Last updated November 2026
The Saddle Hill Summit Track is a family-friendly climb on Banks Peninsula to a trig station with views over Akaroa Harbour, Kaitorete and the peninsula’s peaks to the Southern Alps. It starts from a small car park on Bossu Road, reached via Reynolds Valley Road from Okuti Valley.
DOC grades it Easy to intermediate and gives about 90 minutes to complete it. The route crosses rolling tussock slopes and skirts a basin above regenerating bush and Coffin Rock before the final climb. The start is about 35 km from Christchurch, and DOC says the track is best done on a clear day.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Saddle Hill Summit Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Car park and entrance on Bossu Road (space for five cars)
- Distance from the city
- About 35 km from Christchurch
- Walking time
- 90 mins
- Track length
- 1.6 km return
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times
- Water
- No water supply on the track
- 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 Saddle Hill Summit Track
From the Bossu Road entrance, climb over the fence stile by the old sheep yards and follow the markers up a short climb over rolling tussock slopes. The track then levels out and curves around a basin that overlooks regenerating bush and Coffin Rock, known for its climbing routes.
A final climb takes you to the trig station. From the top you look over Akaroa Harbour, and back across Te Waihora and Kaitorete towards the Southern Alps.
DOC describes the walk as family friendly and says it is best done on a clear day.
Getting There
From Okuti Valley, drive along Reynolds Valley Road for 6.8 km, turn left onto Bossu Road and continue 400 m. The track entrance is on the left. DOC describes Reynolds Valley Road as windy, exposed, narrow and gravel, and warns: “Winter conditions may make this road impassable.” The car park has room for five cars.
Track Conditions and Safety
The track is high and very exposed, and the weather changes quickly, so DOC recommends warm clothing even in summer. Near the summit there is rocky ground and steep drop-offs, so keep children close. Carry your own water, as there is no supply on the track. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Saddle Hill Summit Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Banks Peninsula area: other DOC walks, reserves and huts on Banks Peninsula.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Saddle Hill Summit Track take?
DOC gives about 90 minutes.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Easy to intermediate and calls it family friendly, though there are steep drop-offs near the summit.
Can I take my dog?
Yes. DOC says dogs are allowed and must be kept under control at all times. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s page also said the sign on site was incorrect about dogs.
Where do I park?
At the small car park on Bossu Road, 400 m from the Reynolds Valley Road junction. It has room for five cars.
Is the road always open?
DOC warns that winter conditions may make Reynolds Valley Road impassable.
What can I see from the top?
Akaroa Harbour, Te Waihora, Kaitorete, the peaks of Banks Peninsula and the Southern Alps.
When is the best time to go?
On a clear day. DOC says the track is very exposed and the weather changes quickly.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
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.