Leaders: Ann and Eileen
Report and photos: Eileen
Total distance: 8.2km
From the Gondola Base, four walkers decided to get a head start up the steep Bridle Path track before twelve others set off to follow, some walking up the pipeline route with the rest staying on the track. We had morning tea overlooking the harbour in a sheltered spot below the Pioneer Women’s Memorial Shelter, looking down on possibly the last cruise ship of the season.
We followed the Crater Rim track to the Gondola where two of our group left to take the easy and more direct route down – via the gondola! Walking along the ridge there were excellent views over Lyttelton Harbour and north across Pegasus Bay.
Continuing along the Crater Rim we passed the summit of Mt Pleasant and headed down towards our lunch spot at the gun emplacements. By this time, looking southwards, grey storm clouds were gathering and a sudden southerly wind change encouraged us to move on quite quickly, battling strong gusts on the exposed ridge as we descended.
Everyone safely negotiated the steep rocky track down through the Urumau Reserve; we were pleased to be back in Lyttelton before the rain began.
Port Hills Walkers 