As the summer is slowly taking it over, we left the Jaguar at home and jumped on our lovely Royal Enfield Classic 350 to have a nice ride around Port Hills. This route is suitable for tourists who have 3 – 4 free hours in Christchurch and love scenery landscape views. We started our journey from the city center and rode uphill to the first point called Sign of Takahe. This is a true castle build in early 1900s, which survived the earthquake (2011). The castle appearance is amazing, interior is very beautiful and authentic. The second floor is now a venue, which could be hired for a private function. When we were there for the first time, we were lucky enough to see the second floor as it was open for public.
I attached some screenshots of Google maps with markers for your reference.
The next stop on our way up along Dyers Pass was Sign of The Kiwi, which is a restaurant situated on elevation of 332m above mean see level. Despite of relatively small engine displacement of 350cc, the Royal Enfield engine’s torque is enough to effortless ride uphill with a passenger. We came there too late, so, it already finished for the day. Nevertheless, you can have a cup of coffee there watching stunning views from the top of the hill.
From Signs of The Kiwi, view point we turned to Summit road heading to Sugarloaf tower. As long as I know, Sugarloaf is a telecommunication station, but it is good to learn wind speed as local airport ATIS information usually provide wind speed at Sugarloaf. There is a parking next to the tower, so, it will be possible to park there and look around, however, our way lead us to a different place, called Aurora Rock.
We left the motorbike at Bowenvale Carpark and walked up to Aurora Rock by feet. The distance there is circa 100m, however, it worth to go there. The most amazing views are open at this rock, so you can see Christchurch, Lyttelton and Diamond Harbor at the same time. There are some pictures from the viewpoint below. On the panoramic pictures you can see Sugarloaf tower nearby.
There are plenty of places where stunning views of the harbor are opening for visitors. Turning on the other side from Sign of The Kiwi we rode through amazing scenic Summit road to the Gebbies Pass. There are some placed where the harbor views open from the most beautiful angels. Pictures from one of them attached below.
On the other side of the Summit road next to Evans Pass visitors can see absolutely fabulous view of the city from a side.
Please note, that Summit Road is closed between Dayers and Evans passes, so, it will not be possible to drive through on a motor vehicle, but still possible to ride a bicycle or walk by feet. It is a very good route for cycling, but you should consider the elevation changes and wind speed, which is quite strong there usally. If you want to see both sides of Summit road on a car or motorbike, it is better to go through Lyttelton or Sumner.
Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed the pictures.
Best regards, Alex,
EventsHub Team.