Rapaki to Bowenvale : Christchurch City Council

Located in the heart of the farmed tussock landscape with rocky outcrops and a range of adrenalin raising activities - the ultimate outdoor gym.

COVID-19 update on parks and tracks

The Government is asking for everyone to stay at home. Their advice is that you can go for a walk or exercise outdoors for a short time, but to stick to simple walks or exercise spots close to home.

If using one of our parks, always stay two metres away from anyone not in your household. If you take your dog, please keep it on a leash at all times to help avoid contact with other dogs. Take your dog poo home and dispose of it in your red bin.

Where there are gates and latches in parks, please avoid using your hands to open and close them. If gates are off their hinges or left open, please leave them as you find them.

Cemeteries are open for pedestrian access only.

The following are closed:

Public toilets.
Playgrounds, play equipment or exercise equipment in parks.
The Botanic Gardens.
Car parks within parks.
Visitor and information centres.
The Spencer Park animal area and fenced dog parks.
All Council-owned sports facilities

Unite Against Covid-19, visit covid19.govt.nz

Access

Drive to the top of Rapaki track, Bowenvale Avenue or Mount Vernon Farm Park car parks for access to tracks and rock climbing opportunities.

There is parking available at the end of Bowenvale Avenue, Hillsborough Terrace, Hansens Park and Fifield Terrace. The latter two locations are excellent choices to get a five minute warm up along the river before the tackling the hill tracks.

Alternatively, drive to the top of Rapaki Track via Dyers Pass and the Summit Road for access to easier options.

Dogs

Dogs must on a leash at all times.

Volunteer

Get involved in your favourite park by volunteering.

There are regular working bees and community planting days held throughout the year in the Port Hills.

Walks and tracks

Tracks in this area run from the Rapaki Track across to Huntsbury Spur, Bowenvale Valley and up to Victoria Park. They can be combined to make a variety of interesting short and half day walks or rides.

Mountain biking

Bowenvale Valley is a great ride with a number of interesting features and some challenging sections. The track combines the shorter tracks of the Bowenvale Traverse and the Bowenvale Downhill. Tackle a section or take on the whole valley! For something challenging, technical and bound to get the heart pumping, take on the Lava Flow Track nearby.

The popular Rapaki Track is shared use with walkers, combine with Witch Hill Track for an extra challenge.

For easier but steady uphill climbs, take on Mt Vernon Farm Track, Mt Vernon Track or Huntsbury Track.