Packhorse Hut Guided Walk from Christchurch

South Island

Adventure By Nature

from

NZ$249

per adult

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Female hiker standing near Packhorse Hut in Canterbury’s tussock-covered hills

Experiences

Hiking & Walking

Family-friendly Tours

Day Tours

Shore Excursions

Small Group Tours

South Island

Start: Christchurch or Lyttelton

Locations: Christchurch, Lyttelton

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 8 hours

Distance: 11 kms

Difficulty: 2

Details

Hike the Port Hills to Historic Packhorse Hut

Venture beyond Christchurch and uncover a treasure trove of natural beauty and history on the Packhorse Hut Guided Walk. This full-day tour weaves through the iconic Port Hills, dotted with historic rest houses like the Sign of the Takahe and Sign of the Kiwi, offering sweeping vistas of the city and Lyttelton Harbour. As you follow the scenic Summit Road to Gebbies Pass, every stop reveals a new perspective of Canterbury’s enchanting landscapes.

The adventure continues on foot, winding through lush pine forests and open tussock grasslands, with volcanic rock formations like the Remarkable Dykes adding a dramatic flair to the journey. Your destination, the charming Packhorse Hut, sits amidst breathtaking surroundings where you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch and have time to soak in the tranquillity. This tour blends history, geology, and natural splendour into an unforgettable experience, ideal for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Historic Sign of the Kiwi café and track intersection on Summit Road

Ornate fireplace and medieval décor inside Sign of the Takahe rest house

View across Lyttelton Harbour towards the open sea from high on the Port Hills

Picnic morning tea set up beside branded vans during a guided day walk to Packhorse Hut

Panoramic view of Lyttelton Harbour and Banks Peninsula framed by native bush

Hiker photographing grazing sheep in a paddock on the Packhorse Hut day walk

Two walkers using hiking poles on a pastoral trail through Banks Peninsula farmland

Small group of hikers ascending grassy ridge on Port Hills near Christchurch

Walkers following the Summit Road track with views across Lyttelton Harbour

Close-up of unfurling koru fern along the Port Hills walking trail

Hiker facing away, overlooking tussock hills and distant harbour views on the Packhorse track

Hikers taking a break on the Port Hills track with views of rolling hills and Lyttelton Harbour

Two hikers on a grassy section of trail approaching Packhorse Hut from Gebbies Pass

Group of hikers climbing towards Sign of the Kiwi on the Port Hills track

Female hiker photographing the Packhorse Hut from the main trail

Packhorse Hut nestled in dry tussock hills under a moody Canterbury sky

Historic stone Packhorse Hut with red roof above Lyttelton Harbour on Banks Peninsula

Group of hikers arriving at Packhorse Hut surrounded by golden tussock and blue skies

Stone wall and red window of Packhorse Hut with Lyttelton Harbour in the background

View from inside Packhorse Hut looking out to a hiker and tussock landscape

Highlights

Visit the four historic "rest houses"
- Sign of the Takahe
- Sign of the Kiwi
- Sign of the Bellbird, and
- Sign of the Packhorse.
Scenic drive over the Port Hills and along Summit Road with panoramic views.
Guided walk to the picturesque Packhorse Hut.

Tour Inclusions

Guided scenic drive and walking tour.
Air-conditioned transport
Morning tea, picnic lunch, and afternoon tea

Imporant Information

Pick-up between 8:45-9:30 AM
Drop-off between 4:30-5:00 PM
Hotel pick-up within 3.5 km of Christchurch city centre, Cathedral Square, Zeroes Cafe (with free parking), and Lyttelton Port for shore excursions
Difficulty: Moderate; 11 km walk on well-formed tracks, estimated duration of 3-4 hours.
Group size: Minimum of 2; maximum of 11.

Age Information

Adults: 13 years and over
Child: 5-12 years

Cancellations & Refunds

More than 48 hours before departure: Full refund**
Between 24 and 48 hours: 50% refund
Less than 24 hours: No refund
No shows: No refund

Note: **Refunds exclude credit card or booking fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Itinerary

Begin your adventure with a drive up the Port Hills through the picturesque and affluent suburb of Cashmere, arriving first at the historic Sign of the Takahe, a charming rest house brimming with character. From here, continue on to the Sign of the Kiwi, where uninterrupted views of Christchurch and your first glimpse of the stunning Lyttelton Harbour await.

The journey south along the Summit Road takes us to the Sign of the Bellbird, our third historic rest house, where we pause for morning tea amidst scenic surroundings. A short and scenic drive from here brings us to Gebbies Pass at the southern end of Lyttelton Harbour, where the walking portion of your tour begins.

Setting off from Gebbies Pass, the track meanders through rolling farmland before entering serene pine forests. After about 45 minutes, the landscape opens up into tussock grasslands, revealing breathtaking views over Lyttelton Harbour and Quail Island. Along the way, you’ll encounter striking volcanic rock formations known as the Remarkable Dykes.

Your destination is the historic Packhorse Hut, where your guide will prepare a delicious lunch. After lunch, take time to explore the area, soak up the natural beauty, and capture some memorable photos before retracing your steps back to Gebbies Pass.

The return journey takes the scenic coastal road through Governors Bay, with more incredible views as you head back over the Port Hills, past the Sign of the Kiwi, and into Christchurch. Your guide will ensure a comfortable drop-off either at your accommodation or in the city centre.

A perfect day filled with history, nature, and awe-inspiring landscapes!