OUR NEW ZEALAND HIKING TOURS  

Join us on what many consider the best-hidden treasure and wilderness track in New Zealand

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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 and allows us to get to know each other. Once on the track, many side tours, photo stops and high points will delight both novices and more experienced trampers. And at night, relax by a cosy fire listening to yarns in one of the comfortable or quirky huts or escape it all to gaze into the expansive night sky overhead.

Due to client feedback, we have now categorized this track as moderate rather than easy/moderate, mainly because of the altitude differences we encounter on the first and last hiking days. But bear in mind that on all our multi-day hiking tours 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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Some tour dates are dedicated Slower Hiking Tours.

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Day 1: Christchurch to Akaroa, Harbour Cruise

We meet in Christchurch between 10:00 am and 10:30 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. This second night’s accommodation is at the 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).

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. 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 the 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. Good tramping boots and walking sticks are recommended. The views are definitely worth it! At the end of our walk, we collect our luggage and 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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Grading of this tour: Grade 3 (Moderate)

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The first and third hiking days on the Banks Peninsula Track are classified as moderate (grade 3) due to walking times and altitude gains. The second hiking day is easy (grade 2), except on very windy days. However, the entire track is technically not very demanding and can be enjoyed with a reasonable fitness level.

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You can find more info here:  Our Hiking Track Trail Grading System explained