Sumner Beach

Close to the township of Sumner this Christchurch beach that continues onto Scarborough beach by a 1.25 km promenade starting at Cave Rock. Sumner beach also has the nearby outlet of the Avon Heathcote Estuary. Note although it is possible to reach the South Shore side of the outlet from Sumner beach hidden strong rips and undertows at the mouth can be a danger to swimmers.

The Sumner Bar is a sand bar where the estuary meets the sea and had a reputation in the early days as being dangerous for shipping to cross.

There is reasonable fishing at the mouth of the estuary and you will see plenty of people trying their luck if conditions are right.

Sumner beach itself has a wide sandy area and is popular with families as it has a gentle slopping tidal area “always swim between the flags”.
Located on the beach and across the road are cafes etc. with some parking available.

Surfers generally surf on the other side of Cave Rock which has a swell suitable for learners and intermediates, although an off shore wind can produce something for the more experienced surfer (further up at Scarborough beach under the right conditions can produce a very nice wave as well).

If you want to explore Cave Rock (at low tide) from the seaward side of Cave Rock it is an easy walk through the short tidal cave and you come out on the other side near the foot of a walking ramp onto the promenade. Cave Rock itself is an easy climb for someone sure of foot and a plaque on the tower at the top is dedicated to Captain of the Sumner Lifeboat, Joseph Day, who saved many lives between 1867 and 1880.