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Port Hills, Christchurch
2.4 km
48 minutes
112 metres
If you are looking for that quintessential Christchurch experience—the kind that makes you stop in your tracks and remember why you love the Garden City—then the Mt Vernon Track needs to be at the top of your list. Perched high on the iconic Port Hills, this trail is a short but incredibly sweet slice of Canterbury paradise. Whether you’re a local looking for a quick sunset stroll after work or a visitor wanting to get your bearings, Mt Vernon delivers world-class views with surprisingly little effort.
At just 2.4km and taking about 45 minutes to an hour, this "easy" rated trail is the perfect introduction to the rugged, volcanic beauty that forms the backdrop of Christchurch. It’s a shared-use track, meaning you’ll likely share the path with some friendly mountain bikers, and it’s a fantastic spot for families and dog owners alike.
Stepping onto the Mt Vernon Track feels like stepping into a different world, despite being only a short drive from the city centre. The journey begins at the Mt Vernon car park on the scenic Summit Road. Right from the get-go, you are treated to a sense of elevation that usually requires hours of climbing.
The trail starts with a short, engaging rocky section that gives the walk a bit of character. It’s nothing too technical, but it reminds you that you’re walking on the rim of an ancient volcano. After this initial bit of footwork, the path levels out beautifully, traversing along the flank of Mt Vernon. This is where the magic happens. To your right, the vast expanse of the Canterbury Plains stretches out like a patchwork quilt, meeting the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps in the far distance. To your left, the rugged tussock slopes rise up toward the summit.
The terrain is a pleasant mix of well-formed gravel paths, rocky outcrops, and smoother sections. Because the track is relatively flat after the first few hundred metres, it’s a great one for kids to burn off some energy without getting too tired. Keep an ear out for the whirr of mountain bike tyres; the track is popular with cyclists, so a quick "hello" and a step to the side is part of the local trail etiquette here.
The sense of space on this trail is what really sticks with you. There are no tall trees to block your view, just wide-open skies and the fresh, salt-tinged air blowing off the Pacific Ocean. It’s an invigorating experience that makes the 2.4km feel like a much grander adventure.
Parking is available at the Mt Vernon car park on Summit Road. To reach it, drive or ride approximately 6.5 km east along Summit Road from the Sign of the Kiwi. Access is also possible from the Rapaki Track car park at the other end of the track.
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
3km away
A historic cafe and bar offering delicious coffee, famous date scones, and a range of meals, all while boasting stunning views across Christchurch. It's a popular stop for hikers and cyclists on Summit Road.
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Point to point
While the entire walk is one long photo opportunity, there are a few standout features that make Mt Vernon special:
Getting to the trailhead is half the fun, as it involves a drive along the spectacular Summit Road.
From the Christchurch CBD, head toward the suburb of Cashmere and wind your way up Hackthorne Road until you reach the Sign of the Kiwi cafe. From this historic landmark, turn left (east) onto Summit Road and drive for approximately 6.5km. You will find the Mt Vernon car park clearly marked.
Alternatively, if you want a slightly different experience, you can access the track from the other end at the Rapaki Track car park. Many locals use the Mt Vernon Track as a connector between the popular Rapaki Track and the Crater Rim Walkway, making it easy to customise the length of your journey.
Despite the exposed and often windy nature of the hills, the Port Hills are home to some wonderful native birdlife. Because the Mt Vernon area connects to pockets of native bush in the valleys below, you’ll often hear the birds before you see them.
The Mt Vernon Track is a true year-round destination, but each season brings a different flavour to the walk:
The Port Hills, or Te Poho-o-Tamatea (The Breast of Tamatea), hold deep significance for the local Māori iwi (tribe), Ngāi Tahu. The name refers to the legendary explorer Tamatea-pōkai-whenua, who is said to have called upon the fire of the gods to warm his people, resulting in the volcanic activity that shaped these hills.
In colonial times, these hills were the primary barrier between the port at Lyttelton and the new settlement of Christchurch. Early settlers had to haul their belongings over these steep ridges. Today, the hills are a protected recreational reserve. The Mt Vernon Farm Park is part of a wider effort to balance recreation with conservation and farming, ensuring that the unique tussock ecology and volcanic features are preserved for future generations.
No hike in the Port Hills is complete without a bit of "après-hike" refreshment. Luckily, you have two fantastic options nearby:
Whether you're looking for a quick burst of exercise or a place to sit and reflect on the beauty of the South Island, the Mt Vernon Track offers a sense of perspective that only the high hills can provide.
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Spring-Summer
4.5km away
Located on Hackthorne Road, this cafe and wine bar offers a relaxed atmosphere with fantastic views over Christchurch. It serves breakfast, lunch, and is open for evening meals on select days, making it a great post-hike refreshment spot.