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Key facts
- Distance
- 5.7 km one way
- Walking time
- 2 hr 30 min
- Track grade
- Intermediate
- Location
- Banks Peninsula area
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
This track takes you from the Port Levy Saddle car park through tussock grassland to reach the summit of Mt Herbert/Te Ahu Pātiki.
This DOC directory entry covers Port Levy Saddle to Mt Herbert/Te Ahu Pātiki summit in Canterbury, within Banks Peninsula area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 5.7 km one way
- Walking time: 2 hr 30 min
- DOC grade: Intermediate
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This track is part of the Te Ara Pātaka/Summit Walkway.
From the Port Levy Saddle car park follow the marked farm track (punctuated by pine forest and old stands of remnant tōtara) to a steep tussock slope that leads to the summit of 'Little Mt Herbert' (913m).
From there head north-west along the plateau through tussock grassland to reach the summit of Mt Herbert (919m). Take great care in misty weather to follow the orange markers along the 1 km plateau between the two summits. You may encounter cattle grazing along the way. Give them space as you walk.
Both summits have radio and mobile phone towers and it can be confusing to know which you are on. Facing Lyttelton Harbour, Mt Herbert is on the left, and 'Little Mt Herbert' is on the right.
Getting there
The Port Levy Saddle car park is at the top of Western Valley Road. This steep, narrow gravel road connects Little River to Port Levy. It is not suitable for campervans or towing vehicles,and can be difficult for 2WD vehicles after heavy rain. The parking area here also provides easy access to the Rod Donald Hut.
You can also access this section of Te Ara Pātaka from the Packhorse Hut to Mt Herbert/Te Ahu Patiki summit track.
Know before you go
Mountain biking is not allowed on this section of Te Ara Pātaka.
The track is suitable for people with moderate backcountry skills and experience. It's rough and steep in places.
The track is exposed to all weathers. It can be windy, cold and prone to low cloud in poor weather.
Water and toilets are only available at the huts and the Mt Herbert shelter.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
