The CJ way Guide to Hoon Hay Scenic Reserve

 AT A GLANCE 

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A rocky viewpoint overlooking Lyttelton harbour

Christchurch

10-15 minutes from parking

Easy

Free

Best time to visit: sunrise or sunset

Shoes recommended

 WHERE IS THIS EXACTLY? 

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• Coordinates of Hoon Hay Scenic Reserve viewpoint: -43.620919, 172.636266

• Coordinates of parking: -43.623059, 172.633997

• Park in the designated pull-off (room for approximately 6-7 cars), and follow the path up the hill. Within one to two minutes there will be a small trail on your right hand side with a very small sign saying 'track'. Follow this for approx. 10 minutes until you reach the rocky viewpoint.

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 best time to visit? 

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• Sunrise, especially during April or September when the sun rises over the entrance to the harbour.

• It can get windy up in the Port Hills so also keep your eye on the wind forecast and try and time your visit for a minimal wind sunrise!

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 cj travel tips 

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• The track is fairly overgrown so long pants are a good idea. It can also be very windy at the viewpoint so a jacket wouldn't go amiss here!

• Char wore jandals here, but you probably want to wear sneakers! 

• There’s not much room at the rocky outcrop, so arrive early! Although we have visited this spot three times (sunrise and sunset) and have had it to ourselves! 

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 cj photography tips 

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• Since you are shooting into the sun here, shoot multiple exposures so you are able to blend in post processing.

• We use the shot exposed for the foreground (and hills in this case) as the base image, then use Raya Pro (paid photoshop plug-in) to bring back some highlight detail in the sky.

• If you have a drone here, this is a great place to get it up (assuming it's not too windy).

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 what we found useful to pack 

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​In addition to the usuals (camera gear, suitable clothing, water and food, first aid, etc. we found the following items useful for Hoon Hay Scenic Reserve:

• Pants/ long clothes; and

• Jacket.