Last Updated: 28th Feb 2024

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Heathcote River Run - Opawa to Hoon Hay

Christchurch, Canterbury

Submitted by Corey Woodward

Last Updated: 28th Feb 2024

Beginner

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 5

Gnarl Factor: 6

9.2km

20m

15m

20m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban

Point to Point (one way)

Totally/mostly flat

Dog Friendly

Riverside

Run Makeup

45%
55%

Sealed Road

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +1.4%

Average Downhill Gradient: -1.4%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:20

Slow

1:00

Moderate

0:40

Fast

A point to point run (unless you head back again) up one side of the Heathcote River as it winds it's way through numerous suburbs. There are options to switch sides of the river if a change appeals. Toilet facilities are in the public library on Colombo Street.

Plenty of river views

Plenty of roadside parking. Buses do run in this area, just not sure of timetable or exact stops.

4 km

11 minutes

Yes

No

Easy.

Just follow the river...

Perfect throughout.

Windproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.

I didn't see any water facilities on the course but there may be a drink fountain in the Colombo Street library. Recommend carrying your own water supply.

Path may be prone to flooding at times of the year. Avoid if there has been recent torrential rain.

There are a lot of road crossings, please take care when crossing

Trail Legend

Corey Woodward

Corey Woodward

has completed Heathcote River Run - Opawa to Hoon Hay once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

You can make this a 13km return trip by finding a straight line back though suburbia. Nice pacer run

Tony Sharpe

March 10, 2022

Nice, flat route along the river - perfect for recovery!

Stefanie Parks

April 25, 2021

Not really a trail run, more a berm run, tho I managed to keep off bitumen more than what the description suggested by doing so but also chose to do the trails where available. Ran this in 2 parts cause point to point runs like this I find rather pointless to be honest as I'm not up to running 18km just to get back to the start.

Rebecca Sunderland

December 14, 2020

Sunny morning run with lots of bird song along river bank. Like Callum, I too crossed the Heathcote at Colombo St and ran through the Ernle Clark reserve which is a beautiful small sanctuary.

John OConnell

October 28, 2020

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