Summit Road Society

They are part of, and form the western flank of a large, volcanically derived peninsula, known as Banks Peninsula. The Summit Road which provides such easy access around the Port Hills of Christchurch owes much to the vision and drive of one man, H.G. (Harry) Ell. It was his idea to involve the public in the appreciation and enjoyment of the natural assets by ensuring that they had access to the area. To this end he developed the concept of a highway together with walking tracks along the summit of the Port Hills, with rest houses spaced at intervals, and, in the early years of last century he worked unceasingly to achieve his aim. He overcame political difficulties and incredible financial constraints, and had laid the foundations for the Summit Road and its rest houses by the time of his death in 1934.