# Port Hills

Source: https://godosomething.fun/activities/new-zealand/canterbury/christchurch/port-hills-plc_gtf001waft07r/

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Attraction

Port Hills is a range of hills forming the skyline south of central Christchurch, separating the city from Lyttelton Harbour. The area offers walking and mountain biking tracks along Summit Road, from short walks to full-day routes, plus lookout points over the Canterbury Plains and harbour. Access is free and open year-round.

## Tours and tickets for Port Hills

Tours and tickets from an approved affiliate partner. Prices and availability are confirmed by the partner.

- Sponsored (GetYourGuide): [](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Port%20Hills%2C%20New%20Zealand&partner_id=NNYQ1IK&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=place-port-hills)

## How to get there

Port Hills rise directly south of central Christchurch, roughly a 15-20 minute drive to the main trailheads on Dyers Pass Road or Summit Road. Free parking is available at trailhead car parks such as the Sign of the Kiwi and Sign of the Takahe. There is no direct public bus service to most trailheads; some routes stop near the base of the hills, and cyclists and walkers often ride or drive up. The Christchurch Gondola on Bridle Path Road provides an alternative way to reach the summit ridge without walking.

Approximate location: -43.60228, 172.64438

## Transfers to Port Hills

Door-to-door transfers from an approved affiliate partner. Prices and availability are confirmed by the partner.

- Sponsored (Welcome Pickups): [](https://traveler.transfersforhotels.com/113417/christchurch/transfer/new)

## Hotels near Port Hills

- [Hotels in Christchurch](https://godosomething.fun/hotels/new-zealand/canterbury/christchurch/)

## More in Christchurch

- [Things to do in Christchurch](https://godosomething.fun/activities/new-zealand/canterbury/christchurch/)
- [What to Do in Christchurch? Match It to Your Trip](https://godosomething.fun/guides/new-zealand/what-to-do-in-christchurch/)
- [How Many Days Do You Need in Christchurch?](https://godosomething.fun/guides/new-zealand/how-many-days-in-christchurch/)

## Quick answers

**Is entry to the Port Hills free?**

Yes, walking and biking access to the Port Hills tracks is free and open year-round. Some routes, like the Christchurch Gondola, charge a fare to reach the summit without walking or riding up.

**How long does it take to walk the Port Hills tracks?**

Walk times vary by route, from short lookout walks of under an hour to full-day traverses along Summit Road between Ahuriri and Godley Head. Trail signage at each car park gives estimated times.

![A ridge track along open hilltops overlooking a coastal plain and harbour in the distance.](https://cdn.godosomething.fun/media/site__place-new-zealand-christchurch--port-hills.webp)
Photo: Go Do Something Fun (/media/site__place-new-zealand-christchurch--port-hills.webp) — First-party AI-generated artwork © Suppers Software Limited ()