The Memorial on Upoko-o-Kurī / Witch Hill
Located at the peak of Upoko-o-Kurī / Witch Hill on Summit Road, Port Hills, you will find a remarkable war memorial that not only offers outstanding views but also holds historical significance.
This large stone seat, facing towards Christchurch, commemorates New Zealand Wimbledon tennis champion Anthony Wilding and others, including two local Māori who died in World War I. The Lyttelton side of the memorial features a poem by the famous English WWI poet Rupert Brooke, titled 'The Dead'.
Anthony Wilding: A Tennis Pioneer
Anthony Wilding was a trailblazer in tennis, becoming the first player to win major titles on grass, clay, and hard court (wood) in a single year in 1913. His achievements earned him the status of the first tennis superstar, marking a significant milestone in the sport's history. He was killed on 9 May 1915 during the Battle of Aubers Ridge at Neuve-Chapelle in France.
Restoration After the Earthquake
The memorial at Upoko-o-Kurī / Witch Hill was destroyed during the 2012 Christchurch earthquake. However, it has been fully restored, which is why it appears quite new today.
How to Get There
Summit Road is closed to traffic from the car park west of Upoko-o-Kurī / Witch Hill. From there, you can follow a trail that rises around the north side of the hill, but with no obvious sign of how to get to the top. Pick your own path, and scrabble and push your way through long grass up the steep slope to the exposed rocky top. There, you will have a modest scramble to get onto the peak next to the monument. It is easier to spot a more obvious path down from the top!
Nearby, you can also explore other attractions in the Port Hills region, enhancing your visit with more scenic and cultural experiences.
Nearby, you can explore Mount Vernon, Victoria Park, Sign of the Kiwi, Sign of the Bellbird and Governors Bay.
