Banks Peninsula Hiking Tour  

Let's explore what many consider New Zealand's best hidden treasure!
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We leave civilisation behind and soak in dramatic landscapes while catching more than a glimpse of NZ wildlife.

First, we take you on a stunning harbour cruise in Akaroa, where we get a unique view of the rugged hills we will soon be exploring. Once on the track, many photo opportunities and scenic viewpoints await. In the evenings, gaze into the expansive night sky overhead and relax in comfortable and quirky huts after a hot shower.

The track is categorized as moderate rather than easy, mainly because of the altitude differences we encounter on the first and last hiking days, where steeper sections can get slippery when wet. But bear in mind that you can enjoy walking without a heavy backpack, you just carry a daypack! Your luggage will be waiting for you at your next accommodation each night.

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Day 1: Christchurch to Akaroa, Harbour Cruise

We meet in Christchurch between 9:30 am and 10:00 am to drive for about 90mins to Akaroa. We stop in Little River for lunch. There is a lovely cafe with delicious food and coffee, or bring your own lunch if you prefer (lunch is not included today). Then we take you on the best harbour cruise in Akaroa, where we can catch a first glimpse of where we will soon be hiking. We get picked up at 5:30 pm and 20mins later dropped off near tonight's accommodation, Onuku Hut, where we enjoy our first evening together.

Meals: D

 

Day 2: Banks Peninsula Track - Hiking Day 1

5-7 hours walking (~11 km length, ~ 500m difference in elevation)
We climb from our hut (at about 200m altitude) through farmland to a trig at 699m, over the rim of an extinct volcano and down into Flea Bay through the Tutakakahikura Reserve. Tonight's accommodation is Flea Bay Cottage, only about 200m from the beach. A free penguin tour is available in the evening during the penguin breeding season (Oct-Jan).

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Meals: B, L, D, S

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Day 3: Banks Peninsula Track - Hiking Day 2

3-5 hours walking (~8 km length, ~ 150m difference in elevation)
You can paddle in a kayak in the bay in the morning if sea conditions allow (optional, about 1.5h, $90). From Flea Bay we then walk along the coast of the Pohatu Marine Reserve, through a Little Blue Penguin breeding colony and around the headlands to Stony Bay. This night’s accommodation is at Stony Bay Cottages. There is no electricity here, but we ensure we have recharged our cellphone batteries the night before.

Meals: B, L, D, S

 

Day 4: Banks Peninsula Track - Hiking Day 3 and return to Christchurch

5-7 hours walking (~12 km length, ~ 700m difference in elevation)

Today we walk through some of Hinewai Reserve, back over the rim of the extinct volcano with spectacular views at a lofty 690m altitude, and down through mostly open grassland with unimpeded vistas into Akaroa township. With its nearly 700m climb this is the most challenging walking day, especially as the steeper parts can get slippery when wet. Sturdy boots and hiking poles are recommended. The views are definitely worth it!

At the end of our walk in the early afternoon we are reunited with our luggage and after loading it into our vehicle have time in Akaroa for ice cream, a good coffee or whatever you feel like (optional). Then we drive back to Christchurch, where we arrive in the late afternoon (~5:30pm).

Meals: B, L, S

 

B-Breakfast  L-Lunch  D-Dinner  S-Snack

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Tour Grading

🥾 Banks Peninsula Track – Grade 3 (Moderate)

The Banks Track is often described as an easy walk – and for the most part, it is. The paths are well-formed, and the scenery is simply stunning. But there’s more to it: Day 1 and Day 3 include significant elevation gains and losses – around 500 m on the first day and up to 700 m on the third day. These climbs and descents make it more physically demanding than many expect.

After heavy rain, some sections can become muddy and slippery, which requires careful footing and a bit of confidence.

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👉 Our recommendation

This tour is a good choice for women in solid walking shape who are comfortable with hills and uneven ground. A bit of balance and sure-footedness makes it much more enjoyable – especially if the weather turns wet.
That said, it’s still a great option for fit beginners who are keen to take on a rewarding and scenic challenge.

​You can find more about how we grade our tours here: → Our Hiking Track Grading System explained

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Want a little more - Combine with another tour

The Kaikōura Coastal Walk begins just one day after this tour ends - with a single night in Christchurch in between, which we're happy to arrange. Two very different coastlines, back to back. If this seven day combination appeals, contact us and we'll work out a combined price.

Possible combo dates: 29 Nov - 5 Dec 2026 and 8 - 14 March 2027 
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