There are many ways to navigate the route. For each segment, you can:
- Just follow the signage. Signage for the trail is being updated in 2022 – look for the logo, arrows and footpath stencil.
- Download the written directions from the website.
- Download either the GPX or KML files to use with your navigation app or overlay onto a map – Google,NZTopo50 or open source maps.
There are many different types of route navigation apps available out there, but we recommend downloading the GPX files from our website.
How we calculate the estimated walk times
Everyone is different, with varying levels of fitness and endurance. Some people like to run, and others like to wander. We can therefore say with almost certainty that you will find that you will not take exactly the amount of time we have estimated. These should be taken as a guide only.
We have a methodology we use to estimate the time the walks might take. First, we assume that people will walk at an average pace of 3km/h. Terrain can slow people down a lot, so we add 10 minutes for every 100m of elevation change – both uphill and downhill, because we find many people slow down when descending, rather than taking the chance to gallop. We assume you will want to stop for a rest and a snack every so often, so we allow for an additional 15 minutes after every two hours walking. We have estimated a number of points of interest people will stop at, and we have allowed an additional 5 minutes for each of these stops.
This probably isn’t a perfect methodology, and we will probably tweak it over time, based upon your feedback.
Safety
Traffic: The Christchurch 360 Trail passes along and crosses some roads that experience heavy traffic flows. Please exercise caution at all times around traffic and use the crossing facilities where provided.
Cycles: The Christchurch City Council will not allow us to promote the Christchurch 360 Trail as a cycling route. A route promoted as a cycling route might be perceived as having an implied suitability for cycling that could reduce the level of safety awareness, and as the Christchurch 360 Trail does not follow streets that meet standards required for cycleways, cyclists may be exposed to unacceptable risks. If you choose to follow the Christchurch 360 on your bike, please ride safely and responsibly, and follow the road rules.
Where are dogs allowed?
In September 2019, the 360 Trail runs through areas where dogs are prohibited:-
Taylors Mistake Beach in summer, except for passing through on a short leash
Sumner Beach in summer, except for passing through on a short leash
Charlesworth Reserve
Travis Wetland
Brookland Spit and Lagoon, 3 areas
McLeans Grasslands Park
Riccarton Bush
Halswell Quarry
Along the rest of the trail, expect to keep your dog on a leash, and in some areas also keep your dog strictly on the walking track.
Bottle Lake Forest Park is a dog exercise area.