Up Hill Down Valley

Be it morning, noon or night this is a perfect loop to showcase all that the Port Hills has on offer.

Start up with a nice steady ascent up the tarmac of Rapaki Road. After 5 minutes your reach the lower gate of the highly popular Rapaki Track which winds its way steadily all the way to the Summit Road. At the top cross the road and pick up the Crater Rim/ 360 Trail up the east flank of Mt Vernon. Follow the zigs and zags for a satisfying ascent and some fantastic views in all directions. This is one of the best spots on the whole Crater Rim for the views. Have a breather at the top and congratulate yourself for the 450m of vert over 5km that you just nailed.

Drop rapidly off the other side of Vernon and loop back around to the Rapaki track via the shared use trail - watch your back for bikes as they can arrive fairly quickly on this stretch.

Drop down the first steeper bit of Rapaki Track until it levels off and then leave the trail to pick up the obvious waterway. This is the head of the Valley Track, which is signposted and follows the valley floor down. Parts of this steady descent can be quite technical, novices may wish to take their time.

The Valley Track terminates in a carpark. Skirt off to the right hand side across the clearing and then straight out to the alleyway into Vernon Tce which will return you to the start.