Last Updated: 14th Jan 2024

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Vicki Vale

Christchurch, Canterbury

Submitted by Tony Sharpe

Last Updated: 14th Jan 2024

Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 16

Gnarl Factor: 48

9.3km

490m

490m

434m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Open tussock/grasslands

Volcanic

Run Makeup

40%
30%
30%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +11.8%

Average Downhill Gradient: -11.6%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:40

Slow

1:15

Moderate

0:50

Fast

Holy Toldeo Batman! Its Vicky Vale!

Actually its not, but DC Comics fans will get the reference. This is however a wonderful loop combining Victoria Park and the the Bowenvale, hence the name.

Start by gliding up the trail elevator that is the Harry Ell Track all the way to the Sign of the Kiwi. At Dyers Pass pick up the Crater Rim Trail around the north side of the Sugarloaf, where you'll get a short but grunty climb and then sidle around to the saddle to the east.

Cross the summit road and descend into the Bowenvale Valley Track. This starts as a steady to steep old farm track which can be slippery in the wet. As it bends and levels to the west look for the signposted track that loops around the head of the valley and descends rock steps to a junction. At his junction pick up the East Side Bush track which is a pleasant and less used technical wee sidle, and eventual zig-zagging bush climb back up to the Victoria Park playground. Duck in behind the slide area and follow the main trail back down to the Takahe alongside the Victoria Park access road.

Some lesser known Port Hills trails
Great veiws

Blue Line bus goes here from Central ChCh

6 km

15 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

On the East Side Bush Track take care at intersections, mainly its just keep going straight until you are nearer the top.

Perfect throughout.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone.

Victoria Park and the Sign of the Kiwi have some taps, plus theres a tap on the Harry Ell

Can be slippery when wet and cold when Southerly or Easterly

A couple of sections are shared use with MTBs

Protocol
Bottom of Cashmere Hill
http://www.protocoloncolombo.co.nz/
Good food and cold beer

Brickworks
Centaurus Road near Bowenvale Rd
thebrickworks.co.nz
Good food and cold beer

Trail Legend

Jeremy  Edwards

Jeremy Edwards

has completed Vicki Vale twice in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

Can be run in either direction to qualify for FKTs

You and Vicki Vale

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Trail Reviews

Awesome loop, don’t know why I hadn’t done it before now! Will add it to the list of regular Port Hills favourites. Did a slight variation by taking the lower trail behind Sugarloaf - less vert but nice and shady on a hot summer’s day.

Laura King

January 8, 2023

This was a great run that we completed over the weekend - in reverse due to the weather. That was a good decision as it was super muddy going up the upper part of the Bowenvale track. Will try it again - the right way - in the summer!

Katie Ridley

July 5, 2021

Another great loop in the hills. Good steady start through Harry Ell, then a taste of Crater Rim, before a bit of downhill. I didn't read the elevation plot carefully, so was not expecting all the uphill in the second half! But definitely a good hill workout with great views.

Heidi Su

February 4, 2021

Great loop! Gotta be one of the best <10km loops in the Port Hills. To my surprise I had never done East Side Bush track - quite enjoyable. Agreed with Sam to run it in reverse next time.

Matt Halverson

January 20, 2021

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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.

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