Recreation

Walks

Regional park walks

Christchurch’s regional park walkways pass though many different landscapes. Wetlands, pine forest, coastal dunes, rocky open tussock areas, and native bush are all to be encountered. You can follow coastlines, circle a wetland, skirt an extinct volcano crater rim, or peer into an old quarry site.

The regional parks offer a range of facilities. You will find bird hides, magnificent viewing points, picnic areas and seating. Information panels help you to identify the wildlife, and learn about the history of Canterbury.

Walkways exist at all the regional parks and take from ten minutes to a whole day to complete. Tailor your walk to suit you. Some of the most popular walkways are mentioned below. These walks can be done in their entirety or in sections. So head outdoors, breathe in the air, and take in the views.

Port Hills walking maps

Download a copy of the following maps and explore the Port Hills!

These documents are PDFs. You will require the free Adobe Acrobat reader to view them.  

• Port Hills Walks Central (PDF, 3982KB)
• Port Hills Walks Eastern (PDF, 3632KB)
• Port Hills Walks Southern (PDF, 3234KB)
• Port Hills Mountainbiking Tracks (PDF, 3543KB)

• Coast – Southern Pegasus Bay Track
  Runs almost the entire shoreline from Spencer Park through New Brighton to South Shore. Parts of the track follow the crest of the dunes to take in the great views. Facilities encountered along this track include surf lifesaving clubs, toilets the New Brighton Pier, picnic areas, children’s play areas and information panels.
   
• Travis Wetland Nature Heritage Park
  The park design allows for a perimeter walkway and smaller loop tracks at the Clarevale corner and Beach Road. Hides and viewing platforms allow visitors to observe wildlife. Information panels and an information kiosk highlight the key stories of Travis Wetland and identify some of the wildlife found here. Main access from Beach Road.
   
• Port Hills-Godley Head
  There is an extensive network of walking tracks at Godley Head. Explore some of the peninsula’s many historic and military sites. Superb views over both Lyttelton Harbour and Pegasus Bay. Access either by walking from Taylors Mistake, or by Godley Head Road.
   
• Port Hills-Bridle Path
  This is an immensely popular walk, steep but rewarding, which leads to views of Lyttelton Harbour and the historic monument to the Pioneer Women. The Kahukura track links up with Castle Rock, which dominates the valley. Access from Bridle Path Road.
   
• Port Hills-Crater Rim Walkway
  Begins at Ahuriri Summit Reserve, above the Summit Road, and follows the crater rim around to Godley Head. This walkway gives stunning views of Lyttelton Harbour, the plains and Pegasus Bay. It passes through bush and open areas of rock and tussock. Historic sites include the Sign of the Bellbird, and the Sign of the Kiwi. Access along the Summit Road.
   
• Halswell Quarry–Rim Track
  The Rim Track of about 40 minutes follows the quarry crater rim and affords panoramic views of the Southern Alps and the city. Information panels depict the workings and historic features of the quarry and viewing platforms and seating provide ideal resting points along the route which is suitable for all ages. Access from Kennedys Bush Road, Halswell.