Banks Peninsula Must Do's

Pōhatu Marine Reserve

Home to Hector’s dolphins, penguins and seals; guided tours include kayak trips and 4WD excursions as well as walks to see penguins in their natural habitat.

Spend the Night in a Penguin Colony

Book an overnight farm stay in Pōhatu Bay to sleep next door to

Little Blue penguins © Adobe Stock

Laverick Bay Glamping

With such an incredible vista you won’t need to move far from your spot. Choose from a cosy cabin or canopy camp to call home during your stay.

Hidden Gem Beaches

Okains Bay offers a safe beach for families with a campground right on the sand. Le Bons Bay is about as far east as you can drive and easily one of Canterbury’s best beaches.

Guided Crater Rim Walks

March along the rim of an ancient volcano with a knowledgeable local guide. Almost 1000m above sea level, the coastal views are spectacular. Choose a morning, afternoon or full-day tour, with pickup and drop-off from Christchurch.

Okains Bay Māori and Colonial Museum

Tucked away in a quiet beach community, this houses a range of European and Māori taonga. Open weekends in winter and Wednesday to Saturday over summer.

Coopers Knob

Climb to the highest point in Port Hills and be treated to wondrous views. It is 20 minutes each way and dogs are also welcome on leash.

TOP TIP: Tours of the Shamarra Alpaca Farm located in Akaroa are at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm.

Alpacas, Banks Peninsula © ChristchurchNZ

Looking for a place to stay in Banks Peninsula? Book accommodation at aa.travel.co.nz