Visitor information
Off Dyers Pass Road (connects to south end of Colombo Street), or from Victoria Park Road.
Gates open at 7.30am.
Gates close:
- December–February: 9pm
- March–May: 7pm
- June–August: 6pm
- September–November: 8pm
Port Hills Walks Central [PDF 3.9MB]
Metroinfo has up to date bus information.
About the park
Situated on the ridges and valleys descending from Sugarloaf, Victoria Park has panoramic views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains, Pegasus Bay and the Southern Alps. The park has a vast array of tracks for walking, wheelchair and mountain bikes.
Victoria Park is a great place for families with picnic and play areas and a dog park.
There is a permanent orienteering course, which starts from near the visitor centre. Map packs can be purchased from the Visitor Centre in Victoria Park, or from the Beckenham Service Centre.
Victoria Park was first set aside as a reserve in 1870 and planting began in the early 1880's under the direction of J.B. Armstrong. The first house was erected in 1886 and an early occupant, William Moore, was the first to sell refreshments to visitors. Hon. William Rolleston formally opened the park in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
Wildlife
Recent plantings have assisted the re-establishment of the bird life, notably the grey warbler, fantail, bellbird, and the silvereye are all commonly seen and heard.
Plant life
Tree planting is a traditional activity in Victoria Park, with many groups and individuals participating in planting events. Arbor Day is one such event where every year school children plant trees.
Some non-local natives have been planted in eastern bush such as; kauri and the rare Pittosporum dallii. On the warmer western slopes exotic specimens such as proteas, banksias, grevilleas and leucodendrons can be found.
Also noteworthy, the existence of 'silver tussock' so close to a city centre is said to be unique in the Southern Hemisphere and possibly the world.
Contact us
Port Hills Park Ranger
Email: PortHillsRegionalPark@ccc.govt.nz
