Scarborough Bluffs Track

This walk up the valley behind Sumner is a straightforward alternative to the well known Captain Thomas Track. It heads up the slopes on the true right side of the valley. 

Look for the small marked car park 450m along Evans Pass Road after Sumnervale Drive. The park is on the uphill side of the road with no turning space. 

From the car park, a rocky track zigzags up under bluffs on an open slope of grass and exotic succulents. At the first bend, a side track leads off to Taylors Mistake. Onward, the track soon eases and sidles up the valley. Look for muehlenbeckia, shield fern, leptinella, and prostrate kowhai in the area. 

Near the head of the valley, the track climbs over a stile and into the revegetated young forest of Rapanui Bush. The track comes to a junction. Turn left to head up to Godley Head Road and Evans Pass, or turn right to link up with the Captain Thomas Track and head back down the valley.