New signage has been erected on the Port Hills by the Christchurch City Council to provide track and park users with clear guidelines on how they can stay safe while enjoying their outdoor experience.

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

Read more

Track condition

Closed tracks

You can check the track status for bike and walking tracks.

Closed tracks are well sign-posted including those closed temporarily, see the Track Closures map for more details.

Some tracks and reserves remain closed due to significant rockfall risk identified after the Canterbury earthquakes in 2011. Specialist contractors may be rolling and deconstructing rocks in these areas.

Obey any closure or warning signs.

Open tracks

Just as much care should be taken with open tracks as hazards are not always immediately obvious.

Hazard indicators include signs of rocks having moved, cracks and slumping of the ground or rock debris at the base of cliffs. 

Walkers are advised to remain well clear of the tops and bottoms of coastal cliffs, bluffs and rocky outcrops.

Earthquakes

If you are walking or cycling in the Port Hills, consider where you would go if there was another earthquake.

In general, ridges are safer than gullies, and rocky bluffs and cliff edges should be avoided.

Animals

Dogs

There are different rules in different parts of the hills depending on season and impact on wildlife.

Information about dogs is shown on each individual walking track page.

Farm animals

You may come across sheep and cattle on some tracks.

Do not approach, chase or touch animals you see and give them a chance to get out of your way.

Use gates provided and leave gates as you find them.

Hunting

Hunting is not allowed in the Port Hills.

Firearms are strictly prohibited.

Fires

Fires are not permitted anywhere on the hills.

There is a significant fire risk during summer and even discarded cigarettes can start a fire.

If you see a fire, call 111 immediately.

Please remember - even though the hills are close to the city observe all the safety guidelines around walking and biking in more remote areas(external link).