Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Lava - H.ELL Loop

Christchurch, Canterbury

Submitted by Tony Sharpe

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 18

Gnarl Factor: 57

10.3km

530m

530m

501m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Loop

Very hilly

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Volcanic

Run Makeup

35%
20%
40%
5%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +13.7%

Average Downhill Gradient: -12.9%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:00

Slow

1:30

Moderate

1:00

Fast

NOTE: As at Jan 2020 the lower section of the Lava Flow Track has been rerouted a spur to the NW, it is obvious when going down but if approaching from the valley floor take the earlier bridge that connects the Hidden Valley Track and head up the new section. The old bit is still there, but is no longer maintained.

This one is for the technical uphill junkies. It is a steady slow climb for the first 1km up the Bowenvale Valley Track to get your blood following. Carry on up valley, past the East Side Bush and Hidden Bush turnoffs, before reaching the foot to the Lava Track. This is a shared use MTB/ Foot track, be very aware, serious downhill riders will be hurtling down here at death defying speeds as you head up. Best not wear headphones.

Once onto the Lava Track, the hard work begins as you slog your way up a very steep 1km to reach the crest of the hill under the Summit Road. Did we mention this is steep? You'll have very quickly nabbed over 400m of vertical already. But don't get too relaxed, you aren't done with the steep up bits just yet, the last short slog up Sugarloaf awaits.

From the top of the Lava Trail hook onto the shared use trail that runs under the Summit Road and stretch those legs for 1km of undulating trail heaven. Watch for MTB's again, they have right of way on this stretch too. After a bit, cross the Summit Road at the obvious turnoff before the Sugarloaf and ascend a small rocky knob beside the Crater Rim Trail. Jump over the stile and head straight up to the transmission tower on Sugarloaf summit and take a moment to enjoy the views.

From Sugarloaf head down the access road and on to to the Sign of the Kiwi via the Crater Rim Trail and cross over to the Harry Ell Track for a nice fast section of slight downhill on big wide trails. Halfway down Harry Ell, just before you hit the access road to Victoria Park, a side trail veers off uphill. Take this up to a major junction of trails and jump onto the Latters Spur track into the bush. A short way along there is another junction where you turn right and head down East Side Bush track through the forest on some sweet sweet trails back down to the valley floor. Here you will regain familiar territory on the Bowenvale Valley track and unwind the last 1km back to the car park.

Then head to Brickworks or Protocol bars for a hard earned refreshment!

Run up one of the steeper trails on the Port Hills and then enjoy the benefits of the great views on the top section.

Discover the historic Harry Ell track on the way back down, and the infamous East Side Bush track where the Heavenly Creatures murder took place.

Carparking at the end of Bowenvale Ave.

7 km

15 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Take the map or GPX as theres a few trail junctions to pass or take along the way.

Perfect throughout.

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

Water available at Sign of the Kiwi and Victoria Park area.

After rain it can get greasy. You'll want something grippy then, but in the dry most shoes will work fine .

As mentioned, beware of the odd highly advanced downhill bike rider on the Lava Trail. You'll hear them before you see them!

Brickworks
Centaurus Rd
Good food and beer

Protocol (used to be called Elevate- how appropriate)
Bottom of Dyers Pass Road
Good food and ales

Trail Legend

Tony Sharpe

Tony Sharpe

has completed Lava - H.ELL Loop once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Gotta love a good run up lava flow! This was a nice circuit with a 5 star view (and close to home is always a bonus). A good route to practice some of your technical skills on the ups, I even pulled out my polls and did a little practice with them.

Kelsey Montgomery

October 11, 2021

Have plenty more runs to tick off but will be back to do this one again. Sections of uphill are more like scrambling which was great. Amazing views

Barry O'Reilly

August 30, 2021

Nice loop on very familiar trails. I still always take the old Lava track up. It is baffling to me how someone would cycle down it! Great views as always and fun to pick up a bit of speed coming down Harry Ell.

Matt Halverson

August 16, 2021

I would recommend still taking the 'old' Lava Flow track up (as per the gpx file). Less bikes to watch out for and no blind corners like on the 'new' lower section. Bikers do still use the old lower piece so still be mindful of that. Old section is way nicer running (up) too.

Brion Matthews

August 10, 2021

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