Up to date track information and guidelines on how you can stay safe while enjoying your outdoor experience.
| Area | Warning | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Port Hills walking tracks |
Due to the Port Hills fire, Ellas Track, Bivvy Track and Totara Log Track remain closed. Check with the Summit Road Society(external link) for more details. All other Port Hills walking tracks have reopened. |
Ongoing |
| Pony Point Track |
Closed due to multiple slips from Cass Bay to Pony Point, along the Head to Head Track. |
Ongoing |
| Coastal Cliffs Walkway |
Please take care of the exposed steep cliff edges. Tracks can be slippery, especially when wet. Please ensure children are well supervised. |
Ongoing |
Closed tracks
Tracks may close if they are subject to hazards, especially after poor weather.
For your safety obey any closure or warning signs on the ground.
If you are mountain biking, please check the MTB track status page.
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.
In or immediately after high winds, avoid walking in dense tree covered areas and be aware of the danger of falling branches.
If you are walking or cycling in the Port Hills, consider where you would go if there was an earthquake.
In general, ridges are safer than gullies, and rocky bluffs and cliff edges should be avoided.
Dogs
There are different rules in different parts of the hills depending on season and impact on wildlife.
Your dog must be under effective control (when you call, it comes immediately) at all times. If you are unable to do this then you must leash your dog at all times.
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.
If you see livestock, leash your dog immediately.
Hunting is not allowed in the Port Hills.
Firearms are strictly prohibited.
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.
Even though our parks are close to the city, please remember to observe all the safety guidelines around walking and biking in more remote areas(external link).