Credit: Aaron Campbell Photography
5 Best Spots
To Use The City’s Free BBQs
We’re so lucky here in Ōtautahi to have access to beautiful beaches, forests and lakes around our city.
And nothing beats a fun day out in Christchurch with family, friends and when it’s… FREE.
Did you know there are heaps of electric barbecues free-for-use in our city’s parks?
Well, grab the kids, the dog and the chilly bin because we reckon we’ve found the best spots to use the city’s free barbies and picnic areas.
Credit: CCC Parks
Scarborough Park, Sumner
Head to Sumner, one of Christchurch’s most beautiful beaches, for a relaxed day on the sand.
Stroll the promenade, and head to Scarborough Park where the kids can enjoy a dip in the paddling pool and a barbecue lunch finished with an ice cream cone.
Features:
Free BBQs (first in, first served)
Playground
Paddling pool
Access to Sumner beach
Public toilets
Trees, walkways, cafés
Sumner Scarborough Clock Tower
The Groynes
There’s something for everyone at the Groynes, north of the city.
With plenty of walking tracks, multiple playgrounds and heaps of picnic areas by the water, it’s a great day out for family and friends.
Features:
Multiple free BBQs (first in, first served) and picnic areas
Playgrounds including a flying fox and multi play structures
River and recreational fishing lakes
Pedal boats, aqua bikes, single and double canoes for hire
Walking tracks
Dog park
Orienteering courses
Public toilets
Trees and open spaces
Credit: Aaron Campbell Photography
Spencer Park
Your next family day out is sorted here at Spencer Park!
Found on the edge of Bottle Lake Forest in northeast Christchurch, there’s plenty to do and see here at this great recreational park.
And the best part is that the beach is never far away...
Features:
Free BBQs (first in, first served)
Playground
Small animal enclosure
Paddling pool
Walking and horse tracks
Access to beach
Public toilets
Trees and wide spaces
Volleyball, tennis and basketball courts
Sandpit
Mini golf
Holiday park
Credit: CCC Parks
South New Brighton Domain
Between the city and the sea in eastern Christchurch, there’s no better place than New Brighton.
Visit the Pier, take in the seaside views along the South Brighton Boardwalk and head to South New Brighton Domain for a picnic and some fun at the edge of the estuary.
Features:
Free BBQs (first in, first served)
Playground
Public toilets
Basketball and tennis courts
Jetty
Walking tracks
Bookable picnic area
Credit: CCC Parks
Burnside Park
In the heart of the northwest, down the road from Christchurch Airport, is Burnside Park.
The large park is a hub of activity with various sports clubs and joggers using the massive space all day, everyday.
The park is also a great spot for repose. There’s a playground for the kids, plenty of benches and picnic areas for a lovely afternoon in the sun.
Features:
Free BBQ (first in, first served)
Playground
Fitness equipment
Sports fields
Public toilets
Trees and open spaces
Please be a tidy kiwi and take your rubbish with you. Clean the BBQ once you’ve finished with it. Contact the Christchurch City Council for more info on booking and availability of picnic areas for large groups or events. People are asked to refrain from smoking or vaping in Council-owned playgrounds and parks.
