Top 10 Day Hikes in Canterbury

When it comes to hiking trails, Cantabrians are spoilt for choice. Picking a top 10 was not an easy task. But without further ado, whether you're a local or just passing through - these trails are perfect for a day's adventure.

#1 Mount Richardson

• Location: Mount Thomas Forest Conservation Area

• Duration: 4 - 6 hours as a loop (Richardson, Blowhard, Bypass and Glentui tracks can be combined)

• Length: 12km loop

• Drive time from Christchurch: 1 hour approx. Directions.

The track can be enjoyed as a 3.2km one way hike or combined with other tracks to form a longer loop. The loop trail starts and ends in dense native bush, and the tussocky summit is worth the climb. Plus, there's a bonus waterfall for those who add on the Glentui circuit. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash. Wasp populations reach high numbers between January and March.

#2 Kaituna Valley Packhorse Hut Track

• Location: Banks Peninsula

• Duration: 1 - 2 hours one way

• Length: 4km one way

• Drive time from Christchurch: 45min approx. Directions.

If you're looking for a scenic lunch spot, Packhorse Hut is certainly a crowd-pleaser. This track is the closest to town and the most family-friendly option on the list. The easy track crosses farmlands and smaller streams in multiple places before climbing up towards the hut. The hut has 9 bunk beds for those wanting to spend the night. It does not allow dogs or mountain bikes on the track.

#3 Lake Clearwater to Mount Guy Summit

• Location: Hakatere Conservation Park

• Duration: 2 hours 30 mins - 3 hours one way

• Length: 4.3km one way

• Drive time from Christchurch: 2 hours approx. Directions.

Be prepared for an exposed and challenging route to the summit - but the views are always worth it. For a less advanced option you can follow the shared mountain bike path around the lake front. No dogs are allowed on any of the tracks.

#4 Bealey Spur

• Location: Arthur's Pass National Park

• Duration: 2 - 3 hours one way

• Length: 6km one way

• Drive time from Christchurch: 2 hours approx. Directions.

Popular for a reason. The climb up Bealey Spur is more gradual than most alpine trails - yet it doesn't compromise on scenery. The well-marked path doesn't climb above the bush line yet still delivers great views while being in close proximity to Arthur's Pass village. The track is excellent bang for your buck. No dogs are allowed on this track. Note: Between January and April wasp populations reach high numbers.

#5 Dog Stream Waterfall

• Location: Hanmer Forest Park

• Duration: 2 - 3 hours return (with options to add on extra tracks to make a loop)

• Length: 4km return

• Drive time from Christchurch: 2 hours approx to Hanmer Springs, plus 15mins from town to the carpark. To get to the carpark, leave town on Jollies Pass Road, then take a left onto McIntyre Road, which continues into Mullans Road. The car park is at the end of Mullans Road.

Enjoy a steady climb through mountain beech forest to an impressive 41-metre-high waterfall. The gravel path crosses smaller streams in a couple of places and can get quite busy in the summer months. After a good rainfall, sections can get a bit muddy and slippy so footwear with good traction is advisable. A suggested round trip is to return via Spur Track and Fir Trail back to the waterfall car park.

#6 Mount Grey and Maukatere Loop

• Location: Mount Grey/Maukatere Conservation Area

• Duration: 5 - 7 hours return

• Length: 15.3km as a loop

• Drive time from Christchurch: 1 hour approx. Directions.

• Please note: the track is often closed after heavy rainfall.

Who doesn't love a good loop?! Although challenging, we think this track will become one of your favorites - especially if you're at the summit on a clear day. It's a lovely trail for bird watching and for hikers enjoying a bit of solitude and peacefulness out there. The majority of the track takes you through lush green forests before making way for some spectacular views at the top. While dogs are welcome, they must be kept on a leash.

#7 Rakaia Gorge Walkway

• Location: Mount Hutt area

• Duration: 3 - 4 hours return

• Length: 10.4km return

• Drive time from Christchurch: 1 hour 15mins approx. Directions.

It's hard to feel blue when the river is this vibrant!

#8 Ryde Falls via View Hill

• Location: Oxford Forest Conservation area

• Duration: 3 - 5 hours return

• Length: 8.2km as a loop

• Drive time from Christchurch: 1 hour 15mins approx. Directions. Note: 4WD vehicles are recommended to cross the fords to the carpark after rainfall.

A pleasant, undulating bush walk to the five-tier Ryde Falls. Your boots will probably get wet and muddy, but it's all part of the fun!

#9 Allans Track via Fern Walk

• Location: Peel Forest Scenic Reserve

• Duration: 2 - 3 hours return

• Length: 5km as a loop

• Drive time from Christchurch: 1 hour 45mins approx. Directions.

Get (metaphorically) lost in the lush bush Peel Forest Park has to offer. A word of warning: this track has steep sections with lots of slippery tree roots and mud. However, there are plenty of family-friendly alternatives in the area.

#10 Mount Nimrod Track

• Location: Hunters Hills area

• Duration: 2 - 3 hours return

• Length: 3km as a loop (challenging terrain)

• Drive time from Christchurch: 2 hour 30mins approx. Directions.

Once you've conquered the other tracks on this list, Mount Nimrod makes a great grand finale.

We can't wait for you to get out there! Make sure you tag @kathmandugear so we can see your epic pics.

Just a wee reminder that your safety is your responsibility:

• Always check the Department of Conservation's website for up-to-date trail information.

• Tell someone your plans, including when to raise the alarm if you haven't returned.

• Make sure you pack everything you need for a day walk - including extra food, water and warm layers.