bedroom Oasis, Just Steps from the Beach
South Brighton Holiday Park

South Brighton Holiday Park

2.5 out of 5
59 Halsey Street, Christchurch
South Brighton Holiday Park
Coastal Comfort: Spacious 3BR Getaway in Redcliffs

Coastal Comfort: Spacious 3BR Getaway in Redcliffs

Christchurch, Canterbury
Coastal Comfort: Spacious 3BR Getaway in Redcliffs
Sumner Bay Motel & Apartments

Sumner Bay Motel & Apartments

3.5 out of 5
26 Marriner Street, Sumner, Christchurch
Sumner Bay Motel & Apartments
Cave Rock Guest House

Cave Rock Guest House

3 out of 5
16 Esplanade, Sumner, Christchurch
Cave Rock Guest House
Kakariki Ecostay - Stunning Views

Kakariki Ecostay - Stunning Views

Clifton, Canterbury
Kakariki Ecostay - Stunning Views
Ocean Views at Rapanui Lodge- 4BR Gem with Parking

Ocean Views at Rapanui Lodge- 4BR Gem with Parking

Christchurch, Canterbury
Ocean Views at Rapanui Lodge- 4BR Gem with Parking
The Ultimate Cecil Wood Stay - Hot Tub, BBQ & Views

The Ultimate Cecil Wood Stay - Hot Tub, BBQ & Views

Christchurch, Canterbury
The Ultimate Cecil Wood Stay - Hot Tub, BBQ & Views
Ocean View  tiny house

Ocean View tiny house

Christchurch, Not Applicable
Ocean View tiny house
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 New Brighton Beach

During your visit to New Brighton Beach, indulge in a delightful pub crawl to explore the local watering holes, followed by a scenic Mersey ferry trip for stunning views of the coastline. Don't miss a relaxing day at the beach, where you can soak up the sun, enjoy water activities, and take in the vibrant atmosphere of this charming seaside destination.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, visit The Tannery, located 2.5km from New Brighton Beach, offering a mix of business and entertainment vibes. The Crossing, also 3.7km away, provides a similar atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, explore Lyttelton Farmers Market, just 2.5km away, for local produce and crafts.

Recreation

At New Brighton Skatepark, enjoy a vibrant atmosphere while engaging in recreational activities that promote wellness and relaxation. He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools offers soothing body treatments in a serene setting, perfect for rejuvenation. Additionally, Wilding Park Tennis Centre provides an active yet calming environment for tennis enthusiasts.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views aboard the Christchurch Gondola, located 1.9km from New Brighton Beach, perfect for families and adventurers. For thrill-seekers, the Christchurch Adventure Park, 4.3km away, offers exhilarating zipline and ropes courses, while Woodford Glen Speedway, 6.8km away, provides thrilling motor racing excitement.

Nightlife

The nightlife at New Brighton Beach offers a delightful mix of entertainment and culture. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Isaac Theatre Royal, just 3.7km away, or immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of The Court Theatre, located 4.3km from the beach, perfect for family and romance.

Find the best attractions near New Brighton Beach

New Brighton Beach in Canterbury, New Zealand, offers a delightful mix of attractions, including its stunning beach, the vibrant piazza, and the picturesque harbour. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and outdoor experiences while exploring the area. A must-see is the iconic New Brighton Lighthouse, perfect for those seeking a unique photo opportunity and a taste of the region's maritime heritage.

  • Sumner Beach: Located a mere mile from New Brighton Beach, Sumner Beach offers a picturesque stretch of golden sand and vibrant beach vibes. It’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, all while soaking in the stunning coastal scenery.
  • Lyttelton Harbour: Four miles away lies Lyttelton Harbour, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and tranquil beach vibes. This harbour is a fantastic spot for kayaking or taking a scenic cruise, allowing visitors to appreciate the rugged coastline and charming harbour village.
  • Avon Heathcote Estuary: just 1.6km from New Brighton Beach, the Avon Heathcote Estuary is a beautiful wetland teeming with wildlife. Ideal for birdwatching and walking trails, it offers a peaceful retreat where you can connect with nature.

Best time to go to New Brighton Beach

The best time to visit New Brighton Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around New Brighton Beach falls in January, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around New Brighton 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 SunnySlightly HighAverage
February61.5°F (16.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March58.5°F (14.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August45.5°F (7.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September48.0°F (8.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 SunnySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for New Brighton Beach

To save money on your trip to New Brighton Beach, consider visiting between June and August when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or searching for last-minute deals on Expedia can yield great savings. Sundays typically offer the best rates, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s filtering tools to find eco-friendly options and sort by price for the best deals. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can lead to further savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around New Brighton 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around New Brighton Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around New Brighton Beach is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around New Brighton Beach is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay in New Brighton Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.