Leithfield: St Paul's Church and Coastal Routes

Leithfield combines architectural history with routes from the town towards the river and coast. St Paul's Church (Anglican) tells the story of two building phases; the Kowai River Walk follows the river to the coastal lagoon and sandspit. Nearby, Northern Pegasus Bay adds beaches and outdoor activities to the area's history.

Building history at St Paul's Church

St Paul's Church (Anglican) was built in 1907 using parts of the original church; it was designed by the Christchurch architects England Brothers. The earlier church was built at this site in 1863–1864 and completed in 1864, and was among the earliest churches in North Canterbury. The two building phases therefore remain clearly distinct: 1864 marks the completion of the earlier building, and 1907 the later church building.

The small building has a rectangular floor plan, a large chancel and an entrance porch, and stands on a tree-lined site. The floor plan describes its compact overall form, while the chancel and porch mark distinct areas. Original furnishings from the earlier church that have been preserved include kauri floorboards, a baptismal font made of Weka Pass limestone, an altar, a lectern, a bishop's chair and brass lamps. The contrast between kauri wood and limestone also illustrates the variety of materials handed down from the past.

A historic stop on the travel route

The Old Leithfield Hotel adds another perspective on earlier travel to the church's history. The hotel had stables and an adjoining accommodation building and served as an overnight stop for travellers, including Cobb and Co. coaches and their passengers. The accommodation and stables were thus part of the town's historic connection with travel.

Routes between river and coast

The Kowai River Walk starts beside the Kowai River Bridge in Leithfield and follows the Kowai River to the coastal lagoon and sandspit. A walk description dated 21 November 2024 gives a 2–3 hour return trip to the car park at Leithfield Beach.

A route description dated 24 November 2024 describes the first stage of the Amberley Area Cycle Trail as a route between Amberley and Leithfield for cycling, walking and running that avoids State Highway 1. A route description updated in November 2024 places the start of the trail near The Old Leithfield Hotel. By comparison, the Kowai River Walk follows the river to a coastal destination, while the Amberley Trail focuses on the connection between two towns and several ways of getting around.

Coastal activities nearby

Nearby, Northern Pegasus Bay includes the beach areas of Leithfield and Amberley, as well as the Ashley Estuary. The area offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, birdwatching and horse riding. The options therefore range from activities on the water to nature watching and horse riding; plan your trip around the activity that interests you most.

A cultural site in the Hurunui District

Weka Pass Historic Reserve is a cultural site in the Hurunui District. A 40-minute walk there leads to a large limestone overhang with examples of early Māori rock art. Access to the rock art starts at the Waikari Village Walkway; entry points are at the Star and Garter Hotel on SH7 or from Waikari. The walk is closed from 1 August to 1 October during the seasonal lambing period. When planning your visit, check whether your dates fall within this period.

Discover more destinations: Hawarden, Cheviot, Amberley, Hanmer Springs, Gore Bay, Lyford

Return to the main travel overview: Hurunui District.