Last updated November 2026
The Mount Pleasant Track is a short Port Hills walk from Tapuwaeharuru/Evans Pass up to a set of World War II gun emplacements on the Mount Pleasant bluffs. DOC grades it Easiest and gives about 35 minutes to complete it.
The track follows part of the Crater Rim Walkway along the Lyttelton Harbour side of the hills, with panoramic views over the harbour, down towards the Estuary and out to sea. It sits about 11 km from Christchurch and can be reached by city bus via Sumner.
DOC describes it as a great summer walk, and the concrete battery at the top makes it a good one for anyone interested in local history.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Mount Pleasant Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Tapuwaeharuru/Evans Pass
- Finish
- Mount Pleasant gun emplacements
- Distance from the city
- About 11 km from Christchurch
- Walking time
- 35 minutes
- Track length
- 1.1 km one way
- Grade
- Easiest
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Mount Pleasant Track
From the top of Evans Pass, the walk heads a short way west along Summit Road before picking up the Crater Rim Walkway on the left. The marked trail then climbs along the Lyttelton Harbour side of the ridge towards the gun emplacements, through tussock and exotic grasses.
Look out for native spaniard, or speargrass, which sends up spikes of yellow flowers in summer. The views open up as you climb, taking in the tops of the Mount Pleasant bluffs, the harbour below, the Estuary and the open sea beyond.
Sheep graze the area at times, so leave them alone and keep dogs under control as DOC asks.
The Gun Emplacements
The concrete structures at the end of the track are what remains of a heavy anti-aircraft battery from World War II, built to counter high-flying enemy aircraft. According to DOC, the guns could fire a shell 3000 m in 14 seconds.
You can still see the holdfast points where the guns were mounted and the ammunition bunkers on their sides. The roofed command bunker is sunk into the rock, and DOC notes the site is largely unchanged since the army decommissioned it after the war.
Getting There
By car: drive to the top of Evans Pass from Sumner or Lyttelton and use the parking area there.
By bus: take a city bus from central Christchurch to Sumner. From the end of the line, DOC says to walk up Evans Pass Road for a few minutes to a track on the left, turn right at the junction and follow it to the top of Evans Pass.
Track Conditions and Safety
DOC’s track page notes: “There is a rockfall risk as a result of the Christchurch earthquakes. Keep to the track.” DOC also notes that ongaonga, the native stinging nettle, may be growing around the gun emplacements, and that sheep periodically graze in the area. Take care on the short section along Summit Road. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
From locals
Is the Mount Pleasant Track a loop or one way?
Is the climb up to the gun emplacements steep anywhere, or fairly gradual the whole way?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
Like Christchurch’s outdoors?
Explore Christchurch Weekly has a walk or park idea every week, plus local news and weekend picks. Free every Thursday.
Free. One email a week. Unsubscribe any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Mount Pleasant Track take?
DOC gives about 35 minutes to complete the track.
How hard is the walk?
DOC grades it Easiest. The marked trail climbs from Evans Pass along the Lyttelton Harbour side of the ridge.
Where does it start?
At the top of Tapuwaeharuru/Evans Pass, where DOC mentions a parking area. You can also walk up from the Sumner bus terminus.
Can I bring my dog?
DOC’s rule is dogs on a leash only. Sheep graze the area at times.
What is at the end of the track?
The concrete remains of a World War II heavy anti-aircraft battery, including gun holdfasts, ammunition bunkers and a roofed command bunker.
What should I watch out for?
DOC warns of rockfall risk from the Christchurch earthquakes and asks walkers to keep to the track. Stinging nettle may grow around the emplacements.
When is the best time to go?
DOC describes it as a great summer walk, when the speargrass flowers.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Mount Pleasant Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- Christchurch City Council: Port Hills walking tracks: the wider council track network on the Port Hills.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.