Mount Sunday
Located in the Hakatere Conservation Park area and Christchurch area in the Canterbury region, New Zealand.
People come from all over to see this place and for us lucky Cantabs it's right at the back door. An easy walk for kids with spectacular views for all to enjoy...plus the drive to get there is awe-inspiring!
Haktere Conservation Park
Further Information
Mt Sunday Track
Track Access / Information
The track up Mt Sunday is around 30-45 minutes each way and mostly across flat, tussocky and slightly boggy land. There's a couple of streams, most bridged but one on the smaller side isn't - so waterproof shoes/gaiters are good here. The girls had fun going on the swing bridge over a larger and rather fast river, and dodging the plentiful cowpats. After a short climb up to the top of the hill, we found the most mind-blowing views we've seen in a while. It's so darn pretty, you can see why they filmed part of Lord of the Rings here! A spectacular place for a picnic lunch but chances are you'll want to sit on the sheltered side of the hill.
Weather / What to wear?
As with any mountainous area of New Zealand, the elements here are unpredictable and ever-changing. Always check the weather report and keep wind/waterproof jackets and hats in your pack. The wind really howls through here and you are exposed for the entirety of the walk so you really need to be prepared for any quick weather changes that might whip over the neighbouring mountains.
Facilites
Mt Somers township provides a general store for coffee/ice cream/other goods. Once in Hakatere, you'll find toilets facilities at Lake Camp.
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Child friendly hike
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Department of Conservation (DOC)
For full Mt Sunday information please use the click-through provided
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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
The track starts on Hakatere Potts Road, about 48 km west of Mount Somers. Leave Mount Somers on Ashburton Gorge Road, which becomes Hakatere Potts Road.
So how did the children find it?
A message from Alba and Maya
Alba says: I did the swing bridge by myself and it was really bouncy.
I want to see the movie that was made there but Mum said not until I’m a lot older.
Maya says: It was cold but the mountains were pretty. I almost stood in a cow poop.
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0% = Bad/Low | 100% = Great/High
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