Last Updated: 15th Oct 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Christchurch 360 Trail - Sugarloaf Hills Section

Christchurch, Canterbury

Submitted by Tony Sharpe

Last Updated: 15th Oct 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 32

Gnarl Factor: 44

18.2km

1065m

600m

500m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Point to Point (one way)

Very hilly

Native bush

Open farmlands

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Volcanic

Run Makeup

20%
20%
30%
30%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +9.8%

Average Downhill Gradient: -9.4%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

3:00

Slow

2:30

Moderate

2:00

Fast

The trail starts at the Withers Carpark at the Halswell Quarry Park. Take the track that heads up west behind the old stone house. This trail climbs up and around the west of the old quarry. It circles around it to the south, then at the eastern end of the quarry the track heads off to the right. The track then opens into a large park area. Climb the stile, and head east across the park to the reserve strip with a zig-zag path that exits onto Kennedys Bush Rd.

Continue along Kennedy's Bush Rd to the very end, where there is a gate and stile. Climb the stile, and continue up the Kennedy's Bush Track. The track climbs up approx 6km to the Summit Road. Please stick to the marked trail as land away from the trail is private. Cross the Summit Rd, and follow the track short track up to the Crater Rim trail on the slopes of Mt Ada. Keep following the Crater Rim Walkway all the way to Dyers Pass and the Sign of The Kiwi.

Cross Dyers Pass Road carefully, traffic flies over here and then take Mitchells Track to the south of the Sugarloaf Peak. Follow the Crater Rim Trail over all the lumps and bumps all the way to the Gondola top station. This is pristine Port Hills terrain. Enjoy a beer and chips up at the Gondola and then sort out your method of journey home - buses go to town from the gondola, if you haven't tee'd up a drop off/ pick up

Halswell Quarry Heritage Park. Crater Rim Trail Christchurch 360 trail. Great panoramic views

Park up/ drop off at the Quarry carpark Buses run from both the Quarry, and from the Gondola base station

11 km

19 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Its pretty well marked, keep following the circular Christchurch 360 trail signposts

Perfect throughout.

Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.

You can fill up water bottles at the Sign of the Kiwi

No probs apart from wind and winter weather

Can be muddy and greasy after rain and in winter

Christchurch Gondola
Top Station, Mt Cavendish
https://www.christchurchattractions.nz/christchurch_gondola/
Great food and beer/wine/ cuppa options

Trail Legend

Richele McKenzie

Richele McKenzie

has completed Christchurch 360 Trail - Sugarloaf Hills Section once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

This run is totally worth the effort to arrange transport, the single track along the tops can not be beaten locally. The farmer has realigned the top of Kennedy's track slightly, at the top just turn left and follow the road for a short section until you pick up the trail across the road on the right. Warning though, if you suffer hayfever recommend avoiding in spring!

Leah King

September 26, 2020

Superb trail run showcasing the central Port Hills. Run it on a fine day. Amazing views and great single track. The last grunt up from the Tors to the gondola station is a challenging finish!

Matt Halverson

July 26, 2020

Some of the best if Chch

Tony Sharpe

May 12, 2019

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