Bird to BirdBeginner - Intermediate

Description

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.

Features of interest

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

Make Up of Run

Technical Single Track: 20%

Moderate Single Track: 70%

Easy Single Track: 10%

Route Data