This section of the Crater Rim Walkway runs between Ahuriri Reserve, Mt Cass and Ellas Track.
| Start | Sign of the Bellbird, Summit Road, Port Hills |
| Finish | Sign of the Bellbird, Summit Road, Port Hills |
| Distance | 4 km |
| Time | 1.5 hours one way |
| Toilets | Located at the Sign of the Bellbird |
| Dogs | Under effective control |
| Description |
Past the Sign of the Bellbird, the track quickly heads into a lovely second-growth native forest full of well-established tree fuchsia and totara. Continue southwards through the grassy tops of Orongomai Reserve, passing through several bush remnants and rock outcrops. The track climbs away from near Summit Road and up onto the slopes of Coopers Knob/Omawete. At 573 m, the highest point on the Port Hills, the views down the length of Lyttelton Harbour are breathtaking. A short detour leading to the summit requires a little easy scrambling over rock – this can be slippery in wet weather. A descent through native bush brings you to the end of the Crater Rim Walkway at a car park opposite Ahururi Reserve. Ahuriri Reserve is a small pocket of bush tucked away on the plains side of the ridge. Carefully fenced, it has maintained its understorey and some fine examples of great old native trees. Get ready for this track using Plan My Walk(external link) by the NZ Mountain Safety Council. You can find track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list, so you are set for your adventure. |
Walking tracks
Shared use
Connecting tracks
Closed
Parking
Bus stop
Toilets
Water fountains
Accessible tracks
Challenging feature
Entry and exit point
Point of interest