Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Okuti to Hilltop Amble

Christchurch, Canterbury

Submitted by Stephanie Berry

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 19

Gnarl Factor: 13

14.2km

765m

765m

647m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Very hilly

Open farmlands

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Volcanic

Run Makeup

0.1%
98.9%
1%

Sealed Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +12.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -12.6%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

3.00:00

Slow

2.15:00

Moderate

1:30

Fast

Park at the Okuti Valley Reserve park and then head off along the road for a hundred metres before ducking into the Okuti Reserve. All signposted from the carpark area. This is a short track thru some regenerating native bush. You pop out on a farm track and from here just follow the track and signs as you climb to the top. There are some boggy sections so be prepared to get wet feet. You climb to a saddle before a gentle descent down to the Akaroa - Christchurch Highway near the Hilltop Tavern. You could cross the road and have a wee feed before heading back down again the same way you came. Don't forget to stop and admire the views as you gallop back down the hill.

Awesome views of Lake Forsyth and Lake Ellesmere (Waihora) and the coastline south.

No Public Transport.

58 km

56 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Patchy.

Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map.

No water available.

Closed during lambing.

Trail Legend

Kat Webber

Kat Webber

has completed Okuti to Hilltop Amble once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

A very quiet trail, not a lot happening around these parts! Definitely one I would never have discovered without the trail directory. Mostly grassy sheep trails or grassy wide 4WD tracks. The bog was unavoidable. Some cows on the path at one stage too. Would have been great if the set trail took us up to French Hill which was within spitting distance. Wouldn't do it alone again, would be more fun with a running buddy.

Katie Ridley

July 15, 2021

Would not have guessed this route existed! Great bit of bush at the start with heaps of birds. It was low cloud (but also strangely hot) when I went so not much in the way of views. Did break above the clouds at the top to see valleys covered in clouds, with a teeny bit of hilltops peeking through. Would recommend you go on a nice day - if there’s no views it feels a bit silly to be running this random farm track out in the wopwops. It was very nice to have the track to myself though! Will have to come back again :)

Matt Halverson

February 27, 2021

Lovely, quiet track with spectacular views!

Stefanie Parks

January 6, 2021

Another hidden gem to discover thanks to Stephanie. Took it by its title and ambled up enjoying the bird song and bush at the start and the views around me for the rest of the way. Take heed of the gear list...headed out on a blue sky summers day and it changed very quickly with the clouds rushing over the top. The wood fired pizza at the hilltop tavern makes for a good pit stop at the turn around point!

Rebecca Sunderland

February 6, 2020

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