Last Updated: 9th Jan 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Barnett Bunker Buster

Christchurch, Canterbury

Submitted by Tony Sharpe

Last Updated: 9th Jan 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 13

Gnarl Factor: 32

7.5km

450m

450m

450m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Out and Back

Very hilly

Open farmlands

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Volcanic

Run Makeup

25%
25%
50%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +11.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -11.9%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:20

Slow

1:00

Moderate

0:40

Fast

This is a great entry level hill climb for beginners, and superb steady vert for any age and stage in the trail running spectrum. Its 100% runnable, and 100% hills.

Start up by sneaking around the perimeter of the football grounds and at the far SE end pick up the Eastenders track. (To all fans of the best of British, apologies as there is no Coronation Street, nor an Emmerdale Farm). This well formed and maintained trail starts steadily and then steepens all the way up onto the ridgeline. Hop the fence via the stile above the water tanks and cruise your way up the 4WD road until you connect with the Summit Road beside a tall stand of pine trees.

Cross the Summit Road (mind the bikes and boy racers) and pick up the Farm Track that heads up through Greenwood Reserve to the top of the hill. Here you will find the historic bunkers and gun emplacements, a wonderful place to linger and take some photos.

Retrace your steps back down, it should take half the time to return as it did to climb for most folk. There is also a currently closed (but passable) trail part way up that is well worth an explore up to the large cave in the valley above Barnett Park. Use your discretion as to rockfall risk, all due to the 2011 Earthquakes.

Historic Gun emplacements and WW2 Bunkers
Stunning views of Christchurch and Lyttelton

Plenty of parking at Barnett Park, although it can be busy when sports are on

11 km

19 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Can't really go wrong, its well marked and just not where you cross Summit Road- Greenwood Reserve access is slightly to the right

Perfect throughout.

Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map.

BYO, you can fill up at the carpark

As with all of the Port Hills, dress appropriate to the weather. It can be pretty harsh up high especially in the teeth of a winter southerly

Track can be greasy when wet- consider the right grip footwear for the occasion

Sumner and Redcliffs have great options

Trail Legend

Greg O’Brien

Greg O’Brien

has completed Barnett Bunker Buster once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Agreed with Brion - a really nice out and back :) A bit of a grunt up Eastenders Track, then it gets a lot gentler and more runnable. Gorgeous views both up and down (weather permitting). It can be quite windy at the top!

Matt Halverson

July 1, 2021

One of the 'there and back again' routes that I actually love. Grind to the top - great downhills.

Brion Matthews

May 27, 2021

Great trail for getting your heart rate elevated, a bit of flat at the start and then its up, up, up and away. Trail has a good mix of steps, trail and rocks to climb up. Within a couple of kms you are already being rewarded with fantastic views.

Callum Templeton

October 22, 2020

It's a steady climb up and up providing great views in a short distance. It's a good benchmark trail to measure progress as I get fitter, hopefully. Definitely worth it for the views but bring a wind jacket to stay warm on top.

John OConnell

September 9, 2020

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