Faulkners Track

Point to point

Highlights & Must-See Features

The undisputed crown jewel of Faulkners Track is the panoramic lookout points. About halfway up, the canopy thins, and you are treated to "sneak peek" views of Lyttelton Harbour (Whakaraupō). The turquoise water of the harbour contrasts beautifully with the deep greens of the hills.

Once you reach the crest of the ridgeline at Trig V, near Summit Road, the full 360-degree reward is unveiled. To the south, you look directly down onto Quail Island (Ōtamahua), which sits like a guardian in the middle of the harbour. On a clear day, the gaze extends far beyond the harbour to the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana) shimmering on the horizon. To the north, the sprawling grid of Christchurch city stretches out towards the Pacific Ocean.

Another highlight is the sense of geological scale. Standing amongst the rocky outcrops at the top, you realize you are standing on the rim of an ancient, collapsed volcano. The sheer cliffs and plunging valleys are a silent reminder of the forces that shaped this landscape millions of years ago.

For those who don't want the adventure to end at the top, Faulkners Track serves as a vital artery in the Port Hills trail network. It connects seamlessly with the Crater Rim Walkway. From here, you can choose to extend your hike toward the Sign of the Bellbird or head in the opposite direction toward Cass Peak, making it a perfect starting point for a bespoke Alpine-to-Ocean loop.

Getting There

Finding the start of the track is part of the charm, as it feels like entering a hidden portal from a quiet residential street.

• By Car: Drive to Governors Bay, which is about a 20-minute scenic drive from Christchurch city centre via either Dyers Pass Road or the Lyttelton Tunnel.
• Parking: You have a few options. Most walkers find parking on Lighthouse Lane or The Terrace. If those are full, there is usually space on the main Governors Bay Road.
• The Trailhead: Look for the small, unassuming sign on Lighthouse Lane that marks the beginning of the track. You can also access it by walking up the lane directly off the main road.

Since this is a point-to-point track, you’ll either need to turn around and enjoy the (much easier!) downhill stroll back to your car or arrange a pick-up at the top on Summit Road if you’re doing a one-way mission.

Wildlife Spotting

The regenerating bush of the Port Hills is a haven for native birdlife. Because Faulkners Track traverses a gully before hitting the open ridge, you get to experience two distinct bird habitats.

In the lower, sheltered sections, the Fantail (Pīwakawaka) is your most likely companion. These friendly little birds often follow hikers, flitting through the air to catch the insects disturbed by your footsteps. Listen out for the high-pitched "cheep" of the Grey Warbler (Riroriro); though they are tiny and hard to spot, their trilling song is the soundtrack of the New Zealand bush.

Keep an eye on the kōwhai and flax bushes for the Bellbird (Korimako) and the occasional Tūī. Their iridescent feathers and melodic calls are a treat for the senses. If you are lucky, you might see a Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon) soaring clumsily between trees, recognizable by the loud "whoosh-whoosh" of its wings.

Higher up, near the bluffs and tussock, look out for the New Zealand Pipit (Pīhoihoi). This ground-dwelling bird is often seen darting across the track or perched on a rocky vantage point.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

Faulkners Track is a fantastic year-round destination, but each season brings a different flavour to the climb:

• Spring: The best time for birdwatching as the kōwhai blooms and the native bush is alive with activity. The weather is generally mild, making the steep climb more comfortable.
• Summer: Expect hot, dry conditions. The Port Hills can bake under the Canterbury sun, and the top half of the track is quite exposed. Start early in the morning or later in the evening to catch the "golden hour" over the harbour.
• Autumn: Clear, crisp days offer the best visibility for seeing the Southern Alps. The air is often still, perfect for photography.
• Winter: While it can be muddy after rain, a clear winter’s day provides a dramatic, moody atmosphere. Just be prepared for biting southerly winds once you reach the ridgeline.

• Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or boots are highly recommended. The track is steep and can be slippery when dry (loose gravel) or wet (mud).
• Water: There are no water points on the track, so carry enough for the ascent, especially in summer.
• Sun Protection: Even on cloudy days, the NZ sun is fierce. Wear a hat and sunscreen.
• Windbreaker: Even if it’s calm in the bay, the ridgeline at Trig V is often windy. A light jacket is a must.

Local & Regional Context

The area surrounding Faulkners Track is deeply significant. To the local Waitaha and Ngāi Tahu iwi, the Port Hills are known as Te Poho-o-Tamatea (The Breast of Tamatea), named after the explorer Tamatea-pōkai-whenua. The harbour below, Whakaraupō, was a vital source of mahinga kai (food gathering) and a major transport route for Māori for centuries.

Governors Bay itself is one of the earliest European settlement areas in Canterbury. Walking this track, you are following in the footsteps of early settlers who used these steep ridgelines to navigate between the harbour and the burgeoning city of Christchurch.

Today, the track is a symbol of ecological resilience. Much of this land was once cleared for farming, but through the hard work of the Christchurch City Council and local volunteer groups, the native forest is returning. Every Kererū you see and every Bellbird you hear is a sign that the "green lung" of the city is thriving.

After the Walk

The best part of a vigorous hike is the "après-hike" refuel, and you couldn't be in a better spot for it. Just 1.5km from the bottom of the track lies the Ōtoromiro Hotel.

This historic pub is a legendary Governors Bay institution. Originally built in 1870, it oozes old-world charm with its wooden interiors and crackling fireplaces—perfect for a winter warm-up. In the summer, their large deck and garden offer arguably the best pub view in the country, looking straight out over the water you just viewed from above.

The Ōtoromiro Hotel is famous for its classic gastro-pub fare and excellent selection of local craft beers and wines. Perhaps best of all, they are incredibly dog-friendly, even offering a "doggy menu" so your furry hiking companion doesn't feel left out while you tuck into a well-earned burger. It’s the perfect place to sit back, rest your legs, and look back up at the hills you’ve just conquered.