Barnett Park walk is now OPEN

From Barnett Park, walk across the sports field towards the head of the valley. A small bridge crosses a creek, and the track starts to climb up the eastern flank.

Here you leave the old track and follow the new one which branches off uphill. It follows several twists and turns to link up with a 4WD track and finishes at the stand of large pine trees on Summit Road.

You can walk up Eastenders Track which is a safe route up to the Crater Rim Walkway. Still great views into Barnett Park and out over the estuary.

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: Redcliffs, Christchurch Area, South Island
  • Distance: 3.50 km
  • Time needed: 2 Hours
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Wheelchair Access: No
  • Route: Round Trip
  • Elevation: 230m
  • Wet Feet: No
  • Toilets: Yes
  • Dogs: On leash only
  • Mobile Coverage: Yes

Summary points about this walk

Points of interest along the walk​

Car park at the start of Barnett Park Walk

Drive to the very end of Barnett Park car park then walk across the park; looking up the valley, and you can see the caves. Keep over to the right-hand side of the field and walk to the back fence. You will then have to climb over a style and onto the track proper, it is only a clay track, so take it easy after it’s rained.

Easy climb to the top

The track is well worn and very easy to follow. The sight of the cave should give you that extra power to get to the top.

Barnett Valley Cave

40 minutes should see you at the steps. Ooops did I forget to tell you about the step aerobics. Well, when you get to the top of the steps it is downhill all the way back to the car.

Fantastic views of the coast, if you are the first to make it to the caves, be prepared for the exodus of pigeons, they gave me a fright. If it does rain don’t worry. There is enough room in the cave for two football teams.

Downhill from here

The track is easy to follow. You can see the car park from half way along the track. You will see another track over to your right just before the houses. Take the track to the left which drops down in to the valley and back to the style you climbed over at the start.

More of my walks in Christchurch

Barnett Park Walk with Sumner in the background, Christchurch Walks

Barnett Park Walk

3.50 kms • 2 Hours • Medium • Barnett Park walk is now open.
Walk details →
Punts on the Avon River Walk (City Promenade Walk), Christchurch, New Zealand Freewalks.nz

Avon River Walk (City Promenade Walk)

4 km • 2 Hours • Very Easy • Starting from the hospital end of Oxford Terrace, follow this riverside path to see some eels ...
Walk details →
Looking down into Halswell Quarry from the top of the walk, Christchurch, New Zealand Freewalks.nz

Halswell Quarry Walk

1.30 kms • 40 Minutes • Easy
Walk details →
Sandra walking along The Bridle Path walk in Christchurch, New Zealand Freewalks.nz

The Bridle Path

5 kms • 6 Hours • Medium
Walk details →
Boardwalk on the Godley Heads Walk, Christchurch, New Zealand Freewalks.nz

Godley Head Loop Track Walk

7 kms • 3 Hours • Easy • It's a long but very interesting walk, with no shortage of history and amazing views of Lyttleton ...
Walk details →
Oyster Catcher birds on the beach at Spencer Park walk, Christchurch, New Zealand Freewalks.nz

Spencer Park Walk

9 kms • 2 Hours 30 Minutes • Very Easy
Walk details →
Beautiful Riccarton House in Christchurch, New Zealand Freewalks.nz

Riccarton House

0.30 kms • 30 Minutes • Very Easy
Walk details →
Stone walking path on the Sign of the Takahe walk, Christchurch, New Zealand Freewalks.nz

Sign of the Takahe

0.20 km • 1 Hour • Very Easy
Walk details →
Path going through the Travis Wetlands Walk, Christchurch, New Zealand Freewalks.nz

Travis Wetlands Walk

3.50 km • 1 Hour 30 Minutes • Very Easy
Walk details →