Last Updated: 5th Nov 2024
Barnett Bunker Buster
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 5th Nov 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 13 ?
Gnarl Factor: 32 ?
7.5km
450m
450m
450m
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Last Updated: 5th Nov 2024
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 5th Nov 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 13 ?
Gnarl Factor: 32 ?
7.5km
450m
450m
450m
Urban fringe
Out and Back
Very hilly
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Volcanic
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +11.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -11.9%
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1:20
Slow
1:00
Moderate
0:40
Fast
This is a great entry level hill climb for beginners, and superb steady vert for any age and stage in the trail running spectrum. Its 100% runnable, and 100% hills.
Start up by sneaking around the perimeter of the football grounds and at the far SE end pick up the Eastenders track. (To all fans of the best of British, apologies as there is no Coronation Street, nor an Emmerdale Farm). This well formed and maintained trail starts steadily and then steepens all the way up onto the ridgeline. Hop the fence via the stile above the water tanks and cruise your way up the 4WD road until you connect with the Summit Road beside a tall stand of pine trees.
Cross the Summit Road (mind the bikes and boy racers) and pick up the Farm Track that heads up through Greenwood Reserve to the top of the hill. Here you will find the historic bunkers and gun emplacements, a wonderful place to linger and take some photos.
Retrace your steps back down, it should take half the time to return as it did to climb for most folk. There is also a trail part way up that is well worth an explore up to the large cave in the valley above Barnett Park.
Historic Gun emplacements and WW2 Bunkers
Stunning views of Christchurch and Lyttelton
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.
Plenty of parking at Barnett Park, although it can be busy when sports are on
11 km
19 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Can't really go wrong, its well marked and just not where you cross Summit Road- Greenwood Reserve access is slightly to the right
Perfect throughout.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map
BYO, you can fill up at the carpark
As with all of the Port Hills, dress appropriate to the weather. It can be pretty harsh up high especially in the teeth of a winter southerly
Track can be greasy when wet- consider the right grip footwear for the occasion
Sumner and Redcliffs have great options
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Agreed with Brion - a really nice out and back :) A bit of a grunt up Eastenders Track, then it gets a lot gentler and more runnable. Gorgeous views both up and down (weather permitting). It can be quite windy at the top!
July 1, 2021
One of the 'there and back again' routes that I actually love. Grind to the top - great downhills.
May 27, 2021
Great trail for getting your heart rate elevated, a bit of flat at the start and then its up, up, up and away. Trail has a good mix of steps, trail and rocks to climb up. Within a couple of kms you are already being rewarded with fantastic views.
October 22, 2020
It's a steady climb up and up providing great views in a short distance. It's a good benchmark trail to measure progress as I get fitter, hopefully. Definitely worth it for the views but bring a wind jacket to stay warm on top.
September 9, 2020
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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