Bridle Path — Heathcote to the Port Hills

Elevation profile

How long it takes

Easy pace (7:00/km)

51 min

Steady pace (6:00/km)

46 min

Quick pace (5:00/km)

41 min

An estimate: the pace on flat ground, plus a little extra time for every metre you climb. Work out your own pace with the pace calculator.

The run

A 5 km out-and-back up the Bridle Path, the track the early settlers used to cross from Lyttelton to Christchurch. From the gondola car park in Heathcote it climbs about 320 m on a wide, steep, part-rocky track to the saddle on the Summit Road, where a stone shelter looks down over Lyttelton Harbour. It is a pure climb and descent, which makes it a good hill session.

Good to know

Park at the gondola car park at the bottom of Bridle Path Road. The track is steep enough that most people walk sections of it, and the loose surface needs care on the way down. There is no water or shade. From the top you can drop down the other side to Lyttelton and take the No. 28 bus back. The council closes Port Hills tracks on days of extreme fire danger.

• Parking: Free
• Dogs: On-leash
• Best time: Early AM