Last Updated: 4th Mar 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Bird to Bird

Christchurch, Canterbury

Submitted by Corey Woodward

Last Updated: 4th Mar 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Notice More info

Grunt Factor: 17

Gnarl Factor: 51

9.8km

395m

395m

483m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Very hilly

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Volcanic

Run Makeup

10%
70%
20%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +10.3%

Average Downhill Gradient: -10.0%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:00

Slow

1:30

Moderate

1:00

Fast

An out and back trail from the Sign of the Kiwi to the Sign of the Bellbird on the Banks Peninsula. Park at the Sign of the Kiwi car park and then head off on the trail that starts by the monument to the left of the Cafe. The general idea on this run is to keep left when there are trail options, except when these send you down into Governor's Bay. 

700m in, head right on the slightly less used trail.
1.5k cross over the Summit Road, take Crater Rim Walkway on the left.
The Crater Rim Walkway comes out at Worsleys Track/Road, cross that onto mown lawn and head through the small gate beside road.
Head along the road for 20m or so then cross over the stile into Hoon Hay Scenic Reserve and head up the hill.
At the top, cross the next stile and then take the right hand trail (Trig V), don't go left... that's Faulkners Track (not today's adventure).
Things get a bit rocky and more technical here, good views though so take your time.
3.5k you'll rejoin the Crater Rim Walkway, head left.
4.3k head left onto Ellas Track, this is more technical and has one slipped area that has been made passable by steps cut into the slope. This takes you around the harbour side of Mt Ada, good views but mind your step, the track is very narrow.
5.0k the trail rejoins the Crater Rim Walkway again, don't take it, continue to head left on Ellas Track, very rocky on this section so watch those ankles!
5.3k You emerge onto a mown grass area, head right up the hill to the Sign of the Bellbird (across the road).
Head back using the Crater Rim Walkway (at around 6.2k head straight through the cross road in the trail).
Easy from there.

Part of the Crater Rim Trail taking in native bush, volcanic ridge lines, and exposed tops.

Easiest parking is the car park just below the Sign of the Kiwi, if full there is the option of parking on the side of the Summit Road just past the Sign of the Kiwi

10 km

18 minutes

Yes

No

Moderate.

Generally good.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map.

Water fountain at the Sign of the Kiwi Cafe, near the toilets. No water available on trail, carry your own.

Very muddy after rain. Very exposed to Southerly winds, weather can change very quickly. Be prepared.

Slippery mud in some places, narrow rutted trails, and some technical rock sections along Ellas Track.

Sign of the Kiwi Cafe
Start/Finish location
Great coffee. Sell Ice cream, perfect for post-run in summer

Trail Legend

Tania Vincent

Tania Vincent

has completed Bird to Bird 7 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Great trail, bit slippery in places at this time of year. Views to the East & West can't be beaten. Last section of Ellas Track closed when I ran it today but very easy to stay on the trail and continue the run.

Katie Ridley

July 8, 2021

Ran this with Corey on a Macpac Muster and had an absolute ball, this trail has a bit of everything but is absolutely overloaded with stunning views, this will be the thing that will slow you down. Having a knowledge of the tracks, a gpx file on your watch or a map would help as there are lots of options when you are up there.

Callum Templeton

April 26, 2021

Great to explore some lesser used side trails. Mind the blackberry bramble as you approach Sign of the Bellbird. What a fun loop!

Matt Halverson

January 29, 2021

Always a great run - nice undulating terrain with just enough rocks to keep it interesting, stunning views and ice cream at the end!

Amy Whitehead

November 29, 2020

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