Last Updated: 7th Feb 2024
Holliss Stairway to Heaven
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 7th Feb 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 11 ?
Gnarl Factor: 31 ?
8.7km
305m
305m
300m
Last Updated: 7th Feb 2024
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 7th Feb 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 11 ?
Gnarl Factor: 31 ?
8.7km
305m
305m
300m
Urban fringe
Combo
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Riverside
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Volcanic
Sealed Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +7.1%
Average Downhill Gradient: -7.0%
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1:15
Slow
1:00
Moderate
0:45
Fast
This is a great shortish loop for those wanting some vertical on good trails but with enough technical stuff to vindicate your trail running existence for another day. It links onto numerous other trail options as does anything on the Port Hills, but as a standalone loop its a great chance to push yourself on a short hill.
Head across to the river from the Library and follow south down Hunter Terrace. Cross Malcolm Ave and pick up the riverside trail. Cross Centaurus Rd and head up Hollis Ave which soon begins to climb steeply and elevates your pulse rate rapidly. At the end of the road pick up the short but sweet Holliss Track which will give you a great stairs workout.
Catch your breath when you hit Longhurst, cross the road and pick up the Latter Spur Track which hugs the ridgeline all the way up to Victoria Park. Head round east of the playground and take a swift and awesome zig zagging descent down the East Side Bush Track to the bottom of the Bowenvale Valley.
The Christchurch City Council has built a new trail down the Bowenvale to separate those on foot from downhill mountain bikers but you will still need to watch out behind you as you head out the last bit to Bowenvale Ave.
Complete the circuit back to the library with a fast 2km of roads and riverside running
Victoria Park
Bowenvale Valley
Classic Port Hills trails
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 the library otherwise spill out onto the streets around the Heathcote River if busy
4 km
13 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Fairly straight forward, make sure you take the downhill turnoffs from the Victoria Park Info center vicinity
Perfect throughout.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map
You can fill up with water at Victoria Park before you head back down
Usual Christchurch seasonal weather...dress for the day.
East Side Bush track can be moderately greasy after rain
Mind out for Mountain bikers in the lower Bowenvale
Beckenham Library has a cafe with great coffee
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Holliss Stairway to Heaven
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LM
Good varied route and terrain with a nice hill workout (the up and the down!) - Thanks Tony!
Love the Wild Things Trail Community... Great tip from Callum to look out for the track by house #70 when you cross Longhurst Terrace.
Totally do-able from central city - felt like an escape!
March 22, 2021
Loved this run, lots of opportunities to get lost but that's half the fun.
Fantastic mix of terrain and that first km of flat to warm you up before you arrive at Hollis Ave, when you cross Longhurst terrace the track is right beside House number 70 it is not marked and i nearly missed it. Once you arrive at Victoria Park there a lots of Track options, the one i choose lead to the Dog Park.
October 31, 2020
Loved this track! It's got some great little jittys that I didn't know about before - nice to access Vic Park from a new route. Some steep uphill steps and tracks, lovely views across the valley and a nice run down through the trees. This run is marked with a 'Run Hunters' symbol but I couldn't see it anywhere on the app. Would be good to get this one added as I got a little lost in Vic Park.
October 11, 2020
Great wee track with a bit of everything. Great test for new shoes with roots, rocks, pine needles, mud, gravel, grass, steps, clay and tarmac! The East Side Bush track was in great condition even in the wet. Props to the Council Rangers.
June 6, 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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