Eastern Port Hills tracks open for business
Share this story
Walkers and bikers are being encouraged to explore the eastern part of the Port Hills to leave the fire fighters to get on with their work in and around the fire zone.
There are many tracks that remain open above Heathcote, Mt Pleasant and Sumner.
“We are all feeling the loss of access to our favourite tracks on the Port Hills,” said Christchurch City Council Regional Parks Operations Manager Kay Holder.
“While tracks in the civil defence zone remain closed for safety reasons as fire-fighting efforts continue, I encourage people make the most of the eastern end of the Port Hills and explore tracks accessible from Heathcote, Mt Pleasant and Sumner," Ms Holder said.
From Heathcote Valley the Bridle Path starts beside the Gondola and is a great way for both walkers and bikers to access the top of the Port Hills. This is the oldest track in Canterbury and was the original route from Lyttelton to Christchurch.
From here you can walk east on the Crater Rim Walkway across Mt Cavendish and onwards to Mt Pleasant Scenic Reserve, or drop down on the Lyttelton side Via Major Hornbrook Track or Stan Helms.
Evans Pass above Sumner is another key access point for walkers and bikers with several tracks going in both directions. The shared use Captain Thomas Track connects Sumner Valley with the Crater Rim Walkway; head towards Godley Head for spectacular view from both sides of the ridge. Scarborough Bluffs Track also starts here at Rapanui Bush, and sidles through bluffs to Taylors Mistake.
Drive up Mt Pleasant Road and again access both biking and walking tracks from the Summit Road to Mt Pleasant trig station for amazing 360 views, and explore the historic gun emplacements on this section of the Crater Rim Walkway.
“These tracks all offer the same fantastic views of the city and harbour, the same rocky outcrops and sweeping landscapes but from a slightly different point of view; you might discover your new favourite track,” said Ms Holder.
DOC Area Manager Andy Thompson said that the Godley Head walking and biking tracks – Pilgrim’s way, Breezes Col and Anaconda - are all open and people are welcome to use them.