11 October 2026
Mainly fine but isolated afternoon showers. Northeasterlies, easing by evening.
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1 / 4Christchurch area
Mount Pleasant Track
Enjoy panoramic views along the tops of the Mount Pleasant bluffs on this great summer walk, which includes historic gun emplacements.
Distance
2.91 km
Walking time
1 hour 15 minutes
Difficulty
Easiest
Dogs
On-lead only
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Christchurch forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 11:01 pm
12 October 2026
Fine. Light winds, then northeasterlies developing in the afternoon.
13 October 2026
Fine. Northwesterlies, turning northeasterly in the evening.
14 October 2026
Showers developing in the morning. Westerlies developing in the evening.
15 October 2026
Rain developing. Southerlies developing.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Mount Pleasant Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Mount Pleasant Track
Enjoy a great walk with great views, on the outskirts of Christchurch city. This track goes in a U shape from the car park up to some gun emplacements from WWII, and back around to Summit Road. There are expansive views from the top showing both the Christchurch side and the Lyttleton side. It’s a steep climb, with over 200m of elevation gain over the track. It’s suitable for those with moderate or good fitness. There are some rockfall areas along the way and we ask that you keep to the track. It’s windy and exposed up here. Take sun protection, warm layers, and plenty of water. Watch out for the native ongaonga / stinging nettle. Wear long pants if you can. If you start this walk from the Cavendish saddle there is parking at the layby. The start of the track is well signposted and gradually climbs through a rolling tussock landscape to a gravel road. Take the gravel road uphill to some radio masts on the top of Mt Pleasant. A short side trip to the trig offers superb 360-degree views over Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains and across to Mt Herbert and Kaitorete Spit. From the radio masts, the track follows a rocky ridge and weaves its way through tussock to end on a 4WD track near the Mt Pleasant gun emplacements. From here you can walk back the same way or continue along the Crater Rim Walkway.
Essential information for Mount Pleasant Track
The information about this track is provided by the Department of Conservation and Christchurch City Council . For updates on track closures, damage or maintenance, check the walking track status page before heading out. Some tracks and reserves remain closed due to significant rockfall risk identified after the Canterbury earthquakes in 2011. Specialist contractors may be rolling and deconstructing rocks in these areas. Obey any closure or warning signs. Care should be taken with open tracks as hazards are not always immediately obvious. Hazard indicators include signs of rocks having moved, cracks and slumping of the ground or rock debris at the base of cliffs. Walkers are advised to remain well clear of the tops and bottoms of coastal cliffs, bluffs and rocky outcrops.
Getting there for Mount Pleasant Track
From Christchurch centre, take Ferry Road out to Mt Pleasant, then head up the steep and winding Mount Pleasant Road to the start of the track. There’s plenty of parking on the gravel area by the side of the road. Watch out for cars on the corner. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there. Alternatively, carparking is also available at Evan's Pass. Use this location in google maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel
Dog access for Mount Pleasant Track
Dogs on a leash only.
Before you walk Mount Pleasant Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.