Punting on the Avon

About Punting on the Avon

The long, narrow punt slips quietly beneath leafy branches as reflections ripple across the Avon River / Ōtākaro. Ducks and geese paddle between the riverbanks, while willows, redwoods and seasonal flowers frame the water. Guided by an Edwardian-dressed punter, the journey reveals a peaceful side of central Christchurch that feels far removed from the surrounding city.

The Story of This Place

The historic Antigua Boat Sheds opened in 1882 to meet Christchurch’s growing demand for pleasure boating. Built by Lyttelton boatbuilders Albert Shaw and J. T. Tidd, they had 40 boats continually in use within their first year. Although fire destroyed half the building and part of its fleet in 1907, the sheds were rebuilt and continue serving their original purpose beside the river. Today, they are Christchurch’s only remaining 19th-century boatsheds and the departure point for Punting on the Avon.

Cultural Significance

Long before Christchurch was established, Ōtākaro was an important mahinga kai, or food-gathering place, for Waitaha, Ngāti Māmoe and Ngāi Tahu. People gathered tuna (eels), pātiki (flounder), īnaka (whitebait), native trout and birds from its waters and wetlands. Ōtākaro means “the place of a game,” recalling children who played beside the river while adults gathered food. The river also served as a transport and trading route, and nearby springs were used by tohunga, Māori experts in healing and spiritual knowledge.

Ōtākaro carries an important story within its name. Meaning “the place of a game,” it recalls children playing beside the river while adults gathered food from its waters and wetlands. The river was a valued mahinga kai, or food-gathering place, for Waitaha, Ngāti Māmoe and Ngāi Tahu.

The Experience of Visiting

Arrive at the distinctive green-and-white Antigua Boat Sheds and check in for your 30-minute ride. Step down into the flat-bottomed punt and settle into its low, cushioned seating before your Edwardian-dressed punter guides the boat through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Along the way, live commentary introduces the river, gardens and surrounding landmarks, while blankets and umbrellas help keep guests comfortable in changeable weather.

Natural Features

The punt travels through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, where mature willows and redwoods rise beside the river and rhododendrons and daffodils add seasonal colour. Ducks and geese are often seen on the water, while the leafy banks turn this stretch of the Avon River / Ōtākaro into a tranquil green corridor through the central city.

Stories Shared Along the Way

The punter shares live commentary about the river, Christchurch Botanic Gardens and the surrounding area as the boat moves through the water. Their stories and observations add meaning to the plants, wildlife and heritage seen along the route, while the traditional Edwardian clothing reflects the experience’s historic character.

Little-Known Facts

The traditional-looking punts are surprisingly low to the water, with seats positioned much like sitting on the floor. This brings passengers closer to the river’s surface and creates an intimate view of the gardens and wildlife along the banks.

The historic Antigua Boat Sheds still serve the purpose for which they were built in the 19th century. They remain a working base for recreational boating on the Avon River / Ōtākaro rather than simply a preserved heritage building.

How peaceful the journey feels despite being in central Christchurch. The river winds through the Botanic Gardens beneath mature trees, creating a quiet green corridor only moments from the city streets.