New lookout boasts best view in town
Christchurch City Council Newsline: 19th June 2023
A bit of wet and cloudy weather couldn’t dampen the celebrations of opening of Christchurch’s newest lookout.
The new John Jameson lookout is opposite the Sign of the Bellbird. It is the initiative of the Summit Road Society – a grassroots organisation set up to further the vision of conservationist Harry Ell. The lookout sits beneath Ōrongomai within the takiwā of Ngāti Wheke.
It was officially opened on Saturday afternoon (17th June).
“It’s so wonderful to see this project become a reality. It really has taken a lot of hard work by the society and community to get us to this point,” Summit Road Society Marie Gray says.
Along with a car park, the lookout features stone walls, native planting, educational panels with the history of the area, a panorama showing significant wāhi around Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour, a plaque commemorating society founder John Jameson and a striking pou whenua by Caine Tauwhare.
“On a clear day, looking out over Whakaraupō, it’s one of the best views in Christchurch. Whether you’re walking, cycling or driving, it’s the perfect stop to take in the beauty of the area.”
Ms Gray says the project has been a long time in the making with initial discussions happening before the earthquakes.
Funding for the work come from a number of different sources, including the Council.
“The whole process has been a real collaboration from a number of different organisations and without that, it wouldn’t have been possible. We would like to particularly acknowledge the support of Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke and the Christchurch City Council.”
The gates to the lookout will be locked at night.