Last Updated: 15th Jun 2024
Spitting Distance
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 15th Jun 2024
Grunt Factor: 14 ?
Gnarl Factor: 36 ?
15.0km
50m
50m
15m
Last Updated: 15th Jun 2024
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 15th Jun 2024
Grunt Factor: 14 ?
Gnarl Factor: 36 ?
15.0km
50m
50m
15m
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Beach
Coastal
Riverside
Sealed Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +0.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -0.1%
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2:00
Slow
1:35
Moderate
1:10
Fast
Note: Until May 2021 you will need to divert around a couple of nearby streets for a small section around Bridge Reserve as there are flood protection works going on in that section. Get back on the trail heading north at the main bridge, pretty self explanatory when you are there.
Head off from the Pier and follow the network of trails that weave up and down and round and through the marram grass and ice plant covered dunes. Pass the South Brighton Surf club and pick up the trails again in among the dunes. Please stick to the path to minimize tramping damage. Sensitive environment here!
As you near the end of the spit ease out on to the sand. If the tide is low its firm, easier going out towards the waves a bit. As you round the end of the spit look for an old sign and a wee trail that links you through to the South Shore Spit trails. Once heading north again follow the trails around the estuary. Lots of houses used to be round here, with great views but sometimes bad smells. its a bit different now. Trails head around the waters edge, take care crossing the road at South Brighton Bridge. From the bridge follow more trails around the estuary and then rivers edge until you spot the New Brighton shopping area where you are two blocks west of your start point.
Beach and dune habitats. EQ Redzone around Estuary Sand running
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Plenty of parking for free. Buses from town direct
9 km
16 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
If you get lost in the dunes then pop out to the sand.
Perfect throughout.
Lightweight fleece top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
BYO. Couple of dodgy loo blocks where you might top up
All good all year. Can get bloody windy, sometimes hot- sometimes cold
STAY OFF the dunes apart from the trails
Salt on the Pier
New Brighton Pier
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Spitting Distance
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Wow, unexpectedly cool run! I thought I’d seen the beach and seen the estuary and it would feel silly running such a tight loop. Wrong! Quite varied in terrain, environments, and views. Just long enough that you feel like you’ve gone on a journey. No hills and no bush, but still a great dose of the outdoors.
September 7, 2021
Beautiful track, I think the best flat track in Christchurch! I would prefer more beach run with barefoot, but behind the dune track was more challenging. Love it 💖💖💖
August 18, 2021
Good track for a long run. First few kms were undulating through the sandy track by the beach, which can be a good workout. Love the run on the beach and to the "spit'. I've missed the entrance back to the track from the beach both times. The other side of Southshore is flat but has a nice water view.
January 17, 2021
well named - a "spit", that seems like it's "spitting distance" to Sumner - until you see it's a swim. Had no idea there was that track on the western side all the way back to New Brighton main drag (which looks quite different to the up-market bustling weekend shopping mecca I remember from the 1970s!)
November 5, 2020
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