Photos courtesy of boatsheds.co.nz
Antigua Boatsheds Canoe Hire
- 2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013
Antigua Boatsheds sits right on the Avon River in central Christchurch, a five-minute walk from the Botanic Gardens, and it's been hiring out boats since 1882. Kids can go out on single or double kayaks, paddle boats or wooden Canadian canoes, and there are row boats too if you'd rather someone else did the paddling on the way there. Younger children usually go in a double kayak or paddle boat with an adult, and older kids manage a single kayak on their own.
The historic timber shed itself is worth a look, and there's a licensed café right on the water for coffee, brunch or a picnic hamper afterwards, so you can make a morning of it without leaving the riverbank. Bikes are also available if the kids would rather explore Hagley Park than get wet. Most families spend an hour or so on the water, gliding past willows, ducks and eels as far as the fourth bridge before turning back.
Opening hours
- Sunday Today 09:00 – 16:00
- Monday Today 09:00 – 16:00
- Tuesday Today 09:00 – 16:00
- Wednesday Today 09:00 – 16:00
- Thursday Today 09:00 – 16:00
- Friday Today 09:00 – 16:00
- Saturday Today 09:00 – 16:00
Location
Antigua Boatsheds Canoe Hire
2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013