Barnett Park Walk

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Home » South Island Walks » Sumner» Barnett Park Walk – Walk detail

Sorry Barnett Park walk remains closed after the Christchurch earthquake as there is a significant rockfall hazard. However, 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.

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.

Quick Facts

- - - Location: 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: No
    - Mobile Coverage: Yes
    - Last Updated: November 2020

Track Highlights

The view from the cave is unique.

Track Quality

After walking through Barnett park, the track is uphill to the cave, and it gets sticky after a little rain.

Hazards

After the Christchurch earthquake, the boulders around the hillside did come loose, so find out if it is still safe to do the walk, ask in the Sumner shopping centre they may be able to advise.

Transport

Buses run out to Sumner all day.

Water

Driving Instructions

Unknown

Shops or Restaurants Nearby

Sumner has a couple of cafes you could visit after the walk.

Area and Track History

Redcliffs played an important part in the first and second world wars. High up in the surrounding hill were dozens of defensive position looking out to sea. While the troops used the valley below as a rifle range. During WW1 troops on the way to fight in Europe stopped here for a short R&R

Best Things To Do Near This Walk

Map Location of Barnett Park Walk

Map of walk

Points of Interest Along the Walk

In the map above, if you zoom in on the walk, you’ll see all the following track points and their location. Each point has photos along with a description of each one.

Point 1: 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.

Point 2: 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.

Point 3: 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.

Point 4: Down Hill

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.

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