Last Updated: 24th Jun 2024
Christchurch 360 Trail - Sugarloaf Hills Section
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 24th Jun 2024
Grunt Factor: 32 ?
Gnarl Factor: 44 ?
18.2km
1065m
600m
500m
Last Updated: 24th Jun 2024
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 24th Jun 2024
Grunt Factor: 32 ?
Gnarl Factor: 44 ?
18.2km
1065m
600m
500m
Urban fringe
Point to Point (one way)
Very hilly
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Volcanic
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +9.8%
Average Downhill Gradient: -9.4%
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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
This trail includes the peaks Mount Vernon and Te Moenga-o-Wheke / The Tors.
Halswell Quarry Heritage Park. Crater Rim Trail Christchurch 360 trail. Great panoramic views
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Park up/ drop off at the Quarry carpark Buses run from both the Quarry, and from the Gondola base station
11 km
19 minutes
Yes
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
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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!
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!
July 26, 2020
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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