If you picture your ideal morning, it likely involves watching the dawn break and the sunrise. There’s nothing quite like it. Sure, who doesn’t love a lazy morning in bed, particularly in winter. But with some breath-taking views on offer, it pays to watch the sunrise in Christchurch at least once. Make a morning of it and grab a coffee or a full English on your return trip.
The sunrise timing in Christchurch varies through the seasons. The earliest sunrise in Christchurch is during the month of December, when the sun can rise as early as 5:45 am.
December-February: 6:00 am
March-May: 7:15 am
June-August: 8 am
September-November: 6:45 am
Here are the best places to watch the sunrise in Christchurch.
1. Shag Rock / Rapanui Rock
This location might look a little different now than it did pre-earthquakes; what was once a sea stack is now, in essence, a pile of rocks. However, there’s something quite mystical about this location. Shag Rock is around 20 minutes from Christchurch and is best experienced during sunrise with plenty of high clouds.
2. New Brighton Pier
New Brighton Pier offers a spectacular glimpse of the early morning sun in a small community brimming with life. Venture to the area at low tide, and you’ll witness stunning sun reflections on the glistening sand. Travel down to the beach while it’s still dark and enjoy the magical twinkling of the pier lights. Round off your morning with a paddle in the whaling pool or breakfast at Salt on the Pier. New Brighton Pier is 15 minutes from Christchurch and is credited as the longest pier in Australasia, with a span of 300 metres.
3. Cashmere Hill Lookout
If you want to combine a sunrise in Christchurch with panoramic views of the CBD and the distant landscapes of the west, then Cashmere Hill offers the perfect lookout point. This enchanting area is popular with hikers, dog walkers, and picnickers. Though if you fancy a seated breaky, Sign of the Takahe offers a friendly atmosphere for a coffee stop. The Cashmere Hill Lookout is 15 minutes from the CBD and is an accessible 10-minute walk from the car park.
4. Port Hills
From hiking to cycling or even riding a gondola, there are many ways to reach the peak of Port Hills. Just 20 minutes from the CBD, you’re offered a plethora of city landscapes and a selection of excellent spots to watch the sunrise. The best sunrise timing in Christchurch fluctuates with the seasons, but both April and September offer some of the best views throughout the year.
5. Hoon Hay Scenic Reserve
If you’re looking for a remote spot to watch the sunrise in Christchurch, the Hoon Hay reserve offers a lesser known site, free from the crowds you might experience at some of the other locations. Only a 10 minute walk from your car, you can soak up the colourful skies of the sun rising from the Lyttelton Port with views that stretch as far as the Southern Alps.
6. Gibraltar Rock
Make the most of your morning with this 10-minute walk before sunrise. It’s a great way to get the blood pumping. While Gibraltar Rock is most famous for its epic sunsets, you can also get some pretty awesome morning views. With an elevation that allows you to view the city of Christchurch and the vast Canterbury plains, this is the perfect place to sit as the sky changes colour through sunrise. If you want to try a more significant hike afterwards, there are some pretty impressive walks through the Omahu Bush.
