Mitchells Track
- 20 min one way
- Easy
Short, handsome forest walk in Christchurch's Port Hills.
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Walking time
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20 min |
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Distance
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1.0km |
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Type
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One way
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Grade
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Easy |
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Bookings
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No bookings — open access
No — open access
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Starts
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Sign of the Kiwi, Dyers Pass Road, Christchurch |
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Ends
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Summit Road, Christchurch |
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Maps
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NZTopo50-BX24
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Altitude
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330m
–
400m
Altitude change 70m
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This short trail explores the damp inner flanks of Sugarloaf, the prominent knob topped with a radio/TV mast on the Crater Rim, above Lyttelton Harbour. The trail links up well with both Gilpins and Cedrics Tracks for a pleasant loop walk.
The Sign of the Kiwi was one of the rest houses established by Harry Ell. Until recently, it operated as a cafe, but it is currently shuttered. There are still toilets and a drinking fountain available, with a car park nearby. From the Sign of the Kiwi, cross Dyers Pass Road and take the marked track up stone steps.
At a junction, Cedrics Track heads onto the sunny grassland to the left, which Mitchells breaks to the right into rich forest. The track passes a popular rocky viewpoint, under some bluffs, and by a couple of stone seats. Coming out of forest, it climbs up onto the ridge and passes the ends of Gilpins and Cedrics Tracks. A car park is located on the Summit Road here.
| This track needs a photograph. |