The Chairlift Choice

You will be following the signposted 'Uphill track' at the Christchurch Adventure Park - if unsure, report to their ticket and info office near the carpark, and they will provide you a map and more detailed instructions.

The track begins at the entrance to the carpark on the left - you immediately start uphill following a wide gravel track, passing close to the base of one of the ZipLine stations. Follow this on to the single track section, which snakes upwards for about 1km. You emerge next to a fenceline - this is private property. Follow the clear trail until you meet a gravel road, turning left and continuing uphill.

Soon you will enjoy a brief downhill section. As you reach the bottom of this downhill area you meet the bike tracks proper. Stick to the sign posted uphill track - riders are only allowed to bike up this path, so you are safe from anyone coming towards you - but keep your ears open for riders approaching from behind. The track is 4WD or gravel from this point on so there is lots of room for all. Continue to follow the wide, signposted uphill track up and around a bend, until you come to another fence and deer gate (also private property), and enjoy the expansive views over Christchurch.

Heading left here, you hit what they call "heartbreak hill" and continue upwards. From the next corner in the track you will begin to intersect with downhill trails. These are well marked with caution signs, and made obvious by green rope crossing points. Take care to look and listen, and bikers have the right of way. You reach the top near another zipline station, and enjoy a glorious short flat stretch with excellent views, before making a sharp left across a bike track and onto a narrower almost single file section - look for the sign posts.

Follow this to the fenceline before the final left hand turn onto a wide track heading upwards for the last time to the chairlift. This has you at about the 5.5km mark. Take a moment to enjoy the excellent views from the far side of the chairlift out over the harbour and then make your choice; A) Run back down following the track you came up (11km or so) B) Ride the chairlift down (this is FREE to ride down - costs to ride up. NB check chairlift hours before committing - 8pm in summer as of this guide)

This map shows the excellent chairlift down option - just over 1km of wonderful views, and a smooth ride. At the bottom, exit the chairlift and jog the 500m or so back to your car. You will pass the restaurant on your right - highly recommend stopping in for a brew, or the excellent loaded waffle fries.