Gibraltar Rock / Omahu Bush
Located in Tai Tapu, Canterbury region, New Zealand.
One of our absolute favourite places to take the kids for a quick wee walk (it's seriously about 40 minutes return - Gibraltar Rock) this stunner of a spot known as Gibraltar Rock situated above the Omahu Bush Reserve in Tai Tapu. We can see it from our house in Selwyn and it's always calling out for a visit! The track starts from a clearly marked car park on Summit road and wanders down some bush before coming out to a clear, easy to walk the path up to this stunner rock formation. The views are SPECTACULAR and there's room for kids to explore. You can climb to the top of the rock. (The Omahu Bush tracks are longer but very kid friendly and enjoyable).
Tai Tapu Port Hills Area
Further Information
Gibraltar Rock / Omahu Bush
Track Access / Information
Parking at the Gibraltar Rock car park on the Summit Road, which can get quite full at times due to the popularity of the summit roads walkers/bikers. Head into the track located directly off the car park, following the pathway towards the towering Gibraltar Rock. An addition to the short Gibraltar Rock track, Omahu Bush’s Kirk Track is an amazing 2.5-hour return adventure walking 50m south from the Gibraltar Rock car park along the roadside to the start of Omahu Bush’s - Kirk Track. The track to the bottom of the valley will take around an hour, and the waterfall is down a signposted side trail. There are various tracks you can take to the falls and back (a map is located at the start). Note: Kirk Track can be steep in parts.
Weather / What to wear?
With such a short day outing dress for the conditions (checking with your trusted weather service) As always its always a good idea to have access to some wind/waterproof jacket just in case Christchurch's southwesterly winds pick up. Dropping down into the Omahu Bush you may want additional layers. A sturdy set of footwear is recommended as well.
Facilites
8km further along the summit road - The Sign of the Kiwi, (originally called Toll House) is a small café and shop situated on Dyers Pass on the road between Christchurch and Governors Bay. With a selection of food and drinks available. There are also toilet facilities access here and at the Victoria Park main carpark. Dogs are prohibited on all walks in Ahuriri.
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Child friendly hike
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Entering the elements
Choosing the right gear/food options can be daunting, here's how to keep the whole family safe, feed, warm and happy
Directions
Google map track infomation
Drive up Dyers Pass Road to the Sign of the Kiwi, turn south along Summit Road for about 8km until you reach the Gibraltar Rock car park.
So how did the children find it?
A message from Alba and Maya
Alba says: The rock looks so big, it’s kind of like a pyramid. It isn’t a long walk to the rock and i didn’t feel puffed. When we went down the otherway (into Omahu Bush) there was big spiders that Mummy and Daddy tried to stop me from seeing.
Maya says: There was a big birdy in the tree (A kereru). I got a piggy back.
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