Port Hills

The Port Hills are a prominent feature of the central Canterbury landscape, being visible for many kilometres from the north and west.

West of Dyers Pass, the Port Hills curve away southward and become even higher, rising to 573 m at Coopers Knob.

Several suburbs of Christchurch extend onto the northern slopes of the Port Hills, including Cashmere, Mt Pleasant, Heathcote Valley and Sumner.

Other parts of the hills are used for farming and forestry, as well as a significant number of scenic reserves created for recreational and conservation purposes, following an initiative by Christchurch councillor Harry Ell at the turn of the 20th century.

[3] The hills are an important recreation area for Christchurch residents, with several public parks and reserves, including tracks for mountain biking and walking.

A gondola lift to the top of Mount Cavendish was opened in 1992, providing convenient access to the summit and a major tourist attraction for the Canterbury area.

[5] The Christchurch Adventure Park was opened in 2016 which provides mountain biking opportunities on the slopes of Worsleys Hill.

[10] Despite the heavy deforestation and clearance of native bush that took place during early settlement, a diverse range of wildlife and plant life populates the Port Hills.

Native birds such as the bellbird (korimako or koparara) fantail, silvereye, grey warbler and shining cuckoo are commonly found in the remaining bush.

The more exposed hillsides are covered with silver tussock and other native grasses, unusually so for an area so close to urban development.