13 July 2000

More than 19.5 hectares of land on the Port Hills have been given to the Christchurch City Council as a millennium gift.

Turning Point 2000 made the gift that is to the north of Summit Road, running from the Sign of the Kiwi to the east with Worsley Road forming the eastern boundary.

The land adjoins Marley Hill and will be a scenic reserve and part of the Crater Rim Walkway.

The Parks and Recreation Committee yesterday recommended to the Council that the gift was accepted and its chairman, Cr. Graham Condon, said the Parks Unit had wanted the land for many years to complete the walkway.

The committee was told that the property was important not only linking other reserves but in creating a virtually continuous park about the Summit Road between Sugerloaf Scenic Reserve and Coopers Knob, about 5km apart.

Two thirds of the area faces north while the rest faces Lyttelton Harbour.

It is in tussock with some gorse infestation and some small pockets of regenerating bush.

The only costs to the Council will be about $10,000 for surveying and fencing and costs for an easement for a right of way.