Walking tour- Packhorse Hut from Christchurch

This tour starts by driving up the Port Hills through the affluent suburb of Cashmere, to our first stop at the “Sign of the Takahe” (The first historic rest house).

Continuing to the “Sign of the Kiwi”, where you will get uninterrupted views of Christchurch and your first glimpse of Lyttelton Harbour.

Heading south along Summit Road and out of the city, we stop at the third rest house the “Sign of the Bellbird” for morning tea.

From the Sign of the Bellbird, it’s a short but very scenic drive to Gebbie’s Pass at the southern end of Lyttelton Harbour.

Our walk begins at Gebbie’s Pass, passing through open farmland before heading into pine forests. After 45 minutes, the track breaks out of the trees and into open tussock grasslands, affording beautiful views of Lyttelton Harbour and Quail Island.

Along the way, we pass by volcanic rock formations named the “Remarkable Dykes” before reaching the historic Packhorse Hut. Your guide will prepare lunch at the hut. After lunch, you will have plenty of time to explore the area around the hut and get some photos before returning to Gebbies Pass.

From Gebbie’s Pass, we return via the scenic coastal road, passing through Governors Bay before heading back over the Port Hills, past the Sign of the Kiwi and on to Christchurch. Your guide will drop you back at your accommodation or the Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Ave, in the city centre.