Urban fringe
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Volcanic
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +9.0%
Average Downhill Gradient: -8.9%
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3:30
Slow
2:30
Moderate
1:45
Fast
Start at the Sign of the Takahe and head up into Victoria Park. 100m in you'll see signage on your right for the Harry Ell track. Jump on this and head on up. You'll blaze through stunning native bush and a good swath of Christchurch locals stretching their legs. Halfway up you'll note the impact of the 2017 fires on both sides of the track and across the valley at the Christchurch Adventure Park (CAP).
When you hit the summit, head down past the Sign of the Kiwi and keep tracking west on the Crater Rim Trail. This will take you around Coronation Hill, past the top of CAP. After about 6km you'll face a split in the trail, CRT to the right, Trig V straight and boundary track down to Lyttelton Harbour. Take the middle track for a neat peak to bag and a stunning view of the harbour and over to Mt Herbert.
You'll rejoin the CRT and at about the 7.5km mark head left at the trail fork onto Ella's Track around the back of Mt Ada. Continue on Ella's track until you hit the Cass Ridge Track at 8.8km. Follow this up the hill where you'll shortly meet up with the CRT. Hang a left and keep on. At 9.6km you'll have the chance to deviate up to Cooper's Knob, a stunning rocky outcrop with amazing views. Local legend has it if you give it a rub it will be bigger for the next visitor...
Stick on the CRT until the 11km mark. There's a side track to the right that takes you to Summit Road. Here you have three choices, (i) head back the way you came (out and back) (ii) head over the road and tackle a gorsey 4WD track back the way you came or (iii) take the tarmac option back to the Sign of the Kiwi and back down Harry Ell to the start.
Climbing up the original Lyttelton/Christchurch road, named after one of Christchurch's early trail-blazers and environmentalists, Harry Ell.
Scooting across the rim of a dormant volcano
Stunning views of Lyttelton Harbour, the Christchurch Adventure Park, Christchurch City, Pegasus Bay and the Southern Alps
A real life regenerating natural environment following the Port Hills fires of early 2017.
Amazing pockets of dense native bush along the Crater Rim Trail.
Heaps of parking, on-street (around the Sign of the Takahe) or in Vic Park
6 km
15 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
Generally good.
Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
Frequent spots up Harry Ell track and at the Sign of the Kiwi
Pretty muddy after rain.
Very exposed to southerly gales across the tops.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Takahe Half
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AD
A great run with great views, and some pretty rough sections that are more of a scramble than a run but still plenty of fun.
Point to note, Ellas track was technically closed yesterday. It was passable but if you're one for following the rules, you won't be able to do this one.
July 18, 2021
Gorgeous panoramic views, endless mostly runnable trail, what's not to like? I followed the GPX and ran back along Summit Rd. I have actually never run along the road - always take the CRW - and I was shocked at how few cars there were! It was a really pleasant way to zip back home.
May 8, 2021
MD
Nice run. First time at this end of the hills for me since the fires, such a difference. Coopers knob didn't grow when rubbed as suggested in the guide, probably due to the cold, -6 degrees. Lots of frozen mud, ice and a bit of snow. Nice alternative on the return leg, slip in a quick trip down the fantastic Flying Nun and flow through to Old Dyers Rd track to meet Harry Ell halfway back from the Kiwi
July 30, 2017
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.