Loved this short stop at the Cracroft Reserve and the Sign of the Takahe. Cracroft Reserve is a great park to stop and take in a panoramic view of Christchurch, Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. Stop at the Sign of the Takahe rest house and then walk up the paved trail to the viewing platform. There is a stainless-steel table at the top with directional arrows pointing out landmarks. Sign of the Takahe is a neo-Gothic style historic building that was built as a rest and refreshment stop for the walking trails of Port Hills that overlook Christchurch and Lyttelton. It is one of four planned stops. The others included the Sign of the Kiwi, the Sign of the Bellbird and the Sign of the Packhorse. Construction began in 1918, but took another 30 years to complete. The building is named after the endemic flightless native bird, the Takahe. Built during the Great Depression, cost savings were implemented. Local stone was quarried and then hand chiseled into blocks. The heavy Kauri wood beams in the entrance hall were salvaged from a former bridge. The timber ceilings came from packing cases. The fireplace is an exact replica from historic Haddon Hall in Derbyshire. Walk along the paved walk to breathe on the crisp morning air and enjoy a beautiful view overlooking Christchurch. Thanks to our tour guide, Scotty, for this magical experience. read more

See all