Last Updated: 27th Oct 2024
Vicki Vale
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 27th Oct 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 16 ?
Gnarl Factor: 48 ?
9.3km
490m
490m
434m
Last Updated: 27th Oct 2024
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 27th Oct 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 16 ?
Gnarl Factor: 48 ?
9.3km
490m
490m
434m
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Open tussock/grasslands
Volcanic
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +11.8%
Average Downhill Gradient: -11.6%
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1:40
Slow
1:15
Moderate
0:50
Fast
Holy Toldeo Batman! Its Vicky Vale!
Actually its not, but DC Comics fans will get the reference. This is however a wonderful loop combining Victoria Park and the the Bowenvale, hence the name.
Start by gliding up the trail elevator that is the Harry Ell Track all the way to the Sign of the Kiwi. At Dyers Pass pick up the Crater Rim Trail around the north side of the Sugarloaf, where you'll get a short but grunty climb and then sidle around to the saddle to the east.
Cross the summit road and descend into the Bowenvale Valley Track. This starts as a steady to steep old farm track which can be slippery in the wet. As it bends and levels to the west look for the signposted track that loops around the head of the valley and descends rock steps to a junction. At his junction pick up the East Side Bush track which is a pleasant and less used technical wee sidle, and eventual zig-zagging bush climb back up to the Victoria Park playground. Duck in behind the slide area and follow the main trail back down to the Takahe alongside the Victoria Park access road.
Some lesser known Port Hills trails
Great views
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.
Blue Line bus goes here from Central ChCh
6 km
15 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
On the East Side Bush Track take care at intersections, mainly its just keep going straight until you are nearer the top.
Perfect throughout.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone
Victoria Park and the Sign of the Kiwi have some taps, plus theres a tap on the Harry Ell
Can be slippery when wet and cold when Southerly or Easterly
A couple of sections are shared use with MTBs
Protocol
Bottom of Cashmere Hill
http://www.protocoloncolombo.co.nz/
Good food and cold beer
Brickworks
Centaurus Road near Bowenvale Rd
thebrickworks.co.nz
Good food and cold beer
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
Can be run in either direction to qualify for FKTs
You and Vicki Vale
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new favourite loop. Nice trails that made it very diverse. Did this in reverse after some heavy rain as I hadn’t been on the east side tracks before and didn’t know how slippery the decent would be. Track was in good condition. Easily did this in my Saucony Tempus shoes rather then trail runners. Blitzing it down Harry El is a personal fav of mine which meant the start was slow but the end was fast.
November 3
LK
Awesome loop, don’t know why I hadn’t done it before now! Will add it to the list of regular Port Hills favourites. Did a slight variation by taking the lower trail behind Sugarloaf - less vert but nice and shady on a hot summer’s day.
January 8, 2023
KR
This was a great run that we completed over the weekend - in reverse due to the weather. That was a good decision as it was super muddy going up the upper part of the Bowenvale track. Will try it again - the right way - in the summer!
July 5, 2021
Another great loop in the hills. Good steady start through Harry Ell, then a taste of Crater Rim, before a bit of downhill. I didn't read the elevation plot carefully, so was not expecting all the uphill in the second half! But definitely a good hill workout with great views.
February 4, 2021
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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