The Christchurch 360 trail showcases and interprets the rich array of natural, landscape, seascape and cultural features of the city that have previously been hidden.

Divided into 8 sections, of approximately 17 kilometres each, the Christchurch 360 Trail provides a unique, single or multi-day experience, with ever-changing beach, sea, estuary, river, hill, bush and city views.The idea of a trail began 25 years ago with Dr Colin Meurk, a botanist, who over many years offered guided botanical walks around the city’s outskirts. The purpose of these walks was educational, to encourage people to learn about the native biodiversity within the city’s boundaries, and through knowledge treasure it and work for its preservation while enjoying the recreational benefits.

For a number of years a dedicated group of volunteers have been working on making this track become a reality through developing a website www.christchurch360trail.org.nz logo, route guides and interpretation panels with the support of the CHS, CCC, DOC and some funding from Rotary.

The Trail is being launched as part of the The Breeze Walking Festival.

Colin Meurk will start a walk of the entire 135km circuit on Saturday 3 October after a celebratory opening event in Wetlands Grove, Bexley. On Sunday 4 October (in association with the Breeze Walking Festival), there will be guided walks of parts of 3 of the legs. Rotary clubs will be hosting BBQs at the finishing locations of these guided walks.

Registration is essential for those taking advantage of the buses for transport for the guided Christchurch 360Trail walks, but those not using our buses are welcome to join along on any of the walks.

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Wetlands – hidden gems and launch

Saturday 3 October 11-12.30 am. Distance 5km

Meet end of Wetlands Grove off Anzac Drive (Bexley)

Launching Christchurch 360 Trail by exploring the red zone Bexley Wetlands of the Avon River. This section of the Christchurch 360 ends at Travis Wetland and if you want more than a gentle walk, you’re invited to accompany Dr Colin Meurk as he starts to walk the 135 kms of the trail over 8 days. Colin plans to finish the day’s walk at Travis Wetland (10km). Please organize your own transport if you choose to accompany him. He resumes his walk the next day, Sunday 4 October when he joins the Walking Festival group as they walk from Travis to Spencer Park. Details of where to join him as he walks the whole trail will be posted on https://www.facebook.com/Christchurch360

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Boulder Bay Experience

Godley Head to Sumner. Bus departs Scarborough Park for Godley Head 9am Sunday 4^th October. Finish with BBQ at Scarborough Park Clock tower approximately 1.30 pm. Distance 6 km

History, natural wonders and vistas abound on the Boulder Bay descent and are likewise found along the coast to Taylors Mistake. Finally climb Scarborough then down Flowers Track to Sumner.

BOOKINGS: David Penman tel:021 929003 email: pendavid@gmail.com

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Nature Galore

Travis Wetland to Spencer Park. Bus departs Spencer Park for Travis Wetland 9 am Sunday 4^th October. Finish with BBQ at Spencer Park approximately 1.30 pm. Distance 9.5 km

A wetland wonder with birds galore starts this section, then a meander through attractive street plantings before traversing the Bottle Lake forests to the coastal dunes adjoining Spencer Park.

BOOKINGS: Judith Millar Mob:021 729 662 or 03 355 4834 Email: ejmillar11@gmail.com

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Summit Ridge to Halswell Quarry

Bus departs Halswell Quarry for Sign of the Kiwi 9 am Sunday 4^th October. Finish with BBQ at Halswell Quarry approximately 1.30 pm. Distance 8 km

Panoramic views of Lyttelton Harbour and Canterbury Plains are highlights. This historic undulating route along the Summit ridge traverses a rich mosaic of vegetation before descending to Halswell Quarry Park

BOOKINGS: Cynthia Roberts tel: 021 123 1060 Email: cynthia@nzecologist.com

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