My Favourite Walk: Banks Peninsula Track - an

Banks Pennisula Track -

an unique scenic 3-day trip

By Jackie Fan

Upon arriving at the township of Akaroa, not only can you feel the hustling of the cafes and restaurants, but also strong exotic atmosphere flowing in the air.

French flags flying high together with New Zealand flag, along with plenty of French-style eateries and buildings along the street. Canterbury’s oldest town, Akaroa was founded in 1840 by French settlers.

Meaning long harbour, Akaroa is one of the main New Zealand cruise ships harbour. Following the 2010 major earthquakes which affected Christchurch and Lyttelton, cruise ships were diverted to Akaroa. Being a town with only hundreds of residents, there are a lot more visitors than locals here, especially in summer.

After spending the night at the family-operated Onuku Farm Hostel, next cloudy morning saw us on Banks Track only 11km from Onuku to Flea Bay.

Our big packs were carried by the truck It didn’t take us too much effort to climb up from 200m to 699m and back down to sea level, that took us through farm, forest, volcanoes and a spectacular shoreline.

Above top: Looking down on the township of Akaroa. Below right: The Onuku Farm Hotel.

Even though majority of the first-day walking was done in the mist, when we approaced the family house, it turned out bright . and sunny.

Staying in the Flea Bay house was lovely and enjoyable albeit the name.

Just before it was getting dark, we were taken on a guided blue penguin tour, that gave us more understanding of how the landowners make their conservation effort to protect our precious endangered species: They help to raise baby penguins and built a lot of nests along the shore for them.

Day 2 Flea Bay to Stony Bay, 8km up and down along the coast, outstanding view all the way albeit rather strong wind gust. Some of the clifftop walking could be a bit tricky on windy days.

Albatross Point was a very good side track to explore, where we were delighted to see the bright-red rata blooming along the coastline. We were also fortunate to see a sea lion family on the rocks in Stony Bay.

The next sunny morning we set off from Stony Bay back to Akaroa, for 12km, from sea level to crest of hills at 690m, with great views of the Kaikoura Range as well as the panoramic view of Akaroa from the top, then descent to sea level.

Nothing easy for all the climbing ups and downs, but it’s a wellrewarded scenic escape with comfort and surprise.

Rated as difficult, this original private track is an excellent eco-tourism experience, offering diverse wildlife, scenery and hospitality.

Each accommodation reflects the character, history and individuality of the families especially the last one at Stony Bay. It’s just so quirky and interesting that it gives the track a whole new dimension. It is indeed one of my most favourite trips in New Zealand.

Above top: The Flea Bay house. Above: Walking on day one in the mist. Below left: little blue penguins with nest beside the shoreline.