Mitchells Track
- 20 min one way
- Easy
Short, handsome forest walk in Christchurch's Port Hills.
Walking time
|
20 min |
---|---|
Distance
|
1.0km |
Type
|
One way
|
Grade
|
Easy |
Bookings
|
No bookings — open access
No — open access
|
Starts
|
Sign of the Kiwi, Dyers Pass Road, Christchurch |
---|---|
Ends
|
Summit Road, Christchurch |
Maps
|
NZTopo50-BX24
|
Altitude
|
330m
–
400m
Altitude change 70m
|
This short trail explores the damp inner flanks of Sugarloaf, the prominent knob topped with a radio/TV mast on the Crater Rim, above Lyttelton Harbour. The trail links up well with both Gilpins and Cedrics Tracks for a pleasant loop walk.
The Sign of the Kiwi was one of the rest houses established by Harry Ell. Until recently, it operated as a cafe, but it is currently shuttered. There are still toilets and a drinking fountain available, with a car park nearby. From the Sign of the Kiwi, cross Dyers Pass Road and take the marked track up stone steps.
At a junction, Cedrics Track heads onto the sunny grassland to the left, which Mitchells breaks to the right into rich forest. The track passes a popular rocky viewpoint, under some bluffs, and by a couple of stone seats. Coming out of forest, it climbs up onto the ridge and passes the ends of Gilpins and Cedrics Tracks. A car park is located on the Summit Road here.