Packhorse Hut Walking & Scenic Drive Day Tour

Imagine an unforgettable day trip! Your friendly guide will pick you up and take you on a scenic drive up the Port Hills, stopping at the historic Sign of the Takahe and Sign of the Kiwi for stunning views of Christchurch and Lyttelton Harbour. We’ll then continue south along Summit Road, stopping for a morning tea break at the picturesque Sign of the Bellbird scenic reserve. Next, we’ll head to Gebbies Pass at the southern end of the harbour to begin our walk. The trail passes through farmland and pine forests, offering breathtaking views of the harbour and Quail Island. We’ll also visit the striking Remarkable Dykes volcanic formation before reaching the historic Packhorse Hut. While your guide prepares a delicious lunch, you’ll have time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the natural beauty. After lunch, we’ll return to Gebbies Pass and head back to Christchurch. At the end of this amazing day, you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation or Lyttelton Port, with memories to last a lifetime. *Suitable for active travellers. Track difficulty - Moderate (undulating & narrow in places)

Packhorse Hut Tour Itinerary

Duration: 7 – 7½ hours

Transport: Minivan or luxury car (private tours)

Food: Morning tea, picnic lunch & afternoon tea are included

Start/Finish location: Christchurch City Centre

Start time: 9:00 am

Finish time: 4:00 – 4:30 pm

Total walking distance:12 Km (7.46 Miles)

Time spent walking: 4-5 Hours

Min/max numbers: 2 – 8 pax

(Public Holidays: By request only – Min 4 Pax)

*Suitable for active travellers.
Track difficulty – Moderate (undulating & narrow in places)

Embark on a scenic journey to Packhorse Hut, visiting four historic rest houses. Enjoy stunning views of Lyttelton Harbour and Banks Peninsula. The 11km round trip walk, starting and finishing at Gebbies Pass, takes 3-4 hours to complete.

Pick-up/Drop-off:

– Chch Hotels

– Citizens’ War Memorial, Cathedral Square

– Zeros Café Cashmere Road (free all-day parking)

Tour starts – Christchurch

(Travel – 20 minutes)

1. Sign of the Kiwi – Photo stop, 5 minutes

(Travel – 10 minutes)

2. Sign of the Bellbird – Snack, historical sight, 15 minutes

(Travel – 15 minutes)

3. Packhorse Hut – Guided walk, lunch, 4-5 hours

(Travel – 1 hour)

Tour finishes – Christchurch

Join us on a captivating journey to Packhorse Hut, where we’ll visit all four historic 'rest houses', once part of a grand walking route from Christchurch over the Port Hills. These huts offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. The hut, perched on a saddle above Lyttelton Harbour, offers stunning views of the Harbour and Banks Peninsula. Our scenic drive and walk begin in Christchurch, taking you up Dyer’s Pass Road, then south along Summit Road to Gebbies Pass. The 11km (6.8-mile) round-trip walk typically takes 3-4 hours, starting and ending at Gebbies Pass.

For the private tour option, please contact [email protected] for more details.