Leithfield Beach

Leithfield Beach is a long, open beach break on the northern reach of Pegasus Bay, sitting between Waikuku to the south and Amberley Beach to the north. The beach here is a mix of sand and shingle and steepens more sharply than the sandy beaches further down the bay, so the peaks can be punchy and the shore break dumpy on a bigger day. It works on the same NE and E swell as the rest of the bay with a W or NW offshore behind it, and the banks shift with each swell so the best peak moves around. The wide, quiet shore means you can almost always find a bank to yourself, which is the real draw of this stretch.

The beach is backed by the small Leithfield Beach settlement, a domain and a belt of pine, with the Kowai River reaching the sea at the northern end. Being steeper and stonier, it favours mid to high tide when the shore break settles and the banks hold shape a little longer. On a clear day the Southern Alps line the inland horizon behind the dunes, and the whole northern bay runs quiet compared with the Christchurch town beaches.

• The banks nearest the Kowai River mouth at the northern end often hold the best shape, so start your walk there and work back along the beach. The sand and shingle reshuffle after every swell, so the reward goes to whoever scouts hardest.
• Leithfield picks up much the same swell as Waikuku just south but sees fewer surfers, so it is a good call when you want an open beach to yourself without driving out onto Banks Peninsula.
• Mid to high tide is your friend here because the steep beach softens off and the shore break backs off, giving you a cleaner take off on the banks.
• Aotearoa Surf runs school and group programmes across Northern Canterbury, and the quiet, spread out peaks make this stretch of coast a sound choice for a progression session on the right day.
• The Waipara wine region is about 20 minutes inland and makes an easy add to a Leithfield weekend, with Pegasus Bay Winery and Black Estate the standout cellar doors for a long lunch.

• The beach is steep and shingly, so the shore break can dump hard right on the sand at low tide and on bigger days. Time your entry and exit with the sets and favour mid to high tide when it is less punishing.
• Rips run along this open beach and strengthen near the Kowai River mouth at the northern end where current funnels out. Line yourself up against a fixed landmark on the beach and paddle across any rip rather than against it.
• The banks and river mouth bar shift constantly with each swell, so the peak that worked last week may be closing out today. Walk the beach and watch a few sets before you paddle out.
• There is little shelter on the open bay from a southerly change that can swing through quickly and turn the surf onshore and messy. Check the forecast before you commit to the drive.
• The water is genuinely cold this far south, dropping into single digits in winter. Wear a 5/4mm with boots, gloves and a hood through the colder months or you will lose feeling fast.
• This is an unpatrolled beach, so surf with someone else, know your limits and keep well clear of swimmers and anyone fishing off the beach.

Getting there

From central Christchurch head north on State Highway 1 through Belfast, Woodend and Amberley turnoff, roughly 40 minutes and sealed the whole way. Turn off at Leithfield onto Leithfield Beach Road and follow it down through the settlement to the beachfront and domain.

Parking

There is sealed and gravel parking at the beachfront by the domain and along the beach road, and it rarely fills outside peak summer weekends.

Toilets & showers

Public toilets are at the Leithfield Beach domain by the beachfront. There is no dedicated outdoor beach rinse, so the holiday park facilities are your best bet for a wash off.

Shops, cafes & fuel

The nearest shops, cafes and fuel are in Amberley about 10 minutes north on State Highway 1, with a supermarket, service stations and a good run of cafes. Better Half Kitchen and Bar at Leithfield is a handy local stop for a feed close to the beach.

Accommodation

The Leithfield Beach Holiday Park sits right by the beach with cabins and self contained units alongside its campsites, an easy walk to the surf. Beyond that, baches and holiday rentals are scattered through Leithfield and Amberley, with more motel options at Amberley and Rangiora a short drive inland.

Camping

The Leithfield Beach Holiday Park has powered and non powered sites for tents, caravans and campervans with hot showers and communal facilities, a short walk from the beach. Freedom camping is not permitted in the settlement, so the holiday park is the place to base a beach trip.