christchurch city walking tour

Christchurch Information

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The Christchurch District is renown for it’s superb walking and tramping tracks. These include walkways through native forests, secret lakes, rivers and mountains or if are just looking to enjoy a walk there is plenty to choose from here. Choose from guided walking tours or self guided, there are a range of walking and hiking tracks to choose from. Note keep in mind the weather whenever walking click here to find the Metservice.com  

Download a copy of the Port Hills Walks  and Christchurch Coast and Plains Walks brochures

Click here for a walking track map of Christchurch .

Walking Listings

A LOOK AT ALL CHRISTCHURCH ATTRACTIONS AND TOURS BOOK HERE

Christchurch attractions and tours book your tickets for some of Christchurch's best tours and attractions. Book for other South Island regions as well.

Book on line to save time and make sure you won't miss out and be disappointed.

BOTTLE LAKE

Bottle Lake Forest Christchurch an outdoor playground that covers 800 hectares for all to enjoy

Another wonderful asset for the East side of Christchurch, well worth visiting for some outdoor exercise.

In this reserve there are numerous tracks for walking or riding a mountain bike.

BRIDLE PATH WALK

Bridle path walk.

The main access to the Bridle Path and nearby tracks is from the gondola car park in Heathcote, Barnett Park car park, the Summit Road, and Evans Pass Road. Some car parking is available at either end of the closed section of Summit Road. Be prepared this is a hill and you will be in for a good workout as it is a steep walk however once at the top views from the summit are well worth the effort.

CHRISTCHURCH BOTANIC GARDENS

Welcome to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens

With an extensive network of parks, rivers and streams spanning from the freshwater Travis Wetlands to the undulating reserves of the Port Hills, Christchurch and its prolific green space has justly earned the title of ‘the Garden City’. Even with over 1,000 parks to share among our residents, the one that stands out as iconic in culture, history and size – Hagley Park and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

CHRISTCHURCH NORTHERN CORRIDOR

Christchurch Northern Corridor

This project combines the Transport Agency’s Northern Arterial (a new section of SH74 running from just south of the Waimakariri River to QEII Drive near Winters Rd) and two Christchurch City Council projects that link QEII Drive to Cranford St and four-lane Cranford St to Innes Rd. With an estimated project cost of $240 million.

The Northern Corridor comes with a number of proposed benefits for the city of Christchurch.

Stated Benefits of the Northern Corridor

ERNLE CLARK RESERVE

Ernle Clark Reserve Christchurch

Just a short walk.

Start at Earnlea Terrace opposite South Library on Colombo St. Follow the formed gravel path beside the river through the beautiful woodland reserve Ernle Clark. For a longer walk, continue along the sealed path by the river, cross Cashmere Road to reach Cashemere Valley Reserve 30 minutes return. Although it is a short walk it is interesting and definately worth a look.

Its a shared use walkway and dogs need to be on a leash.

GARDEN CITY

Welcome to Christchurch the Garden City of New Zealand

Without a doubt the most scenic city in the country with its expansive parks steeped in history and suburbs of well-tended gardens, it is little wonder that Christchurch has laid claim to this title for a hundred years.

Traditional streets and buildings many of them restored to take you back to a very English heritage, now a magnificent city of colours and seasons that may well also claim a title of being ecofriendly in the future.

GODLEY HEAD BATTERY

The Godley Head WWII coastal defence battery sits atop sheer 120 metre-high cliffs. Built in 1939, it is ranked in the top ten New Zealand coastal defence heritage sites.

GODLEY HEAD WALKWAY

Welcome to godley head walkway christchurch.

This walk showcases some of Canterbury's most spectacular coastal views, a penguin colony, quirky old baches and a slice of New Zealand's military history.

HAGLEY PARK

Christchurch Hagley Park

Hagley Park has been at the heart of Christchurch since the 1850s when it was set aside for the enjoyment of Christchurch residents. Our Park was named after Hagley Park, the country estate of Lord Lyttelton, who became chairman of the Canterbury Association in March 1850. Today, it is the most significant central city park, offering a diverse range of entertainment and recreational facilities close to the city centre.

HALSWELL QUARRY WALKS

Halswell Quarry Christchurch Walks

Duration of walk: Various walks ranging from 5 - 40 minutes with the opportunity to combine walks its up to the individual to pick the route and pathways the quarry has picnic areas and includes walkways around the lakes and sister city gardens great asset for Christchurch.

Start location: All walks can be accessed from the car park off Kennedys Bush Road we found the first stage walking up to a viewing platform to be the most challenging once past this it is fairly easy.

HARRY ELL WALKWAY

Harry Ell track on the Christchurch port hills would be one of my personal favourite walks to do and I never tire of walking it. As it can be started from a variety places and takes you through different scenery from open areas with views of the city to bush with native birds.

HINEWAI RESERVE

Hinewai reserve.

Explore Banks Peninsula’s largest reserve of land now regenerated as stunning native forest with sweeping views over the Otanerito valley.

Hinewai Reserve lies a short drive east of Akaroa and sprawls across more than 1250 hectares.

It is a forested conservation reserve that is privately-owned and managed by the Maurice White Native Forest Trust, but it welcomes visitors on foot year-round.

HORSESHOE LAKE RESERVE

Horseshoe Lake Reserve Christchurch

Horseshoe Lake Reserve or Waikākāriki as it was once called is a beautiful and peaceful wetland reserve, with a small wooden jetty on the lake located at the carpark off Lake Terrace Road. Feeding the Ducks, Geese and Swans is a favourite for a lot of families "just don't feed them up close to the road".

KAIKOURA PENINSULA WALKWAY

Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway

This walk was definitely one of our favorites.  On a good day it is splendid and well worth the effort with awesome views.

Observe seals and seabirds, explore historic pā and whaling sites and enjoy clifftop views of the sea and mountains. Suitable for families, the whole walkway takes three hours but you can also explore a range of shorter tracks.

The track crosses the peninsula’s clifftop, with great views of the Seaward Kaikōura Range, ocean and coastline, to South Bay. It returns to the township via South Bay and Toms Track.

KAITUNA VALLEY SCENIC RESERVE

Kaituna Valley Scenic Reserve

If you want a tranquil spot for a family picnic then head to Kaituna Valley Scenic Reserve.  It has a large picnic area, a stream where the kids can splash about, and a short walking track that is ideal for families with young children.

A little further up the valley is the start of the Kaituna Valley Packhorse Hut Track. This 4km track ambles through pasture and then forest, crossing the valley stream several times.

KOWAI BUSH WALK

Kowai Bush Walk located in Selwyn around 1 hr drive from Christchurch

LAKE ROTO KOHATU

Lake Roto Kohatu Christchurch

A hidden gem the Harewood reserve off Johns road is the largest body of fresh water suitable for swimming in Christchurch and is going to have an upgrade to its parking and facilities.

It is situated in an industrial area.  The small lake area itself is surrounded by grassy slopes with some trees for shade along with walking tracks that surround the lake itself.

The facility was developed as an area for powered and non powered crafts and is popular among Jet Skiers.

LITTLE RIVER RAIL TRAIL

Little River Rail Trail Christchurch to Little River.

The Little River Rail Trail New Zealand starts it's journey in Christchurch Hornby and passes the shores of Lake Ellesmere and Lake Forsyth to end in the small township of Little River. An enjoyable changing landscape from the farmlands to the wetlands running for around 50km trail comprising of both on and off road cycling.

MOUNT THOMAS

Mt Thomas 40 minutes drive from Christchurch central is part of the Mt Thomas forest park. To the top of the summit it is 1023m where you can sit and take in the fantastic views of the Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula and the Southern Alps.

You will also see thousands of beach trees as you walk the track coverd in honey dew, great for the honey bees. And if you want drink form the crystal clear streams and listen to New Zealand  native birds singing their song.

NEW BRIGHTON BEACH

Welcome to New Brighton Beach

Ngā Puna Walks

Another good walking area at an easy level.

Ngā Puna Loop Walk Christchurch

Starting off at the carpark on MacFarlane Ave inside Canterbury Agricultural Park (A&P Show location) along with Ngā Puna Wai which is home to the new Christchurch athletics and sporting facility, replacing what used to be at QEII.

OTUKAIKINO TRACK

Otukaikino Track Christchurch New Zealand

The track is divided into four sections and linear walks can be created around these to suit individual needs. The main entry points are Darroch Street Reserve, The Groynes dog park , Clearwater Resort and Roto Kohatu Reserve. 

Starting from Darroch Street, the track makes its way through the countryside before coming to the dog park in The Groynes. Be aware that because of the popularity of the park there may be dogs loose on the walking track.

About an hour’s drive from Christchurch lies historic Port Levy bay. The long, sheltered bay is home to less than 100 people, but in the mid-19th century it was the largest Māori settlement in Canterbury with a population of about 400 people.

There is still a marae at Port Levy, as well as a stone memorial marking the spot where the first Māori Anglican church was built.

RAKAIA GORGE WALKWAY

Rakaia Gorge Walkway Christchurch New Zealand a spectacular walk.

This walkway offers several geological and historic features as it traverses the edge of the Rakaia Gorge.

This walkway takes you through a number of forest and bush areas and then rises on the track amoungst gorse along the old ferryman's track. Continue along one of several glacial and river-carved terraces to a  lookout point (for around 50 minutes depending on your speed)

RAPAKI TRACK

Rāpaki Track Christchurch

Popular Christchurch walk and cycle this is a shared track with plenty of space to accommodate both bikes, walkers and the occasional 4WD.

Entry via Rapaki Road takes you up to the top of Witch Hill on the Port Hills over a mixed surface track that ends up on the Summit Road.

Although regarded as an easy walk this is still a good work out and if your not used to walking up hill it's one of those walks you may well say are we there yet!.

Christchurch Red Zone

Now empty land with only significant plantings left “larger shrubs and trees” creating a park like feel although with closer inspection the boundaries of each house can be seen by following the trees and other plants that used to border each home.

For some reason a number of areas were fenced off however common sense seemed to come into play at some stage, as this process appeared to be stopped and access is only restricted to vehicles. Although the fences have remained access is usually open from areas where the project ceased.

RIVER ROAD WALK

In the ZONE River Road Walk

If you enjoy a walk with scenery and haven’t tried the River Road section yet it is worth having a wander. Starting at Fitzgerald Avenue and ending at Dallington Terrace is a walk of hidden gems such as Letterbox Love, River Retreat, fruit trees, Playground with a Toddlers pool and a community garden all part of the Red Zone .

As you near the cleared land area, it has a park like look about it you can see the love that has gone into making this vast area something special.

STYX MILL WALK

The Hussey View walkway follows the Styx River as it meanders slowly through the reserve. The main picnic area has a great outlook with ample seating, but please remember to take your rubbish with you as this reserve is rubbish free.

Styx Mill Reserve is near Northwood can be reached from Styx Mill Road and Husseys Road. Metroinfo (external link) has up-to-date bus information.

Get involved in your local or favourite park. Community interest in the whole Styx River catchment is represented through the Guardians of the Styx (external link).

TEMPLARS ISLAND

Templars Island

Along the south side of the Waimakariri River, Templars Island is a peaceful escape from city life with more than 40 native plant species to be found beneath the exotic river control plantings.

Go nature walking, bird watching, swimming or take a picnic and watch the world go by. 

THE GROYNES

The Groynes Christchurch is a wonderful asset for the city due to its many attributes and has provided plenty of fun for families over the years.

Kids at play There are a number of playgrounds throughout the Groynes with various equipment including a flying fox, bridge, multi-play structure, see-saw, slides and swings.

A new naturally inspired playground was installed on the western side of the reserve near the boatshed in 2016. Check out the rope swing made from coconut fibre.

TRAVIS WETLAND WALK

Travis Wetland walk Christchurch New Zealand.

An easy walk over flat terrain mostly surrounded by trees, bush or the wetlands with plenty of birdlife and spots to stop off and view the wildlife. Travis Wetland covers 116 hectares of previously farmed Christchurch land and drained natural wetland of which the track goes around the outside.

WASHPEN FALLS

Washpen falls approximately one hour from Christchurch located on private land.

We were met at an old woolshed by the owner where a small fee was taken.  A brief description was provided where the track takes you through an ancient Volcanic Canyon which is now a reserve filled with lush native bush and wonderful bird life. This un-spoilt area is easily accessed via constructed tracks, steps and walkways.

WATERFALL TRACK

Hanmer Springs Waterfall track 2 hours from Christchurch central is a worthwhile track to add to your short tramping list.

Climbing through mountain beech forest to an over 40 metre high Dog Stream Waterfall.

Some say along with Conical Hill, the Waterfall Track is among the most sought after short walks in the Hanmer Basin.

Walking Map

New zealand department of conservation outdoor safety code.

When preparing for a walk, no matter how long, make sure you follow the Department of Conservation (DOC)  Outdoor Safety Code  to help you stay safe.

• Plan your trip Ask locals about the walking track and how long you can reasonably expect it to take or visit the nearest DOC visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions of DOC tracks.
• Tell someone Tell someone your plans, especially if you’re heading out alone. Leave a time that you will be back.
• Be aware of the weather New Zealand's weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the forecast and expect weather changes.  Metservice.com  is a good tool but also ask at your accommodation provider or the local DOC / i-SITE Visitor Centre.
• Know your limits It's good to challenge yourself, but only within your physical limits and experience.
• Take sufficient supplies Even if you're just going for a couple of hours, make sure you have enough food, clothing, equipment and emergency rations for the worst-case scenario. Take an appropriate means of communication.

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Walk Christchurch

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WALK CHRISTCHURCH - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

The Visitor’s Walking Guide to Ōtautahi Christchurch

A day walking guide to christchurch central city.

Lace up your comfiest shoes and hit the pavement, the best way to explore a city is on your own two feet and Christchurch is no exception. In fact, with not a hill or steep incline in sight in the city centre, it’s arguably the easiest city in the country to walk around - or at least the easiest on your calf muscles. So get your walk on and discover the very best the garden city has to offer.

Foundation Cafe

Fuel up for the day ahead at Foundation Cafe          Starting the day with breakfast is vital with all the walking, exploring and good times ahead. Foundation Cafe is the perfect spot and caters to all tastes first thing in the morning. With a great range of options to order off the menu, from egg dishes to classics like porridge and granola with a twist, there’s also a very tempting cabinet if you’re more of a breakfast pastry person. Best of all, Foundation is on the ground floor of Tūranga, the central city’s public library and the next stop on this day guide. 

Explore Tūranga , the central city library

Perfectly positioned following your breakfast, spend hours exploring the four floors of this stunning building. Opened in 2018, Tūranga is one of the key sites of the city centre’s regeneration with future generations included in it’s conception. Thousands of submissions were made from Christchurch’s children, aiding in it’s design drawing on literary examples like Harry Potter and Hogwarts’ moving staircases. The Canterbury landscape and local Māori leant cultural significance to it’s stunning interiors and exteriors complete with it’s golden façade, internal panels and patterns.

Te Puna o Waiwhetū

Head to Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū

From the library take a short stroll across Otakaro - the Avon river - and down Worcester Boulevard, where you will happen upon the jewel in the city’s artistic crown - Te Puna o Waiwhetū. Enjoy wandering both the ground floor and upper-level galleries.  The exhibitions are world-class and there’s always a mix of contemporary and modern pieces on display.

Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora

Soak in the history at the Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora  Just a couple of hundred metres down the road, you’ll find yourself at one of Christchurch’s most iconic sites, the Arts Centre. Spend some time browsing in the Old Boys’ High building where there are boutique shops such as Frances Nation, Pepa Stationery and Indigo & Provisions. Sample some handcrafted fudge at The Fudge Cottage and amble around the other buildings in the centre, making a mental note to return to catch a film at Lumiere Cinema.

Cellar Door

Lunch with a wine flight at Cellar Door After clocking up your steps, it’s definitely time for a lunch break at Cellar Door in the Arts Centre. If the sun is shining, grab a table outside in the courtyard to continue soaking up the sights of the architecture around you. However, a seat inside is just as special, with an exposed red brick and forest green wall interior, barrell-inspired installations, with cosy vibes in spades.

Botanic Gardens

Get into nature at the Botanic Gardens A day-guide to the garden city would not be complete without a visit to the gorgeous green space that is the Botanic Gardens. From your lunch at Cellar Door, it’s an easy stroll across the road, past Canterbury Museum and into flora and fauna heaven. There are so many different pockets of the Gardens to see, from the heritage rose garden and woodland garden, to the conservatories and children's pool and playground.

Riverside Market

Embark on a taste trail at Riverside Market   At this point in the day, you might be getting a touch snacky, just as well Riverside Market is where you’ll find yourself next. One of the shining lights to emerge from the city’s rebuild, Riverside is a must-visit for anyone coming to Christchurch. With small independent food stalls, bakeries, a butcher and larger restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every taste here. Let yourself aimlessly stroll around the two floors of the market and be wowed by all the amazing smells, sounds and sights.

City Centre

Discover the best shopping in the city centre As you head off from Riverside, you’ll land on Cashel Street and perfectly placed to embark on some of the best shopping in the city centre. If you’re a department store fan, look no further than Christchurch city icon, Ballantynes. Any mention of shopping in the central city must also include The Crossing, a concealed network of laneways with well-known international retailers alongside independent local boutiques. From Hapa for authentic New Zealand made gifts to take home to Juniper for it's extensive selection of regional gins to add to the collection – don’t be shy and ask for a taste!

Pre-dinner wander at The Welder   

With the afternoon winding down, take some time to explore The Welder, a unique space that combines health and wellbeing with some of the best eateries in the city. Make a mental note of any spots to come back to; perhaps you want to try some yoga at O Studio or a cooking class with the Raw Sisters. At this stage on your walking tour, you might feel like a pre-dinner drink and bite, and you will definitely be in the right place. Whether it’s a sushi taco and edamame at Bar Yoku or a glass of wine and tapas at Salut Salut, it’s sure to fill a gap before you get to the main event. 

Dinner with a view at Seven   Appropriately found on Level 7 of the Muse Art Hotel is the ultra-modern and luxe restaurant Seven. With stunning views of the city stretching all the way to the Port Hills, it’s hard to beat the outlook here. Giving off sophisticated Manhattan vibes with the exposed concrete walls and chic interior, begin your meal with a glass of whatever takes your fancy and go from there.

New Regent Street

End the day on a high note down New Regent Street           It’s been a full day of walking and while it might be tempting to call it a night, hopefully, we will be able to persuade you to stay out a little longer and take an after-dinner stroll down the city’s prettiest and most Instagram-worthy street - New Regent Street. If you feel like a creative cocktail pop into Gin Gin, or if a sweet, icy treat is more your scene, go see the folks at Rollickin’ Gelato. And that’s a wrap on your day.  Time to rest those legs, check your final step count and enjoy a deep sleep after a packed day of exploring Christchurch’s central city.

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Heartbeat of the City: Christchurch Walking Tour for Couples

• Professional local guide services
• Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand n front of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
• New Regent Street Precinct, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand The guide will tell you this information at the beginning of the tour.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Canterbury Museum at CoCA
• Christchurch Cathedral
• New Regent Street

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Christchurch Botanic Gardens Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand n front of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens See address & details
• 1 Christchurch Botanic Gardens Stop: 24 minutes See details
• 2 Canterbury Museum at CoCA Stop: 24 minutes See details
• 3 Cathedral Square Stop: 24 minutes See details
• 4 Christchurch Cathedral Stop: 24 minutes See details
• 5 New Regent Street Stop: 24 minutes See details
• You'll end at New Regent Street Precinct Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand The guide will tell you this information at the beginning of the tour. See address & details

More to explore in Christchurch

Buy it with

Heartbeat of the City: Christchurch Walking Tour for Couples provided by Opatrip.com New Zealand

FINE ART TOURS NZ

CHRISTCHURCH

More than a decade after a series of devastating earthquakes hit the Canterbury region, Christchurch has re-emerged as a resilient city with a thriving arts scene and creative businesses

Take a look at our standard tour options or enquire today about customised itineraries to suit your special interests. All tours start and end at your chosen Christchurch inner city hotel or agreed cruise shuttle stop in the city. Standard departures times for our half day tours are 10am or 1pm. Full day tours depart at 9am or 10am. Private couples, small groups and larger groups can all be handled with ease. Enquire about rates for groups.

  Half Day Private Tours

Christchurch city walking tour.

Explore the heart of Christchurch with a private guide and see how a region devasted by earthquakes has rebuilt and re-emerged as a modern, resilient city.

Christchurch, once known for its Gothic Revival architecture, is now also home to striking modern architecture and interconnected streets and pathways designed for walking and cycling. Tour the city on foot with a mature local guide who will share their new favourite spaces and personal stories of regeneration and the rebuild.

Tour highlights include: Private tour with a mature local guide, departs and ends at your inner city hotel, visit the Christchurch Botanic Garden, tour the regenerated heart of the inner city.

Private Couples Tour – NZ$330 per person (Minimum 2 people)

This tour is not suited to anyone with limited mobility or low levels of fitness. We recommend a moderate level of fitness to enjoy this tour – participants are required to walk 3km-5kms along formed paths. Sturdy walking shoes, a weatherproof coat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended. Stiletto heels are not suitable for this tour. Tour duration: 2.5 hrs

christchurch fresh taste tour

Local fresh produce, sweet treats and NZ wine tasting. A private food walking tour of Christchurch city hosted by a mature local guide.

Enjoy local food and wine, fresh produce and artisan made treats on this short – and very sweet – food walking tour of Christchurch city. A visit to an urban cellar door is included, making this tour a great choice for those with limited time in New Zealand to visit the wine regions.

Tour highlights include: Private tour with a mature local guide, departs and ends at your inner city hotel, visits to local produce markets, New Zealand wine tasting.

Private Couples Tour – NZ$499 per person (Minimum 2 people)

This tour is not suited to young children under 14 years. This tour is not suited to anyone with limited mobility or low levels of fitness. We recommend a moderate level of fitness to enjoy this tour – participants are required to walk 3km-5kms along formed paths. Sturdy walking shoes, a weatherproof coat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended. Stiletto heels are not suitable for this tour. Dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notification. A customisation fee will apply. Tour duration: 3 hrs

nz art & architecture

Discover the architectural and artistic legacy of Christchurch, home to some of New Zealand’s leading creatives

Founded in the 1850’s, Christchurch was built on Victorian architectural ideals. The modern city continues this tradition with excellent examples of New Zealand architecture from the 19 th century through to the present day. Your private guide will also introduce the work of leading Christchurch creatives, artisans and art collectors. This private half-day experience includes transfers and finishes back at your hotel in the central city.

Tour highlights include: Private luxury tour with a mature local guide, visit to two significant heritage properties*, morning or afternoon tea, comfortable transportation throughout the tour.

Private Couples Tour – NZ$859 per person (Minimum 2 people)

* Subject to availability – options include Ravenscar House Museum, Christchurch Art Gallery, Christchurch Town Hall, the Arts Centre and Canterbury Museum. This tour is not suited to young children under 14 years. This tour is not suited to anyone in a wheelchair or pushchair – however, those able to walk with a frame or walking stick can be accommodated on request. Tour duration: 3-4 hrs

full day private tours

Please enquire about customised options for full day private tours in Christchurch. We recommend our NZ Art & Architecture tour for those wanting to experience more and explore further.

Booking Walks

BOOK IN PERSON

Visit the Arts Centre located in the Clock tower close to the Rolleston Avenue and Worcester Blvd intersection

• Visit 10.15 am to 2.30 pm daily
• Bookings are subject to places being available
• Credit card /debit card, cash
• Note: Bookings in person for same day walks is only available between 1 September and 31 May

ONLINE BOOKING

• Online bookings must be made by 9.00 am on the day of the walk during the months from 1 September to 31 May
• During the months of June, July and August, walks only operate if bookings are made by 8.00 pm on the day prior to the walk

WALKS LEAVE FROM

• Walks leave from Rutherford’s Den under the Arts Centre clock tower adjacent to Worcester Boulevard

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What's it like to flee your homeland? A 'refugee camp' in Sydney shows you

"You have one minute to leave your home. What five things will you bring?"

Common sense goes out the window, as I quickly calculate my list: husband, passport, family photos, medications, mobile phone and charger.

Before I can second-guess myself, we're ushered from the room.

Outside, a towering figure awaits. He stands in front of a metal fence — the sole passage to safety.

"Yallah! Yallah!" the man yells, wielding a piece of wood as though it is a weapon.

None of us speak his language but, instinctively, we form a line and offer up our possessions.

There are murmurs, gasps and tiny squeals as he makes his way down the queue.

The lucky ones pass through the border crossing, the others are sent to the back.

The border guard looks at me — cashless, useless — before pointing at my engagement and wedding rings. I don't want to remove them, but what choice do I have?

This is the price for the promise of a better life.

Walking in their shoes

I wasn't standing in a war zone, but rather Western Sydney, as part of Refugee Camp In My Neighbourhood (RCIMN).

It's an interactive tour that's led by refugees and asylum seekers who want Australians to walk in their shoes.

They transform into tour guides and assume roles like 'border guard', sharing their own experiences along the way.

Hundreds of visitors take the tour each year. The majority are school students, health professionals, and people who work with refugees.

In the simulated journey, you experience what it's like to flee your homeland, take a life-threatening boat trip, and be thrust into a detention centre where names are replaced by numbers.

There's also a taste of refugee camp life: squat toilets, scant food provisions, and a hospital tent with barely any medical supplies.

Project coordinator Adama Kamara dreamed up the project more than a decade ago, when she was working at Auburn City Council. The area had one of the highest populations of asylum seekers in Australia.

It was a time, Adama says, when the portrayal of refugees "was not very positive".

"It was getting worse and worse," she recalls. "In our community, people were really angry about that, to the point where [some] people didn't want to be identified as a refugee.

"To me, it's a sign of resilience, that [refugee] experience, but people were worried about how they would be treated."

For Adama, the community's story was akin to her own.

She was born in Sierra Leone, but moved with her family to Australia for her father's university study.

In 1991, civil war broke out in her homeland. It lasted over a decade, and forced more than 450,000 Sierra Leonean refugees to leave the country.

"It also meant that my family wasn't able to return home," Adama explains. "We sought safety here in Australia."

Waking up to war

War is what brought many of the tour guides to Australia's shores.

They've fled different lands — Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine, Sudan and Sri Lanka are among them — and found different ways to get here.

Some spent years in refugee camps, others were detained in immigration detention for equally long stretches of time.

Ukrainian refugee Oleksandra's story was different.

On February 23, 2022, she had a magical night at the ballet.

"Me and my friends went to the state opera house [in Odesa]," she recalls. "[There] was an amazing performance of the Nutcracker.

"I remember all these costumes, decorations, everything so bright, a lot of diamonds. [It was] so beautiful."

The next morning, the Ukrainian woke up to war.

"The first four days I was in shock," Oleksandra recalls.

"I thought that our presidents will talk with each other and then tomorrow, or maybe a few hours later … I will see news on the TV, [saying] 'That was just an accident, sorry. Everything is over.'"

But there wasn't a retraction or a military backdown. Instead, the fighting escalated.

After those four days, Oleksandra says it sunk in.

"Life stopped. Everything became dull, grey," she says.

"You don't know what to do."

The realities of a refugee camp

There's no rule book for being a refugee.

I went on a RCIMN tour twice — first with a group of year 5 and 6 students, then with teens in year 9 and 10.

Both days, I was struck by the impossible decisions asylum seekers must make.

For instance, sheltering in a refugee camp might seem like the safe option.

But as an Iraqi-born guide named Kathreen tells our group, people without proper identification or money to pay for translators can spend years waiting to be processed.

And the facilities within camps are often hotbeds of disease.

On the tour with the primary school kids, a Sri Lankan guide named Neeraja shows us what a pit toilet looks like.

"Imagine 600 people line up, and going again and again," she says. "How the smell is terrible."

All of our noses wrinkle on cue.

The stench isn't the worst part, of course.

Neeraja, who herself lived in an Indian refugee camp, explains that malaria and diarrhoeal diseases often spread from shared toilets.

According to UNHCR, these diseases along with measles, acute respiratory infections and malnutrition are major causes of morbidity and mortality among refugees.

After our toilet stop, we're led into the medical tent and introduced to Ahmed, a Sudanese man who spent 7.5 years at a refugee camp in Egypt.

Instead of beds, there are camp-style stretchers with mosquito nets overhead.

One stretcher has a hole cut through it and a bucket underneath. This is for patients with diarrhoea, Ahmed explains.

Despite its shortcomings, Ahmed says this medical centre is "much better" than the one he had access to.

"Too many people [are] honestly dying in a refugee camps," he says. "Especially the kids, especially when the mum is delivering the baby."

Unfortunately for Ahmed, these harsh realities can't simply be forgotten.

In 2023, war broke out in Sudan, forcing 8.6 million people, according to the UNHCR, to leave their homes. Among them, were Ahmed's wife, daughter, father and siblings.

"They're in a refugee camp right now," he told me .

"It's not safe to be there, but we don't have any options in our country."

Ahmed is an Australian citizen and hopes his family can be brought here. For now, all he can do is wait.

Living in limbo

Waiting is an experience that Asad knows well.

After fleeing his home in Afghanistan and travelling to Australia by boat, he spent nearly 2,000 days in immigration detention.

When he tells the school children that number, they're wide-eyed, mouths agog.

He paints a picture of life in detention: being woken at six o'clock for room searches, eating the same food day after day, and trying to learn English when your mental health is crumbling.

He tells us how 500 people would gather around the one TV, cheering for the Australian soccer team, only for the match to be switched off mid-way by a guard.

But Asad says the uncertainty affected him the most.

"You don't know what will happen and you don't know when you [will be] released," he says.

"Living in limbo is the hardest thing."

Asad doesn't find it easy sharing his story. It takes him back to "dark days".

But it's his goal to educate people, particularly the next generation.

"Maybe among these young kids, in the future there [will] be a politician," he says. "Maybe they're going to run the country."

"They have to know what's going on with asylum seekers and refugees."

Like Asad, Oleksandra hopes to break the stigma around refugees.

"Some people may be afraid," she says. "They think that we are not educated, we are lazy. [That] we came here and want to seek some support, [and] don't want to do anything."

But that, she points out, is not the case.

Among the guides I spoke to, Oleksandra trained as a psychologist, Ahmed is an engineer, and Asad studied law.

"Desperate people leave their family behind, their homeland and their memories," says Asad. "They have no option."

Oleksandra agrees: "To be a refugee, it's not a choice, it just happens.

"And it could happen to anyone."

Watch Compass tonight at 6:30pm on ABC TV or stream any time on ABC iview . 

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