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Port Hills, Christchurch
8 km
2 hours 30 minutes
325 metres
If you ask a Christchurch local for their go-to weekend hill walk, chances are the Rapaki Track will be at the top of their list. But for those looking to stretch their legs a little further and escape the crowds, the Rapaki to Bowenvale traverse is the ultimate upgrade. Linking two of the city's most iconic trails via the rugged Crater Rim Walkway, this 8-kilometre point-to-point journey is a masterclass in Canterbury scenery. From the sparkling blue waters of Whakaraupō (Lyttelton Harbour) to the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, this walk offers a 360-degree perspective of what makes this region so special.
As you ascend, the city begins to shrink behind you. To your right, the rugged rocky outcrops—remnants of the ancient Lyttelton volcano—provide a dramatic backdrop against the golden tussock. About halfway up, take a moment to look back; the view across the Canterbury Plains toward the Alps is spectacular, especially on a crisp winter morning when the mountains are heavy with snow.
Once you reach the Summit Road car park, you’ve conquered the hardest part of the climb. This is where the magic happens. Instead of heading back down the way you came, you’ll join a section of the Crater Rim Walkway. The terrain shifts here, feeling a bit more "wild." You are literally walking along the rim of an extinct volcano. To your left, the land drops away into the deep blue of Lyttelton Harbour and the rolling hills of the Banks Peninsula.
The final leg of the journey takes you down into the Bowenvale Valley. This descent is a delightful contrast to the climb. The wide gravel gives way to a narrower track that winds through scattered native bush and open grasslands. It can be a bit more technical than Rapaki—keep an eye out for occasional muddy patches or slippery sections if it has been raining recently. There are some stairs to navigate as you drop deeper into the valley, eventually emerging at the end of Bowenvale Avenue in the suburb of Cashmere.
Parking is available at the start of Rapaki Track, at the junction of Rapaki Road and Centaurus Road in Hillsborough, or along Centaurus Road and Vernon Terrace. Alternatively, parking can be found at the end of Bowenvale Avenue in Cashmere for the other end of the traverse. For access to the Summit Road section, there are car parks at the top of Rapaki Track and at Bowenvale car park on Summit Road. In busy times, consider parking at Hansen Park or Fifield Terrace and enjoying a warm-up stroll along the Heathcote River before tackling the ascent.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
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
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
3km away
Perched at the junction of Summit and Dyers Pass Roads, this historic Category 1 stone building offers stunning views over Christchurch and the Southern Alps. It's a perfect spot for hikers to grab hot drinks, delicious cabinet food, or hot chips, with plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the vista.
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Point to point
Keep an eye out for the volcanic rock formations. The Port Hills are the eroded remains of two massive volcanoes, and the jagged outcrops along the Rapaki-Bowenvale ridge are a stark reminder of this fiery past. These rocks are popular spots for a quick photo or a snack break.
If you are a fan of big horizons, the view to the north-east is unbeatable. On a clear day, you can look right across Pegasus Bay all the way to the Kaikoura Ranges, where the mountains meet the sea in a dramatic white line on the horizon.
The cheeky Pīwakawaka (Fantail) is almost guaranteed to make an appearance, often flitting along the track beside you to catch the insects you stir up as you walk. In the more forested sections of Bowenvale, look up to see if you can spot a Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon) perched heavily on a branch. If you are very lucky—and very quiet—you might even see the Kārearea (New Zealand Falcon) soaring high above the rocky outcrops. They are rare but are known to hunt in the open tussock lands of the Port Hills.
The Rapaki Track itself follows a historic route used by early European settlers and Māori alike. As you walk, you are traversing a landscape that has shifted from dense podocarp forest to farmed tussock land, and is now slowly being restored through native plantings. The area is a vital "green lung" for Christchurch, providing a necessary escape from the urban environment below.
Whether you're a local looking for your weekly hill fix or a visitor wanting to see Christchurch from its best angle, the Rapaki to Bowenvale traverse is a walk that never fails to deliver.
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
Falco novaeseelandiae
Also known as Kārearea. Fast and agile raptor found in both forest and open country.
Best time: Year-round
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
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
4.5km away
A vibrant social hub in the Port Hills, ideal for post-hike refreshments. This cafe offers a unique menu with healthy, locally sourced options, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices, along with a fully licensed bar.
6.5km away
Christchurch's long-standing local pub, offering a family-friendly atmosphere with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. It's a great spot for a hearty meal and a refreshing drink after your hike, featuring a fully fenced playground for kids and a dog-friendly outdoor area.