Loading...
Port Hills, Christchurch
7.5 km
2 hours 6 minutes
339 metres
If you’re looking for a quintessential Christchurch outdoor experience, look no further than Kennedy’s Bush. Perched high on the Port Hills, this trail is a firm favourite for locals and a "must-do" for visitors who want to see the city from a different perspective. Spanning a 7.5km loop with a solid 339-metre elevation gain, it offers just enough of a challenge to get the heart rate up without requiring a full day of recovery.
The walk typically takes about two hours, but you’ll want to budget a little extra time for the inevitable photo stops. The beauty of this track lies in its variety. You’ll start with wide, well-maintained 4WD surfaces that are easy underfoot, before transitioning into sections of rolling green farmland shaded by towering pine trees. But the real star of the show is the Kennedy's Bush Reserve itself. This is the largest remaining patch of native forest on the Port Hills, and as you step into the cool, damp shade of the canopy, the temperature drops and the air becomes thick with the scent of damp earth and moss.
The climb is steady and persistent. Whether you start from the Halswell Quarry end or the Summit Road carpark, you’ll feel the burn in your calves, but the payoff is immediate. As you ascend, the landscape begins to peel back, revealing the vast, flat patchwork of the Canterbury Plains stretching out toward the horizon. On a clear day, the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps stand like a jagged white wall in the distance, providing a spectacular contrast to the rugged, volcanic terrain of the hills.
It’s a shared-use track, so don't be surprised to see mountain bikers zip past. The trail is wide enough to accommodate everyone comfortably, but it’s always good to keep an ear out for a friendly "on your left!" It’s also a fantastic spot for families; while the full loop is a moderate challenge, the paths are clear and safe for active children, and the ever-changing scenery keeps little ones engaged.
The undisputed crown jewel of this walk is the Sign of the Bellbird. This historic stone shelter is one of several rest houses envisioned by the visionary conservationist Harry Ell over a century ago. Standing there today, it’s easy to imagine weary travellers from the 1920s stopping for a cup of tea and a rest. While it no longer serves scones, it remains a poignant landmark and a perfect spot to shelter from the wind while soaking in the views.
Parking is available at several key locations. The main starting points include the Summit Road carpark, conveniently located directly opposite the historic Sign of the Bellbird. A new carpark and lookout were also opened in 2023 on the south side of Summit Road, near the Sign of the Bellbird. Alternatively, you can access the trail from Halswell Quarry Park or the end of Kennedy's Bush Road.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
1.5km away
A mobile coffee and food trailer located at Halswell Quarry, serving fine organic coffee, muffins, toasties, and burgers. An excellent option for a quick refreshment right at one of the trail's access points.
Be the first to share a photo of this trail
Recent reports from hikers
No condition reports yet.
Be the first to report the current conditions!
See what other hikers are saying
--
No reviews yet
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Loop
Speaking of views, make sure you take the short detour to the lookout near Mount Ada. From this vantage point, you get a true 360-degree experience. To the north and west, you have the sprawling city of Christchurch and the plains; to the south, the landscape drops away into the deep, sparkling blue of Lyttelton Harbour (Whakaraupō). The sight of the rugged peninsula hills wrapping around the water is nothing short of breathtaking.
For the nature lovers, the native bush section is a highlight in its own right. Because this area has been protected and regenerating for so long, the trees are substantial and the ecosystem is thriving. You’ll find yourself walking through a lush tunnel of māhoe, lemonwood, and fuchsia trees. It’s a rare glimpse into what the Port Hills would have looked like before European settlement.
Accessing Kennedy’s Bush is straightforward, with several options depending on how much of a climb you’re after.
If you're driving from the Christchurch CBD, it’s a scenic 20-minute journey. Just follow the signs for Halswell or head up Dyers Pass Road to reach the Summit Road ridgeline.
Thanks to decades of dedicated pest control by the Christchurch City Council and local community groups, Kennedy’s Bush is a sanctuary for native New Zealand birds. The chorus of birdsong is often the first thing you’ll notice as you enter the reserve.
Keep your eyes peeled for the Kererū (New Zealand wood pigeon). These large, iridescent green and white birds are often heard before they are seen—their wings make a distinctive "whoosh-whoosh" sound as they fly between trees. You are also guaranteed to encounter the Pīwakawaka (fantail). These tiny, energetic birds are famously curious and will often flutter just a few metres away from you, feasting on the insects stirred up by your footsteps.
The most iconic sound of the trail, however, is the Korimako (bellbird). Their melodious, chime-like call is what gave the "Sign of the Bellbird" its name. If you’re lucky, you might also spot a Tūī with its distinctive white throat tuft, or hear the high-pitched "pree" of the Grey Warbler (Riroriro) hidden deep in the foliage.
Tip: Early morning is the best time for birdwatching, as the "dawn chorus" is when the birds are most active and vocal.
Kennedy’s Bush is truly a trail for all seasons, but each brings its own unique flavour:
The history of Kennedy's Bush is a story of foresight and conservation. In the early 1900s, most of the Port Hills had been cleared for farming. Harry Ell, a local Member of Parliament and a passionate conservationist, realised that the unique heritage of the hills was being lost. In 1906, he successfully lobbied for the purchase of Kennedy’s Bush, making it New Zealand’s first scenic reserve.
The land was originally owned by Thomas Kennedy, a local settler whose homestead once stood nearby. Ell’s dream was to create a "Summit Road" that would link a series of reserves and rest houses, allowing people to walk the entire length of the hills. While his full vision wasn't completed in his lifetime, the Sign of the Bellbird stands as a testament to his legacy.
Geologically, you are walking on the rim of an ancient giant. The Port Hills are the eroded remains of the Lyttelton Volcano, which was active millions of years ago. The dramatic bluffs and undulating valleys you see today were carved by time and volcanic activity, creating the unique "crater rim" landscape that defines the Canterbury coastline.
Once you’ve finished your loop and worked up an appetite, the suburb of Halswell at the foot of the hills has some fantastic spots to refuel:
Whether you're there for the history, the birds, or the sheer joy of a hill climb, Kennedy's Bush offers a slice of New Zealand wilderness right on the doorstep of the city. It’s a place where the past and present meet, wrapped in some of the finest views in the country.
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
2.5km away
A cozy cafe known for its blend of traditional cafe fare and authentic Vietnamese specialties, offering a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. Perfect for a post-hike coffee and bite.
4km away
A popular local pub and restaurant in Halswell, offering classic pub favourites, a wide range of drinks, and a family-friendly environment with a fenced playground. Great for a hearty meal after your walk.
4km away
An elegant cafe, restaurant, and bar set in a historic building, offering a refined dining experience with options for private functions. Suitable for a more upscale post-hike treat.