Mt Vernon Park is a good place to go hiking or cycling if you fancy getting some exercise while enjoying the scenery around Christchurch.
There are several tracks to choose from, depending on your fitness level and how much walking you want to do. Some are quite steep, but the views over the Port Hills and Lyttelton Harbour are worth the effort.
I went there on my own and started walking at around 11 am. I chose the Dry Ridge Track and eventually made my way towards Witch Hill, which turned out to be my favourite part of the hike.
Where Is Mt Vernon Park and How to Get There?
Mt Vernon Park is in the Port Hills, south of central Christchurch.
There are several access points around the park. If you’re planning to take the Dry Ridge Track, one option is to start from the car park at the end of Hillsborough Terrace in Hillsborough.
You can also access other tracks in the area from Summit Road and around Rāpaki Track.
I’d recommend checking the track map before setting off, as there are quite a few routes to choose from.
You can find the walking tracks, access points and parking information on the Christchurch City Council website.
Walking the Dry Ridge Track
I chose Dry Ridge Track, which was steeper and rougher than I expected.
There were plenty of stones along the path, and some sections required quite big steps to get uphill. I had to stop occasionally to catch my breath.
There were also lots of sheep grazing on the hillsides. Seeing sheep everywhere while hiking is one of those things I love about New Zealand.
Another thing I noticed was how many people used the area for exercise.
Rāpaki Track is popular with both walkers and cyclists. It looks relatively gentle in places, but the slope becomes steeper as you climb. I saw some cyclists struggling to pedal uphill and couldn’t help admiring their determination.
I was already having a hard enough time walking!
Looking Out Over Lyttelton Harbour
As I climbed higher, the views over the surrounding hills started to open up.
One of the highlights was looking out towards Lyttelton Harbour, with its blue water, hills and small islands.
It was a nice place to stop, take a few photos and get my breath back before continuing.
The scenery makes the climb more enjoyable, especially when you’re getting tired.
Witch Hill Was My Favourite Part
Witch Hill was easily the most memorable part of the hike.
I made my way towards the rocky area and climbed up to enjoy the view. Looking out over the surrounding landscape from there was fantastic.
However, I’d be careful about climbing onto the rocks, especially if you’re not used to rocky terrain.
By the time you reach Witch Hill, your legs may already be tired from the walk. You need to pay attention to your footing because a wrong step could cause a serious fall.
I wouldn’t recommend taking unnecessary risks just to get a better photo.
Still, I was glad I went up there. The view was my favourite of the whole walk.
A Good Place for Hiking and Training
I spent a couple of hours walking around and taking photos.
I hadn’t been exercising regularly at the time, and my back was sore afterwards. Apparently, I needed the exercise!
As a sightseeing hike, I think once was enough for me. But if I lived nearby, I’d happily use Mt Vernon Park for regular walking, running or fitness training.
The variety of tracks is what makes the area particularly useful. You can choose an easier walk or challenge yourself with a steeper route, depending on how you’re feeling.
And having views like these while exercising certainly helps.
If you’re staying in Christchurch and fancy a walk away from the city, Mt Vernon Park is worth considering. Just save a bit of energy for Witch Hill if you plan to go that far.
Practical Information
Location: Port Hills, Christchurch, New Zealand
Access: Several access points, including Hillsborough Terrace and Summit Road.
Parking: Parking is available at the Hillsborough Terrace entrance and at designated access points along Summit Road.
Tracks: Dry Ridge Track, Valley Track, Farm Track and several connecting routes.
Walking time: Depends on your chosen route. I spent a couple of hours exploring the area, including stops for photos.
Difficulty: Varies by track. Dry Ridge has steep, uneven sections, while the rocky areas around Witch Hill require extra care.
What to bring: Water, comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather.
For track maps and current access information, check the Christchurch City Council – Mt Vernon Farm Park walks page.
