Photographs ► Sign of the Packhorse ►

Tracks

Sign of the Packhorse

Track • 2 – 3 days. Easy/medium. One way.

This track between Gebbies Pass and Hilltop was once surveyed as part of the Banks Peninsula Summit Road, although never constructed. Farm and tussocklands, expansive views, and remnant tōtara forest.

Mount Herbert: Kaituna Valley approach

Track • 1 day. Easy/medium. Return by the same track.

A gentle climb to an historic hut, and onward to Mount Herbert / Te Ahu Patiki (919m).

Packhorse Hut Track

Track • 0 – 2 days. Easy. Return by the same track.

A gentle climb to the historic "Sign of the Packhorse" hut beneath Mount Bradley on Banks Peninsula. Views of the Port Hills and the head of Lyttelton Harbour.

Gebbies Pass - Sign of the Packhorse

Track • 0 – 2 days. Easy. Return via same track.

An easy walk in to the historic Sign of the Packhorse Hut on Banks Peninsula. Closed for lambing August-October.

Track grades

Easy: Unusually smooth, well-marked track, easy gradients. Up to about 4 hours per day.
Easy-medium: Typical lowland track. Generally easy walking and well marked. Ascents of up to 1000m. Some easy river crossings, unmarked travel along rivers.
Medium: Typical tops track. Experienced trampers only. Rough, muddy and poorly marked or unmarked. Ascents of up to 2000m. River crossings, open tops, passes. Up to about 8 hours per day.
Medium-hard: Navigation and snow skills (use of ice axe and crampons) required. Glaciers, exposure to falls.
Hard: Rough or non-existent tracks. Following ridges, bush spurs, and rivers. Steep ascents, arduous travel, hazardous conditions, snow and navigation skills essential.