Last Updated: 4th Mar 2024

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Lyttelton Dress Circle

Christchurch, Canterbury

Submitted by Tony Sharpe

Last Updated: 4th Mar 2024

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 18

Gnarl Factor: 53

9.0km

645m

645m

440m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Volcanic

Run Makeup

10%
20%
40%
30%

Sealed Road

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +14.7%

Average Downhill Gradient: -15.2%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:00

Slow

1:30

Moderate

1:00

Fast

This is kind of a well kept secret....but the secret is out now! Come and run the crest of hills above Lyttelton Township and discover all manner of treats, and then sit back with a cold one at the finish and look back up to admire your handiwork.

Starting in Lyttelton township outside the library, head west along London St to Bridle Path Road. Drop onto Cunningham Terrace to access Lyttelton West and then head right and up hill on Voelas Rd to reach Harmans Rd. Head straight up Harmans to a sweeping corner where you will pick up the Stan Helms Track, where the LPG Pipeline comes down off the hill. Stan Helms was a former Lyttelton Councillor and Deputy Mayor- hope over the style and begin your steady zig zagging trail in his name as it heads up into the hills. Stan Helms gradually steepens towards the top with a mix of stairs and short breathers, and eventually you top out where the Bridle Path crests the Summit Road.

Catch your breath and then pick up the Crater Rim Trail behind the Pioneer Women's shelter, and head towards the Mt Cavendish Gondola- the high point of this circuit. Stay on the Lyttelton side of the hill behind the Gondola building and follow the 360 Trail/ Crater Rim Track down to a saddle under Mt Pleasant.

Next is one of the highlights of this run, head towards the base of the bluffs right in front of you and you'll pick up the gem that is the Mt Pleasant Bluffs track. The next couple of km's is a wonderland of native bush, dripping rock overhangs and nice technical undulating trail. Its relatively hard work along here but well worth it. Mind the odd stinging nettle and gorse bush.

Once you emerge from the Bluffs track get back on the Crater Rim track east of the Gun Emplacements. Follow down the hill until you reach a style. DON'T hop the fence, instead you want to pick up an unmarked but fairly obvious trail that heads out along the ridge that juts out east of Lyttelton Township. Follow this trail down and round rock outcrops, largely staying on the ridge for a wonderful decent. Eventually you'll reach the new Uramau mountain bike track which you can use to descend back down to the top of Gilmour Tce. Swing around to Randolph Terrace and descend the stairs of Watsons Lane down to Sumner Road to access Lyttelton township and a well earned beverage.

Mt Pleasant Bluffs and native bush
Sweeping views of Lyttelton Harbour and Christchurch City

Bus service runs from town to Lyttelton if needed. Plenty of parking otherwise

13 km

19 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Take care not to miss the start of the Bluffs track at the saddle. Don't ascend mt pleasant on the crater Rim Trail, this will make you miss the best section of all under the bluffs.
The section back down into Lyttelton from the Gun Emplacements is not formally marked, but is an obvious easy to follow trail along the ridgeline

Generally good.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map.

BYO

Muddy after rain, especially under the bluffs. Being the Port hills, expect some wind from some direction most days- can be pretty cold and wild in a winter southerly.

A few prickly gorse and stinging nettles under the bluffs, but nothing too serious.

Lyttelton Coffee Co
London St
lytteltoncoffee.co.nz
Great coffee

Wunderbar
London St
wunderbar.co.nz
Great quirky bar overlooking the port

Civil and Naval
London Street
civilandnaval.co.nz
Great craft beer

Trail Legend

Tony Sharpe

Tony Sharpe

has completed Lyttelton Dress Circle once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Wow, great loop! Gotta be one of the top 10k routes in the Port Hills. I always enjoy going up Stan Helms, the Mt Pleasant Bluffs Track feels like a nature getaway, and the Urumau track was a new one for me. Cannot imagine a better way to start a spring Saturday!!!

Matt Halverson

September 11, 2021

Nice local circuit for me. Pretty slow going through the ‘Bluffs’ section as at the time of running the track was becoming well overgrown with grass and foliage. Nonetheless a top run with great views.

Rob Stent

December 16, 2020

Have wanted to do this one for a while and it did not disappoint! Nice single-track switch backs on the way up, stunning views all the way round and some rocky, slightly more technical bits to have fun with on the way down.

Stefanie Parks

November 1, 2020

This has got to be one of the most stunning 10km I have ever run. So well named...I really felt like I had the beat seat in the house. A bit meatier than the 500m elevation given...I clocked 630m on this. Will definitely be back on a day when the trail is a bit drier and my legs a little fresher. Definitely worth a repeat but I would stick with the clockwise direction. Not advisable for people afraid of heights!

Rebecca Sunderland

May 10, 2020

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