Off the Beaten Track to... Banks Peninsula
To enjoy either the two day or four day hikes on the Banks Peninsula track, you must first get to the delightful and French-influenced port town of Akaroa. This is a scenic 85km drive from Christchurch on State Highway 75 and takes about 90 minutes. Welcome stops on the way include Tai Tapu, Little River, and Duvauchelle, Little River Gallery and Barrys Bay Cheese factory.
Both walks start and finish in Akaroa and follow the same 35 km route around the remote and beautiful south eastern bays of Banks Peninsula. The cosy and sometimes quirky accommodation on the Banks Peninsula Track is renowned for its individuality, comfort and great locations. Each of the four huts are completely different, ranging from the purpose built lodge at Onuku and colonial cottages of Stony Bay to the old farm cottage at Flea Bay and original farm homestead at Otanerito.
The Two Day Track – For Fit Hikers
The Banks Peninsula Track is one of the most spectacular two day walks in New Zealand. It combines hill, forest, and coastal walking at their best, making this a great option for those who like to spend much of their day hiking. A high level of level of fitness is required as the track includes a lot of hill walking and climbs from sea level to over 600m twice.
A separate 'bath under the stars' is reserved at Stony Bay for 2 day walkers and the track itself is limited to just 4 walkers per day (single groups of up to 6 may also be accommodated).
The Four Day Track – For All Ages
The four-day walk offers options - either walking with your own supplies, carrying your pack, or purchasing supplies along the way and making use of pack cartage.
There are no fixed daily itineraries. The four-day walk allows time to hike side tracks, watch birds and wildlife, swim, sunbathe, read, play games, beachcomb ... The leisurely pace of this walk makes it an option for all age groups. It is also excellent as a first hike for the novice walker; or as a first or last hike for the visitor flying to or from Christchurch airport. It is easy to arrange and with a limit of 12 walkers per day, it is never crowded on the track or at the accommodation.
More Information
To help plan your holiday activities in the Akaroa and Banks Peninsula region, simply choose from the main categories below:
More Off the Beaten Track Suggestions
If you want to discover some of New Zealand's hidden treasures, travel to some out-of-the-way places and see sites that many travellers and tourists miss out on, look at more of our 'Off the Beaten Track' suggestions.
