Major Hornbrook Track
Christchurch · Canterbury · Out & Back
This walk comes from licensed public walk data and is being progressively confirmed against the authorities. Signs on the day always win. The rule-setter’s own wording: “Christchurch City Council's own page for Major Hornbrook Track lists the rule under Dogs: "Must be kept on a leash". (Christchurch City Council, Parks and gardens, Port Hills, Bridle Path, Major Hornbrook Track, fetched 30 August 2026.) The council says the same for the wider Bridle Path area, "Dogs must be on a leash at all times"”. Evidence: a hand-checked correction against the authority. How we check dog rules.
Good to know
Dogs are allowed here. Keep them on the lead, watch for ground-nesting birds and stock, and read the signs at the gate.
About Major Hornbrook Track
Major Hornbrook Track covers 2.6 km, near Christchurch in Canterbury, walked as an out-and-back.
The council walks it downhill. From the layby at Cavendish Saddle on the Summit Road you cross the cattle grid, drop under rocky bluffs, then descend through a field of boulders and regenerating bush in Major Hornbrook Reserve to Ross Terrace in Lyttelton, about 1 km and 30 minutes one way. Major Alfred Hornbrook formed much of it in the 1850s to reach Lyttelton from his home at Mt Pleasant.
Graded moderate, it climbs about 244 m overall, pitching up to 28 % at its steepest, and takes about 1–1.5 hr to walk.
Walkers come for big views and wildflowers. Dogs are allowed here, on the lead. Walkers rate it 4.5 / 5 across 62 reviews.