Last Updated: 13th Mar 2024

Intermediate - Experienced

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I've done it Done

Port Hills Nearly Half Marathon

Christchurch, Canterbury

Submitted by Tim

Last Updated: 13th Mar 2024

Intermediate - Experienced

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I've done it Done

Notice More info

Grunt Factor: 18

Gnarl Factor: 18

18.0km

555m

555m

423m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Loop

Very hilly

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Open farmlands

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Volcanic

Run Makeup

30%
25%
25%
20%

Sealed Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +8.0%

Average Downhill Gradient: -8.1%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

3:00

Slow

2:15

Moderate

1:30

Fast

Starting at the bottom of Rapaki Rd, grind your way up Rapaki Rd and Rapaki Track until you reach the top of the Port Hills (under 30 mins for the Rapaki climb is a good target). Once you reach the top, head west along the Summit Rd or the nearby track. Keep a careful eye out on your right for the drop down onto the Harry Ell Walkway. Follow this down the hill until you reach Dyers Pass Rd. Follow Dyers Pass Rd (or Hackthorne Rd) all the way down until you reach Centaurus Rd. Turn right on Centaurus and stick on it until you back to your starting point.

The Port Hills get their name because of the fact that they lie between Lyttelton Port and Christchurch City, so at the top of this run you get views down into Lyttelton Harbour. The harbour and the hills are apparently the result of a volcanic eruption so they are also interesting for the budding geologist.

You can park on Rapaki Drive but it's usually easier and safer to park on Centaurus Road.

5 km

11 minutes

Yes

No

Moderate.

You need to look carefully for a way off Dyers Pass Rd onto Harry Ell Walkway. Harry Ell Walkway comes out at a point on Summit Rd just before Sign of the Kiwi Cafe.

Perfect throughout.

Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries.

There is one water fountain on the Harry Ell Walkway. Do not collect water from the ponds along the way as it is unlikely to be safe to drink.

The Port Hills ridge line is often windy which can be freezing in winter and hot in summer.

Protocol
2 Colombo St
http://www.protocoloncolombo.co.nz/
These guys serve a good beer and often have live music.

Zeroes Cafe
81 Cashmere Rd
https://www.facebook.com/Zeroescafe/
Here you will find a superb coffee for your post-run energy boost. You're also likely to encounter lycra-clad cyclists - I'll leave it up to you to decide whether or not that's a reason to recommend...

Trail Legend

Heidi Su

Heidi Su

has completed Port Hills Nearly Half Marathon 5 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

If you do the route as written it is basically a road run with a wee bit of trail. Even FKT hunting I can't bring myself to run along the summit road, not when there's the much more fun Crater Rim trail or Bowenvale traverse MTB track that both run parallel to the road. So the 4 stars are for variations on the original route.....One good thing about this route (and it's variations) is that it's a great option in the dark. Plenty of streetlights on the at least 6km of road running, and being up two major Port Hills trail motorways also you're very rarely alone on these trails even in the wee hours; there's always other runners/walkers. And you really can't get lost on this route..

Maggie Davies

July 25, 2020

I like Rapaki and I like Harry Ell, but turns out I dont like them both in the same run... too much road for my tastes!

Matt Halverson

June 27, 2020

If I followed the gpx on this route I would be rating this 2 stars as it is essentially Christchurch's two most known hillwalks connected by over 10km of road running...not very wildthings! However, if you take the shared path from the top of Rapaki all the way to Vic park and thru to Harry Ell, then via off towards Longhurst Tce and down the back roads and hidden trails that lead down to Hollis Ave, you can cut the road running in half. I would recommend starting at bottom of Hollis Ave to use the flat road running at start for a warm up and avoid traffic issues of parking near Rapaki.

Rebecca Sunderland

May 7, 2020

Back today for the mostly tarmac version. Nice to.switch off and cruise

Tony Sharpe

February 15, 2020

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