Packhorse Hut Private Day Tour

On this stunning journey to Packhorse Hut, we’ll visit all four historic “rest houses” that were once part of a grand walking experience over the Port Hills. The hut is situated on a saddle above Lyttelton Harbour, which has unforgettable views of the harbour and Banks Peninsula. This private guided scenic drive and day hike starts in Christchurch by driving up the Port Hills, following the historical track up Dyer’s Pass Road, before heading south along Summit Road to Gebbies Pass. Our walk starts and finishes at Gebbie’s Pass and is approximately 11km (6.8 Mi). It takes most groups 3-4 hours of walking to reach the hut and return to Gebbie’s Pass.

Private Tour Highlights

• Visit the four historic “rest houses”- Sign of the Takahe, Sign of the Kiwi, Sign of the Bellbird & Sign of the Packhorse
• Scenic drive over the Port Hills & Summit Road overlooking Christchurch and Lyttleton Harbour
• Walk to Packhorse Hut
• Local guide
• Picnic-style lunch included
• Transport with A/C
• Private small-group tour

Itinerary

This tour begins by driving up the Port Hills through the affluent suburb of Cashmere to our first stop, the “Sign of the Takahe” (the first historic rest house). We’ll then continue on to the “Sign of the Kiwi”, where you will get uninterrupted views of Christchurch and your first glimpse of Lyttelton Harbour. Heading south along Summit Road and out of the city, we stop at the third rest house, the “Sign of the Bellbird”, for morning tea. From the Sign of the Bellbird, it’s a short but very scenic drive to Gebbie’s Pass at the southern end of Lyttelton Harbour.

Our walk begins at Gebbie’s Pass, passing through open farmland before heading into pine forests. After 45 minutes, the track breaks out of the trees and into open tussock grasslands, affording beautiful views of Lyttelton Harbour and Quail Island. Along the way, we pass by volcanic rock formations named the “Remarkable Dykes” before reaching the historic Packhorse Hut. Your guide will prepare lunch at the hut. After lunch, you will have plenty of time to explore the area around the hut and get some photos before returning to Gebbies Pass. From Gebbie’s Pass, we return via the scenic coastal road, passing through Governors Bay before heading back over the Port Hills, past the Sign of the Kiwi and on to Christchurch. Your guide will drop you off at your accommodation or in the city centre.

Packhorse Hut FAQ’S

Where does the tour start & finish

This tour starts and finishes in Christchurch. Your guide will collect you from one of the meeting points listed below.

What time does the tour start?

Your guide will collect you at 8:30 am on the day of your tour.

What time does the tour end?

You will be dropped back at your accommodation between 4:00 and 4:30 pm.

Is lunch included?

Yes, morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea are included.

Is transport included?

Yes, A/C transport.

How challenging is the walk?

The walk is approximately 11 km (6.8 Mi) on well-formed tracks and takes most groups 3-4 hours to complete.

Are there minimum numbers?

There is no minimum number required for Private tours..

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance to secure your reservation.

Is the trip family-friendly?

Yes, we are happy to accommodate family groups on this tour.

Do you offer any other walking tours?

Yes we do! Check out our Private Godley Head Walking Tour. It’s a similar tour but explores the stunning scenery and historic sites at Godley Head/Awaroa.

Where are the meeting locations?

• • Directly from your hotel – any accommodation within 3.5 km’s of Christchurch city centre – See on google maps
  • Citizens’ War Memorial, Cathedral Square – See on Google maps
  • Zeroes Cafe (free all-day parking) – See on Google maps