Bridle Path – 350m

• The Bridle Path is a steep track that traverses the northern rim of the Lyttelton volcano connecting the city of Christchurch and the port of Lyttelton in the South Island of New Zealand.
• It was constructed in 1850 as a bridle path for leading horses, and was used by the early European settlers as a route from the port to new settlements on the northern side of the Port Hills. Although very steep, it was the only means of traversing the hills until the Summit Road over Evans Pass was completed in 1857. The track ascends from the port itself to a height of 333 m before descending again via Heathcote Valley to Christchurch. It remains popular today as a walking and mountain biking route.
• At the summit, next to the Summit Road, is a stone shelter with covered seats that is a 1940 New Zealand centennial memorial to the Pioneer Women of Canterbury. There are also seven commemorative stone seats placed along the Bridle Path; most of these were built for the 1950 Canterbury centenary celebrations.
• To walk down to Lyttelton or Heathcote please allow approximately 45 minutes.