Sugarloaf

Sugarloaf is many things to many people, probably primarily because it is the home of broadcasting transmissions for Christchurch and much of Canterbury. It is also an interesting volcanic geological feature, and a landmark on the recreational trails of the Port Hills.

From the Sugarloaf carpark, go downhill a little bit to see the outcrop of volcanic scoria and interaction with volcanic lava flows, dating back to the Banks Peninsula Volcanoes. These Volcanoes happened in the Maui era - 25-5 million years ago, so nobody is going to get lava burns. But you should just watch your feet as it is steep and slippery up here on the tussock. GNS explains in 'GeoTrips.'

If you are not a rock hopper or rock hunter, you might be up here as part of the Crater Rim Walkway. The Mitchells Track Section, which starts at the Sign of the Kiwi, goes past here on the way to the Cedric's Track. This is the part of the walkway which straddles the rim, providing views of both the Lyttleton Harbour and Pegasus Bay sides. There is a bit of bush up here, mainly mahoe, five finger, tree fuchsia and kanuka.

At the top the giant communications tower which has kept Canterbury informed for many decades continues her work, dressed in red and white paint. The bunker style building beneath dates to 1965 and has never missed a beat, even in the earthquakes, thanks to foundations drilled down into the very volcano. A wildfire in 2013 came within a few hundred metres of Sugarloaf.

Image Credit: Schwede66