Christchurch is an incredibly flat place, other than the Port Hills, the remnants of a huge volcanic eruption 12 million years ago. They’re a prime location for locals cycling, walking, and running, and the hills were busy on a beautiful (if hot) Sunday in the summer holidays. I’ve driven through the Port Hills but never hiked there before, so I started with the popular Rapaki Track. As with many of the Port Hill tracks this is shared between pedestrians and cyclists. From the start there were good views back toward the rather bland city centre skyline and surrounding endless suburbs.

The track is basically a small road, so very easy walking other than the upward gradient and near complete lack of shade. This is common across the Port Hills, which originally would have been covered in native bush, but only small pockets remain / have been replanted, leaving the rest as yellow grass over the hot summer.

There were some pretty good views across the hills and back toward the city as I headed up the track along with dozens of other people.

The track ends with stunning views across the water toward Diamond Harbour.

Along with big views back toward the city and water on the other side.

From here I intended to head up Mt Vernon, so took the Mt Vernon Track, only to find that this wound its way around rather than up Mt Vernon. The views were still pretty good though.

The other side offered more water views.

From here I returned back downhill via the Huntsbury Track through Bowenvale Reserve. This was also a small road, but much quieter than Rapaki track, with more clear views down to the increasingly close city centre.