Port Hills
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4.5 of 5 bubbles280 reviews
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78
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Momelco
Denver, CO85 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Solo
Port Hills is a short distance from Christchurch and offers many different trails/tracks to hike, which are bucketed under the following broader areas:
- Victoria Park, Sugarloaf Circuit
- Bowenvale Reserve Walks
- Mt. Vernon Park and Rapaki Walks
- Halswell Quarry Walks
- Bridle Path to Godley Head Walks
- Crater Rim Walkway
- Kennedys Bush and Ohinetahi Walks
- Head to Head Walkway and Harbour Walks

I had limited time and ended up hiking the Maori Gardens Track, which is part of the Head-to-head Walkway. It's located off of Sandy Beach Road near Sandy Bay and estimated to take 30 minutes. The street is a side street and can easily be missed. There is limited parking and a port-a-potty or port-a-loo although it did not look well-maintained.

The trail is really narrow and not marked well. The end of the track comes to an abrupt end when it intersects or meets the Governor’s Bay Road. You essentially need to turn around and go back. The views are pretty and if you have limited time, would recommend this track.
Written 9 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Peter B
8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022
A wonderful day trip just outside Christchurch, visit quaint hamlets tucked into rugged mountainsides and waterfront idylls.
Written 14 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SD2606
Christchurch, New Zealand1,824 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • Family
Port Hills
The big hill that you see near Christchurch city!
 
There are heaps of amazing walking and mountain biking tracks that line the Port Hills; Rapaki, Godley Head, Halswell Quarry, Bridal Path, Victoria Park, Kennedy’s Bush, Harry Ell…
 
Amazing views from the top. 

The Gondola is found on the top too.
 
Highly recommend a visit to the top, where you drive, walk, hike, run or ride as the views are outstanding.
Written 25 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sharron W
Ashburton, New Zealand6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
Biked the track. Well maintained, it was bit of a grind as it was very windy but we made it to the top and back down in one piece.
Written 23 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jane H
Christchurch, New Zealand94 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021
Lots of walking tracks to choose from and an added bonus is you can visit Sign of the Takahe on the way back as a special treat.
Written 14 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michele
25 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020
Walk the crater rim of the Summit Road and get some of the best views in the world. Stop at the Sign of the Kiwi for a magical meal or coffee.
Written 19 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Naina-Damani
London, UK1,032 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Port Hills is a mountain range near Christchurch. It was an amazing journey through alpine forest and farmland leading to crystal clear lake.
Written 11 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Strickes
Rotorua District, New Zealand1,608 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2020
Well worth the time go go up and see the scenery below.

We visited a few weeks ago November 2020 and the hills are stunning, fist time we have been to Christchurch. They are quite a backdrop to Christchurch and even at this time of the year they are very dry looking. Wind and heat? Can only imagine what the heat of summer will bring.
Written 28 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cameron
Auckland, New Zealand10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020
Absolutely amazing views, especially on a clear day. Also being so close to Christchurch you don't have to drive for long at all to get here. Tight twisty narrow roads though once you get up into the hills which is common in NZ so just take your time there but well worth it. Plenty of walking/biking tracks as well as lookouts (on sumner road).
Written 11 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

FushNChips
Christchurch, New Zealand234 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Solo
I’m lucky enough to live 15mins away from the Port Hills. I’m a runner and being up here as the sun rises or sets is something rather amazing. Definitely get up here if you can, the walking tracks are well maintained and the views are spectacular
Written 25 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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PORT HILLS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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