The Port Hills

The Port Hills are one of the best-loved landscapes of Christchurch. The tussock grasslands and rugged rock out-crops, contrast the flatness of the Canterbury Plains. Remnants of podacarp forest are reminders of the past.

People enjoy the Port Hills in many different ways, from scenic drives to picnic lookouts. Walking, running, mountain biking and road biking are all very popular. Botanists explore the crater rim forests, rock climbers dangle down the sheer volcanic bluffs, and paragliders soar high over the tussock slopes. There are permanent orienteering courses set up, great places from which to launch model planes, and many a photogenic view and rock.

The Christchurch City Council manages 31 of the 39 reserves on the Port Hills. Other reserves are run by the Department of Conservation, the Banks Peninsula District Council, privately or by trusts.

Human History

The Waitaha were the first Maori settlers in the Christchurch area. In the 1500s a North Island tribal group, the Ngati Mamoe, assimilated them. In the mid 1700s the Ngai Tahu in turn assimilated the Ngati Mamoe. Ngai Tahu’s main settlement on the Port Hills was established in Rapaki.

In the early 1800s European sealers, whalers and flax traders visited Banks Peninsula. In 1851 the first organised European settlers travelled from Lyttelton to Christchurch over the Bridle Path, which became the main means of foot travel, until the Lyttelton rail tunnel opened in 1867. Farming began early on the hills, and bush covered land was cleared for pasture. Military gun pits and batteries were built on the Port Hills in both World Wars.

Henry George Ell (Harry Ell), as a Member of Parliament, lobbied for The Scenery Preservation Act 1908. Harry’s vision was to establish a network of scenic reserves along the Port Hills, with the Summit Road providing the linkage between reserves and regularly spaced rest houses for walkers and travellers. In 1906 Harry secured the first scenic reserve, Kennedys Bush and in 1903, work on the Summit Road commenced.

During Harry’s term in Parliament, 1899 – 1919, he secured over 500 scenic reserves. Harry worked hard to encourage the conservation of the Port Hills and was an advocate for increased public access.

In 1948 the Summit Road Scenic Society was formed and continues the work of maintaining and developing the reserves and tracks that Harry envisioned nearly a hundred years ago.

Access

There are many roads, car parking areas and access points to the reserves on the Port Hills. The Summit Road provides excellent access, as do the many tracks that cross the Port Hills.

Nearest Bus

Bus services will get you to parts of the Port Hills. Check out the Christchurch City Bus Services at metro info.