Discover an unforgettable Bridle track in Canterbury. A perfect day walk with gondola ride, a bus ride, exploration of Lyttleton and an energetic summit walk following the footsteps of European pioneers in the 19th century.
Bridle path Canterbury in Google earth map
Start the day with a flourish, no walking, just a gondola glide up the Port Hills embracing stunning views of the Canterbury Port Hills. Your walk starts in the Heathcote Valley where the gondola is based. Lower parts of the original walk have now disappeared into roads, aptly named Bridle Path Rd.
Walking route with options Rapaki Rock Summit
Imagine the European settlers with months at sea and one of the first tasks was an arduous climb over the hills to the Canterbury Plains. Today there are a number of seats to acknowledge the four ships that carried settlers to Canterbury in the 19th century.
As a designated paper road it is a shared trail with mountain bikes frequent in the vicinity of the Heathcote entrance (Gondola). The track ascends 333 metres and is steep in places.
There are no toilets alone the Bridle path route.
GETTING THERE
The main access points to the Bridle Path and nearby tracks are from: the gondola car park in Heathcote, Barnett Park car park, the Summit Road, and Evans Pass Road. There is a small car park at either end of the closed section of the Summit Road. There is a Metroinfo bus connection with the gondola terminal and Lyttelton.
Dogs on leash allowed
Catch the gondola for the sheer joy of getting there and a bus from Lyttleton to Christchurch. No vehicle needed for a day exploring the hills of Canterbury.
START
Gondola terminus Port Hills
FINISH
Lyttleton
DURATION
2 – 3 hours
LENGTH
2.4 km (steep ascent and descent on an uneven surface) one way
This walk is part of the UNFORGETTABLE WALKS IN NEW ZEALAND SERIES.
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