Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Volcanic
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +12.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.6%
Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.
2:30
Slow
2:00
Moderate
1:30
Fast
First 2K fairly steep and technical from the start including some distance over rocks and boulders - tricky coming down - before arriving at the top of the first peak and entering the Farm area. Follow the 4WD track which heads off to the left and start to pick up DOC markers and signs as you reach reserves. Weather permitting you should have great views of Little River, eastern Bays and Akaroa Harbour. Track follows 4WD road reliably.
This trail includes the peak Mount Sinclair (Banks Peninsula).
Possibly 2000 year old Totara near the start of the track. Regenerating bush in Montgomery Park Reserve, Whatarangi Totara Reserve and Mt Sinclair Reserve. Ghostly remains of Totara Forest in-between.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Parking seemed safe. There is a Christchurch to Akaroa shuttle that goes daily, though it doesn't pass the start of the track, the timetable would need to be checked.
18 km
21 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
When you enter the farmland keep an eye out for the 4WD track off the left that heads off down and round.
Unknown.
Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Gaiters
None unless you reach a hut but that is some distance further.
There will be muddy, slippy bush area after rain and also slippery rocks to traverse. Exposed farmland on the top which will be windy all year round and also high enough to be in the cloud so damp/misty too. Carry water and survival gear. Good cellphone coverage at start of farmland as there is a cell tower there.
Very slippy rocks to traverse in the first 2K as you head up a bluff.
Little River Cafe
Little River
http://www.littlerivercafe.com
Good coffee, great cake and lunch selection and the Gallery next door and the Dairy on the other makes for a good stop. Also good public toilets in Little River.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Montgomery Park Reserve
As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.
Already have an account? Login now
Love this part of Banks Peninsula! The giant totara is really special and then the expansive views make you feel alive. The rest of the route is a pleasant out and back through paddocks and 4WD track, turning around somewhat arbitrarily on the far side of Mt Sinclair.
October 20, 2021
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.