Last Updated: 7th Feb 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Holliss Stairway to Heaven

Christchurch, Canterbury

Submitted by Tony Sharpe

Last Updated: 7th Feb 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 11

Gnarl Factor: 31

8.7km

305m

305m

300m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Combo

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Riverside

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Volcanic

Run Makeup

20%
30%
40%
10%

Sealed Road

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +7.1%

Average Downhill Gradient: -7.0%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:15

Slow

1:00

Moderate

0:45

Fast

This is a great shortish loop for those wanting some vertical on good trails but with enough technical stuff to vindicate your trail running existence for another day. It links onto numerous other trail options as does anything on the Port Hills, but as a standalone loop its a great chance to push yourself on a short hill.

Head across to the river from the Library and follow south down Hunter Terrace. Cross Malcolm Ave and pick up the riverside trail. Cross Centaurus Rd and head up Hollis Ave which soon begins to climb steeply and elevates your pulse rate rapidly. At the end of the road pick up the short but sweet Holliss Track which will give you a great stairs workout.

Catch your breath when you hit Longhurst, cross the road and pick up the Latter Spur Track which hugs the ridgeline all the way up to Victoria Park. Head round east of the playground and take a swift and awesome zig zagging descent down the East Side Bush Track to the bottom of the Bowenvale Valley.

The Christchurch City Council has built a new trail down the Bowenvale to separate those on foot from downhill mountain bikers but you will still need to watch out behind you as you head out the last bit to Bowenvale Ave.

Complete the circuit back to the library with a fast 2km of roads and riverside running


Victoria Park
Bowenvale Valley
Classic Port Hills trails

Plenty of parking at the library otherwise spill out onto the streets around the Heathcote River if busy

4 km

13 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Fairly straight forward, make sure you take the downhill turnoffs from the Victoria Park Info center vicinity

Perfect throughout.

Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map.

You can fill up with water at Victoria Park before you head back down

Usual Christchurch seasonal weather...dress for the day.

East Side Bush track can be moderately greasy after rain
Mind out for Mountain bikers in the lower Bowenvale

Beckenham Library has a cafe with great coffee

Trail Legend

Tony Sharpe

Tony Sharpe

has completed Holliss Stairway to Heaven twice in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Good varied route and terrain with a nice hill workout (the up and the down!) - Thanks Tony!
Love the Wild Things Trail Community... Great tip from Callum to look out for the track by house #70 when you cross Longhurst Terrace.
Totally do-able from central city - felt like an escape!

Lucy Mills

March 22, 2021

Loved this run, lots of opportunities to get lost but that's half the fun.
Fantastic mix of terrain and that first km of flat to warm you up before you arrive at Hollis Ave, when you cross Longhurst terrace the track is right beside House number 70 it is not marked and i nearly missed it. Once you arrive at Victoria Park there a lots of Track options, the one i choose lead to the Dog Park.

Callum Templeton

October 31, 2020

Loved this track! It's got some great little jittys that I didn't know about before - nice to access Vic Park from a new route. Some steep uphill steps and tracks, lovely views across the valley and a nice run down through the trees. This run is marked with a 'Run Hunters' symbol but I couldn't see it anywhere on the app. Would be good to get this one added as I got a little lost in Vic Park.

Stefanie Parks

October 11, 2020

Great wee track with a bit of everything. Great test for new shoes with roots, rocks, pine needles, mud, gravel, grass, steps, clay and tarmac! The East Side Bush track was in great condition even in the wet. Props to the Council Rangers.

Isobel Stout

June 6, 2020

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