# Avon River

Source: https://godosomething.fun/activities/new-zealand/canterbury/christchurch/avon-river-plc_y3ze44x3y7dfc/

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Attraction

The Avon River (Otakaro) winds through central Christchurch, past the Botanic Gardens and Antigua Boat Sheds. Traditional flat-bottomed punting trips depart from the Antigua Boat Sheds on Cambridge Terrace, with standard rides lasting around 30 minutes and shared with other passengers. Riverside paths also allow walking and cycling along much of its length through the city.

## Tours and tickets for Avon River

Tours and tickets from an approved affiliate partner. Prices and availability are confirmed by the partner.

- Sponsored (GetYourGuide): [](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Avon%20River%2C%20New%20Zealand&partner_id=NNYQ1IK&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=place-avon-river)

## How to get there

The Antigua Boat Sheds, the main departure point for Avon River punting, are at 2 Cambridge Terrace in central Christchurch, within a five-minute walk of the Botanic Gardens. The site is reachable on foot from most central-city hotels. The Christchurch Tram stops nearby, roughly a 3-4 minute walk along Rolleston Avenue to the boat sheds. Bookings for punting trips are recommended in advance, particularly in peak summer months, and independent walks or cycles along the riverside paths are possible at any time without booking.

Approximate location: -43.51565, 172.67146

## Transfers to Avon River

Door-to-door transfers from an approved affiliate partner. Prices and availability are confirmed by the partner.

- Sponsored (Welcome Pickups): [](https://traveler.transfersforhotels.com/113417/christchurch/transfer/new)

## Hotels near Avon River

- [Hotels in Christchurch](https://godosomething.fun/hotels/new-zealand/canterbury/christchurch/)

## More in Christchurch

- [Things to do in Christchurch](https://godosomething.fun/activities/new-zealand/canterbury/christchurch/)
- [What to Do in Christchurch? Match It to Your Trip](https://godosomething.fun/guides/new-zealand/what-to-do-in-christchurch/)
- [How Many Days Do You Need in Christchurch?](https://godosomething.fun/guides/new-zealand/how-many-days-in-christchurch/)

## Quick answers

**Where does Avon River punting depart from?**

Punting on the Avon departs from the Antigua Boat Sheds at 2 Cambridge Terrace in central Christchurch. Standard rides last around 30 minutes, travel through the Botanic Gardens, and are shared with other passengers; bookings are recommended.

**Can visitors walk or cycle along the Avon River without booking a punt?**

Yes, riverside paths run along much of the Avon River through central Christchurch and are open for walking and cycling at any time, independent of the guided punting trips that depart from the Antigua Boat Sheds.

![A flat-bottomed punt gliding on a willow-lined river past a historic timber boat shed.](https://cdn.godosomething.fun/media/site__place-new-zealand-christchurch--avon-river.webp)
Photo: Go Do Something Fun (/media/site__place-new-zealand-christchurch--avon-river.webp) — First-party AI-generated artwork © Suppers Software Limited ()