Barnett Park Walk

3.50 kms • 2 Hours • Medium • Barnett Park walk is now open.

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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

Walk 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, however the new track is great. During winter the track can be wet and slippery please be careful.

Transport

Buses run out to Sumner all day.

Water

None available on this walk

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

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

Area & Trail 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

Map Location

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.

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Barnett Park Walk