Leaders: Sheila and Eileen
Report: Eileen
Total distance: 12km
Total elevation gain: 570m
Time: approx 5.5 hours including refreshment stops
Fifteen walkers set off from Hilltop on a cool, grey and overcast morning en route to Mt Sinclair via Te Ara Pataka/Summit Walkway. The walk began with an easy path through farm paddocks then we crossed the Summit Road and entered Montgomery Scenic Reserve, stopping to admire the huge ancient totara tree thought to be around 2,000 years old. After this, the track climbed steeply up the crater rim until we reached our morning tea stop with 360 degree views over the peninsula and beyond.
Dropping down to Pettigrews Junction we followed the bike/walking track towards Mt Sinclair, passing through the Whatarangi Totara Scenic Reserve with its remnants of totara trees scattered over the hillside, felled by European settlers in the 1800s. We turned off the track to reach Mt Sinclair, found a sheltered spot just below the summit for lunch and appreciated our excellent views out towards Mt Herbert.
Walking back, the group split at Pettigrews Junction with a small group returning via the same route whilst the remainder descended to Pettigrews Road, then walked back along the Summit Road.
Click here to see a video of our route, best viewed in large.
Port Hills Walkers 