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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.
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Spend the Night in a Penguin Colony
Book an overnight farm stay in Pōhatu Bay to sleep next door to a penguin colony. Evening penguin tours are a big hit.
Shamarra Alpaca Farm
Alpacas, Banks Peninsula © ChristchurchNZ
Over 170 alpacas graze overlooking scenic harbour views, ready to amuse visitors all day long. Tours are at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm.
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 pick-up and drop-off from Christchurch.
Pōhue PurePod
For a one-in-a-million experience, the standalone PurePod is almost all glass, allowing for non-stop views of Port Levy Bay and rolling hillside – even from the shower!
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.
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.
Banks Peninsula © Adobe Stock
