Harry Ell Walkway – Port Hills

Harry Ell Walkway is a very popular track in the Port Hills. The views are pretty awesome as you look back over the city – lots of reward for little effort as the track is not steep! (Well, the bit we did wasn’t). Keep an eye out for Kereru (Wood Pigeon) too.

You can start from Victoria Park, or there are a few spots along Dyers Pass Road where you can park and join the track. If you start and finish at the Victoria Park Visitor Centre the loop is about 4 km (1 1/2 – 2 hours). A full round trip can take in Thomson Park, Latters Spur Track, the Memorial site of the 19th Infantry Battalion and Armoured Regiment, Victoria Park, and Elizabeth Park.

We did a section of the track that was about 1.7 km. It was stony with only a gradual incline. You could probably take a buggy, but there are a few spots where you’d have to lift it over rocks. Bikes are not allowed and dogs must be kept on a leash.

Check out Victoria Park while you’re in the area, and the fabulous Sign of the Kiwi Cafe.

We did this walk in February 2016 (summer). And in June 2018 (winter).