Last updated November 2026
The Bridle Path is the steep gravel track that climbs from Heathcote Valley over the Port Hills crater rim and drops down to Lyttelton, following the route Canterbury’s first European settlers used from 1850.
The Christchurch City Council gives it as 2.4 km and about 1.5 hours one way, starting at the car park at the foot of the Gondola in Heathcote and finishing on Bridle Path Road in Lyttelton.
At the top, the Summit Road car park is a meeting point for several other tracks: the Stan Helms Track down to Lyttelton, the Castle Rock Track along the rocky slopes to the west, and the Crater Rim Walkway in both directions.
The Kenton Track gives another way up through John Britten Reserve. It is a hard climb rather than a stroll, and the council’s own advice is to be prepared for a good workout.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check with Christchurch City Council for updates on Bridle Path and Castle Rock on the day you walk.
More from Christchurch City Council
Practical Information
- Start
- Car park at the foot of the Gondola, Heathcote (access from Bridle Path Road or Port Hills Road, Heathcote Valley)
- Finish
- Bridle Path Road, Lyttelton
- Distance from the city
- About 9 km from Christchurch
- Track length
- Bridle Path 2.4 km; Stan Helms Track 1.2 km; Kenton Track 1.6 km
- Walking time
- Bridle Path about 1.5 hours one way; Stan Helms Track and Kenton Track about 30 minutes one way each
- Difficulty
- Bridle Path steep; Stan Helms and Kenton tracks climb uphill; Castle Rock Track is listed by the council as a Grade 4 (advanced) mountain bike track
- Dogs
- Must be kept on a leash
- Shared use
- Mountain bikers use the Bridle Path and should give way to walkers and runners
- Toilets
- Lyttelton
- Status
- Check Christchurch City Council’s tracks and safety page before you go.
About Bridle Path and Castle Rock Tracks
The Bridle Path starts low in Heathcote Valley and climbs steeply to the Summit Road. Mountain bike riders describe the descent to Lyttelton as smooth and fast, and humps along the track drain surface water.
On foot it is a sustained climb through a landscape of large lava rock outcrops. It is a popular track with walkers and runners, and riders coming down are asked to control their speed and give way.
Memorial seats along the way give you somewhere to stop. To the west you can see the remains of Castle Rock, and boulders strewn down the hillside in the Christchurch earthquakes. At the top, a stone shelter commemorates the pioneer women of Canterbury, and the view takes in Lyttelton Harbour with Mt Herbert rising above Diamond Harbour.
From the Summit Road you can carry on down the steep descent to Lyttelton, where the track rejoins Bridle Path Road.
The council suggests a few ways to round off the trip: time it for the Saturday Lyttelton Farmers Market, catch the 28 bus back through the tunnel to Heathcote, or ride the Gondola up to Mt Cavendish and walk down instead of up.
History of the Bridle Path
The Bridle Path was built in 1850 for Canterbury’s first European settlers, who used it to travel between Lyttelton and Christchurch. The council describes it as the oldest track in Canterbury and the original route from Lyttelton to Christchurch.
The memorials along the way are part of that story, from the memorial seats on the climb to the stone shelter at the top that commemorates the pioneer women of Canterbury.
Castle Rock, Stan Helms and Kenton Tracks
Castle Rock Track
The Castle Rock Track runs between the top of Castle Rock scenic reserve, at a tight dog-leg on Summit Road with a small pull-off, and the Bridle Path car park at the top. It traverses below Summit Road, switches back several times, then crosses to the top of the Bridle Path through lava boulders.
The council lists it as a Grade 4 (advanced) mountain bike track: steep and narrow, with poor traction, obstacles that are hard to avoid and an exposed outside edge. It is well signposted at both ends.
If you want the Castle Rock views on foot without the bike track, the Crater Rim Walkway section from the Bridle Path car park to the Rāpaki Track car park (3.4 km, about 1.5 hours one way) heads west on the Lyttelton Harbour side of the rim through open tussock towards Castle Rock and Tors Reserve, passing historic gun emplacements. A short part is shared with a mountain bike track.
Stan Helms Track
The Stan Helms Track links Harmans Road in Lyttelton with the Bridle Path car park on Summit Road. It is 1.2 km and about 30 minutes one way, climbing steadily onto a prominent spur and then weaving uphill to meet the Crater Rim Walkway. The council highlights its views over Lyttelton Harbour.
Kenton Track
The Kenton Track climbs through John Britten Reserve from either Rockview Place or the end of Major Hornbrook Road to Summit Road near Broadleaf Lane. It is 1.6 km and about 30 minutes one way, with wide views over Heathcote Valley and back across the estuary. There is a stile to climb at the Rockview Place entrance, and the council asks walkers to take care on the later section where the track crosses the John Britten cycle track.
Planning Your Walk
These tracks climb onto the open Port Hills, so check the weather before you set out and tell someone your plans if you are heading further along the Crater Rim.
The council points walkers to Plan My Walk from the NZ Mountain Safety Council for track alerts, weather forecasts and a packing list. Dogs must be on a leash on the Bridle Path, Stan Helms Track, Kenton Track and Crater Rim Walkway.
From locals
Are there seats to stop and rest on the Bridle Path?
Does anyone run guided walks up the Bridle Path, or is it all self-guided?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Bridle Path take?
The council gives about 1.5 hours one way for the 2.4 km track from the foot of the Gondola in Heathcote to Bridle Path Road in Lyttelton.
How hard is the Bridle Path?
It is steep. The council advises being prepared for a good workout.
Where does the Bridle Path start?
At the car park at the foot of the Gondola in Heathcote, reached from Bridle Path Road or Port Hills Road in Heathcote Valley.
Can I take my dog?
Yes, but dogs must be kept on a leash on the Bridle Path, Stan Helms Track and Kenton Track.
How do I get back to Heathcote from Lyttelton?
The council suggests the 28 bus back through the tunnel to Heathcote. You can also walk back over the hill.
Can I walk the Castle Rock Track?
The council lists Castle Rock Track as an advanced mountain bike track that is steep, narrow and exposed. For Castle Rock views on foot, the Crater Rim Walkway section west from the Bridle Path car park heads up towards Castle Rock and Tors Reserve.
Is the Bridle Path shared with bikes?
Yes. Mountain bikers ride it, and the council asks riders to control their speed and give way to walkers and runners.
Where can I check if the track is open?
Check Christchurch City Council’s tracks and safety page before you go.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 3
- Christchurch City Council: Bridle Path: length, time, start and finish points, and history of the track.
- Christchurch City Council: Stan Helms Track: the link between Harmans Road in Lyttelton and the top of the Bridle Path.
- Christchurch City Council: Tracks and safety: current closures and notices for council tracks.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track line and facts: Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, Outdoor Access Commission, from LINZ and DOC data (CC BY 4.0). Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.