Last Updated: 9th Apr 2024
Summit Walkway
Submitted by Sarah Mannion
Last Updated: 9th Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 50 ?
Gnarl Factor: 36 ?
34.0km
1700m
1400m
915m
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Last Updated: 9th Apr 2024
Submitted by Sarah Mannion
Last Updated: 9th Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 50 ?
Gnarl Factor: 36 ?
34.0km
1700m
1400m
915m
Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Undulating, some big hills
Open farmlands
Open ridges/tops
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +10.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -11.4%
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5:30
Slow
4:00
Moderate
3:00
Fast
A lovely ridgeline run that has beautiful views of Lyttleton Harbour and Banks Peninsula. It is well marked and easy to follow. This run mainly follows Te Ara Pātaka/Summit Walkway but includes a detour around the north side of Mt Bradley along the Faulkner Track.
This trail includes the peaks Mount Herbert/Te Ahu Patiki and Mount Sinclair (Banks Peninsula).
Packhorse Hut- this hut was planned as part of a series of rest houses built by Harry Ell for a proposed summit route from Christchurch to Akaroa. Only four houses were ever built, all in local stone, including the grand 'Sign of the Takahe'. The Sign of the Packhorse, Sign of the Bellbird (1914) and Sign of the Kiwi (1917) were designed by Samuel Hurst Seager, one of the earliest architects to move away from historical styles and seek designs and plans with New Zealand character.
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.
Small area of parking available off the road. No public transport available.
23 km
35 minutes
No
No
Moderate.
There are other tracks coming off the main trail but these are usually well marked and signposted. The track follows the ridge so if you find yourself going down off the ridge it is possible you have taken a wrong turn.
Patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map
Available at Packhorse Hut, Mt Herbert shelter and Rod Donald Hut (this is about 1km off the main track)
Parts of this track are closed in the spring due to lambing. It is exposed and there can be very strong, cold winds and snow during the winter. The weather can also change quite quickly any time of the year.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Summit Walkway
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Excellent day out! Thoroughly enjoyed being out in the hills. Track description probably needs a little edit: this route does not follow the Summit Walkway all the way (as I ran it by accident), it turns off to Faulker Track around the north of Mt Bradley to Packhorse Hut (which might be a nicer route) and then rejoins the Summit Walkway to the end. Track in pretty good condition all the way, a little greasy in places after rain, and less scenic where it runs through forestry area close to Gebbies, but otherwise an absolutely stunning track! 10/10
April 25, 2022
Always love Banks Peninsula! Gorgeous views on a fine day. Conditions are quite variable so be prepared for anything. The beginning (by the giant totara) was particularly greasy after all the recent rain so be prepared to walk there as well as a few other sections. There’s a boil water notice at the Mt Herbert Shelter but I’ve never had any issues drinking it untreated. Just get out there and enjoy it :)
December 18, 2021
A brilliant run with lots of wide open farm tracks and amazing views in all directions.
January 7, 2021
MR
This is a fantastic run with lots of single track and beautiful scenery as you work your way around the peninsula. Some technical trail along with open farmland.Be sure to take warm clothing as the weather can change quickly and on a hot day take plenty of fluid.
March 8, 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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