Te Ara Pātaka/Summit Walkway: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Enjoy magnificent views over Banks Peninsula, the Canterbury plains, Southern Alps and Pacific Ocean on this track, which is about an hour's drive from Christchurch.

This DOC directory entry covers Te Ara Pātaka/Summit Walkway in Canterbury, within Banks Peninsula area / Christchurch 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: 35 km one way
• Walking time: 2-3 days
• DOC grade: Intermediate; Advanced

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.

• No access from Port Levy side; First published on 19 February 2026. Last reviewed on 14 September 2026.

Seasonal restrictions

Sections of Te Ara Pātaka are on private property and may be closed for lambing between August and October. Track closure information can be found in the section descriptions below. For more information on crossing farmland see ‘Know before you’ below.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The following description covers the walkway from Kaituna Valley to The Hilltop, but other access and exit points are possible. These are noted where relevant.

Te Ara Pātaka/Summit Walkway links Kaituna Valley in the Lyttelton crater to The Hilltop in the Akaroa crater. It follows a long high ridgeline that includes Mt Herbert/Te Ahu Patiki, the highest point on Banks Peninsula.

The track can be completed as a one-way walk most of the year. Part of the track may be closed during lambing.

Kaituna Valley Packhorse Hut Track

Time: 1 hr 20 minDistance: 4 km

The Kaituna Valley Packhorse Hut Track is a well signposted track that passes through a farm, following vehicle tracks up a native bush-filled valley.

The track ambles through pasture and then forest, crossing the valley stream several times. In the summer you can use stepping stones to cross, but be prepared to get wet feet if the stream is up after rain.

The track eventually climbs steeply onto a big spur. It then follows the open spur for some distance before reaching a farm track through the Parkinsons Bush Reserve. This leads to the saddle and the historic stone Packhorse Hut, well situated for the views. Packhorse Hut makes a great place for a sheltered lunch stop if completing this walk in a day. or an exciting nights’ stay for families or those travelling the Te Ara Pātaka track

There are great views along the track of Kaitorete Spit and the South Coast, also Lyttelton Harbour, Quail island and the Port Hills.

Mountain biking is not allowed. An alternative route from Gebbies Pass, managed by Christchurch City Council, may have diversions in place during lambing. Please follow all signage and detours.

When crossing farmland where animals are present, please do not touch the animals including lambs and calves, and give all animals plenty of space.

Sign of the Packhorse Hut to Mt Herbert/Te Ahu Patiki summit

Time: 2–3 hrDistance: 6.5 km

Packhorse Hut to Mt Herbert/Te Ahu Patiki summit track crosses the Sign of the Packhorse Scenic Reserve with many young, regenerating lancewood trees.

Head east through the top of the Sign of the Packhorse Scenic Reserve through many young, regenerating horoeka/lancewood trees. The track emerges from the reserve into open country and zig-zags steeply up the side of Mount Bradley, climbing 300 m. This is the toughest part of the track, but you will be rewarded with wonderful views back down towards Packhorse Hut and the Kaituna Valley. After the last zig-zag the track heads east, skirting below the mountain's rocky massif through gorse, bush and regenerating scrub – you will have to pick over some rocky patches.

The track emerges at a fence line on the pass between Mount Bradley and Mount Herbert. Cross at the stile and carry straight on near the fence. You will soon join a farm track; stay on the main track when a side track branches off to Orton Bradley Park. The Mount Herbert Shelter is a short distance along and has a toilet and water.

From the shelter, return to the farm track. Turn right after about 400 m, up a smaller track that leads through gorse to the Mount Herbert/Te Ahu Patiki summit. If you miss this turnoff, there is another opportunity to reach the summit when the track from Te Waipapa/DiamondHarbour joins.

There are stunning views from here on a good day. On a cloudy day it can be misty and confusing so watch closely for the track markers, which are closer together on this section.

Mt Herbert/Te Ahu Patiki summit to Port Levy Saddle

Time: 2 hr 30 minDistance: 5.7 km

Mountain biking is not allowed on this section.

From the summit of Mount Herbert, head south-east along the plateau through tussock grassland to reach the summit of ‘Little Mount Herbert’. 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.

From ‘Little Mount Herbert’, carry on south-east down a steep tussock slope, to pick up the marked farm track. This is punctuated by pine forest and old stands of remnant tōtara. It then drops to the Port Levy saddle car park on Western Valley Road.

Port Levy saddle is at the top of Western Valley Road. This steep, narrow gravel road connects Little River to Port Levy. It's not suitable for campervans or towing vehicles, and can be difficult for 2WD vehicles after heavy rain

There is a parking area here providing easy access to Rod Donald Hut or Mount Herbert. If you're doing the track in reverse – Port Levy Saddle to Mt Herbert/Te Ahu Patiki summit.

Port Levy saddle to Rod Donald Hut

Time: 50 minDistance: 2.5 km

Port Levy saddle to Rod Donald Hut takes you through beautiful old growth tōtara forest at Waipuna Saddle and on to Rod Donald Hut. You can prebook this hut for an overnight stay or visit as a day walk.

Cross Western Valley Road and follow the marked track to Waipuna Saddle. There is a beautiful old growth tōtara forest at Waipuna Saddle. This is on private land, but the landowner permits you to visit it. Respect this very special place.

Rod Donald Hut is down a side track and takes about 25 min to walk to from the Waipuna Saddle. This section of the track is accessible by mountain bike, but bikes are best left at the top of the Rod Donald Hut track.

The Rod Donald Hut is on private land belonging to the Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust and protected by a QEII National Trust covenant. As with Packhorse Hut, bunks must be pre-booked through this website, but day walkers are welcome to visit.

Mountain biking is allowed on this section but bikes are best left at the top of the Rod Donald Hut Track.

Rod Donald Hut to The Hilltop via Montgomery Reserve

Time: 6 hrDistance: 14.3 km

Rod Donald Hut to The Hilltop via Montgomery Reserve takes you through Montgomery Park Scenic Reserve onto Summit Road.

The track crosses private farmland – respect this and keep to the track.

From Rod Donald Hut, climb back up the access track to reach Waipuna Saddle. Then head east following the marked farm track through the tōtara graveyard, pasture and several DOC reserves.

Mountain bikers leave the main track briefly to bypass the narrow rocky track through Mount Fitzgerald, and take an easier farm track.

Soon after the Whatarangi Totara Scenic Reserve, the track diverges again. Walkers should head up to Montgomery Park Scenic Reserve and walk directly to The Hilltop. The reserve track is steep and rocky, so take care and enjoy the beautiful forest including a giant tōtara, thought to be up to 2,000 years old.

The track emerges from the reserve onto Summit Road. Keep children close and take extreme care to look and listen for vehicles as you cross the road.

Mountain biking is allowed on this section, but is not allowed in Montgomery Park Scenic Reserve. Follow the farm track to Pettigrews Road. Turn right at the end to reach the Summit Road, and right again to ride along the Summit Road to The Hilltop.

Topo 50 map

BX24 and BX25.

Mountain biking

Mountain biking is allowed on some sections of Te Ara Pātaka:

Gebbies Pass to Packhorse Hut – grade 4.

Port Levy Saddle to Hilltop Hotel – grade 3.

• Bikers must enter or exit via Pettigrews Road.

• No mountain bikes are permitted in the Montgomery Reserve.

Fees and bookings

Bookings

Bookings are required to stay at the huts.

Book Packhorse and Rod Donald huts online.

Getting there

Car

Te Ara Pātaka is best accessed by car. It's best to leave a car at each end of the track.

It's around a 50 minutes drive from Christchurch to Gebbies Pass, or 1 hour 15 minutes to The Hilltop as the roads are steep and windy.

If parking at The Hilltop, leave vehicles at the furthest end of the car park from the tavern itself.

Public transport

Connecting tracks enable shorter loop walks, and public transport is available from Te Waipapa/Diamond Harbour and The Hilltop.

There are shuttle services between Christchurch and Akaroa that can stop or pick up at The Hilltop on request. If you book to catch the bus at the end of your walk at The Hilltop, let them know to call at The Hilltop. Be there 15 min after the bus departure time from Akaroa. There is also an on-demand shuttle from Pohatu.

It's an excellent 2-day trip using public transport starting at Diamond Harbour jetty, staying overnight at Rod Donald Hut, and catching a shuttle from Hilltop Tavern back to Christchurch.

Alternative access

You can also reach Te Ara Pātaka via several connecting tracks, including the following:

• Gebbies Pass to Packhorse Hut

• Mount Herbert Walkway

• Tablelands/Faulkner tracks

• Monument Track (both north and south)

The track can be picked up at Port Levy saddle, via Western Valley Road. Drive carefully. This unsealed road is winding, rough, steep and narrow. After heavy rain it may be passable only by 4WD vehicles.

Pettigrews Road is an entry/exit for mountain bikes.

More information on alternate access routes.

Know before you go

The track is suitable for people with moderate backcountry skills and experience. It's rough and steep in places.

Although the walkway is easily accessible the weather can change quickly, and it can be very cold and exposed on the tops. It can be windy, cold and prone to low cloud in poor weather.

Make sure you are well equipped, with layered clothing and a water/wind-proof jacket.

In winter, the track over Mt Herbert and Mt Bradley can get snowy and icy.

Drinking water and toilets are only available at the huts and the Mt Herbert shelter. The track gets very hot in summer, so carry plenty of water and sun protection.

All tracks cross private farmland, so keep on the marked tracks and respect the working operations on the farms. Leave gates as you find them, taking extra care in large groups.

Mountain bikes are restricted to some tracks only. Firearms, motor vehicles or fires are also not allowed anywhere on this land.

Take care near stinging nettle

Urtica ferox (ongaonga) is an endemic stinging nettle and common in this area. Take care not to touch these plants as they have a very strong sting. Ongaonga are an important host plant of Vanessa gonerilla (kahukura), the endemic red admiral butterfly.

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.