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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
Away from the crowds, walk at your own pace while soaking in dramatic natural landscapes and coastal panoramas, also observing native wildlife at opportune locations along the way. Part of the eroded crater of an ancient volcano, as well as being home to the historically French settlement of Akaroa, Banks Peninsula is mostly open farmland with pockets of regenerating native forest. Journeying beyond Akaroa where few travellers have access, the majority of this walk lies within the 13,500 hectare "Wildside Project" which is a cooperation between private landowners and several government organisations aimed at protecting and restoring unique ecosystems in the region. Traversing moderately steep farmland and exploring the peaceful Hinewai Reserve, staying each night in comfortable, well-equipped farm dwellings, you gain an appreciation for the diversity of flora, fauna and landscapes of this usually inaccessible region. While they generally remain discrete, a chance meeting with one or two of the local landowners, some of whom are descendants of early European pioneers, is a delightful experience.
23kg of CO2-e PP per day
(114kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Arrive Christchurch
Make your own way to Christchurch and check-in to your tour accommodation any time after 2:00pm. Otautahi Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island and home to spectacular experiences. Perhaps enjoy some time exploring the city if you arrive early enough, or spend some time exploring the city centre, cafes and restaurant options for dinner tonight.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Transfer to Akaroa, transfer to Onuku Farm
The transfer will collect you this morning in Christchurch between 8.30 and 9.00am and transfer you through to Akaroa. Of French and British origins the architecture, lovely gardens, street names and many eateries still reflect this heritage. You will arrive at approximately 11.00am into Akaroa, early enough to spend the day soaking up the ambience, wandering the shoreline, sampling some of the many gastronomic treats or joining one of the water-based activities such as whale or dolphin watching. Meet outside the Old Post Office in Akaroa, 80 Rue Lavaud (on the corner of Rue Lavaud and Rue Balaguerie) at 5:30pm with your luggage and car already parked (if self-driving). Here you will meet a representative from our local partner and anyone else starting the hike today. There will be a short trip briefing before being transferred by bus to the first night's trip accommodation at Onuku Farm, at the trailhead of the Banks Track.
Meals: D
Day 3
Onuku Farm to Flea Bay/ Pohatu (11 km, 5 - 7 hrs)
Commence the Banks Track (also called the Banks Peninsula Track) from the front gate of your accommodation at Onuku Farm. You will walk steadily upwards through open farmland with magnificent views across the Akaroa Harbour. There are some short side trips to alternative view points if you have extra energy before reaching Trig GG, the highest point on the track at 699m, with a 360 degree panorama of the peninsula and beyond. On a clear day, it is possible to glimpse Aoraki Mt Cook (New Zealand's highest mountain, 3724m) in the distant Southern Alps. Descending the extinct volcanic crater rim from Trig GG on the way to sea level, you will pass through lush forest with magnificent old-growth red beech trees in the Tutakakahikura Reserve. Then take a few moments to visit a waterfall or two before reaching Flea Bay (Pohatu). The bay itself is a marine reserve supporting seals, dolphins, seabirds, fish and among other marine life, the largest Australasian Little Penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. Check the noticeboard inside the Flea Bay Cottage, where you stay tonight, for the timing of a complimentary guided penguin tour in the evening. This is available during the breeding season (October to December) and nests must not be visited unaccompanied. Moulting penguins can also be viewed in January and February but there are no tours after that as there are no penguins coming ashore. They spend most of their life at sea.
Meals: B,D
Day 4
Flea Bay/ Pohatu to Stony Bay/ Opatuti (8 km, 3 - 5 hrs)
Leaving the penguin colony, the track today is mostly open grazing land and winds its way along the tops of the rugged, craggy headlands of south eastern Banks Peninsula. It is the shortest walking day in distance but take your time to absorb spectacular views of sea cliffs, Flea Bay and the vast South Pacific Ocean disappearing over the horizon. Sit and contemplate at the halfway mark near Redcliffe Point, spend some time watching fur seals play at Seal Cave or you may be lucky enough to spot some dolphins offshore. Drop down into Stony Bay (Opatuti) where you pass by the landowner's homestead to find your accommodation for tonight. The Stony Bay cottages are set in lovely gardens and are full of character. You might like to enjoy an open air bath or browse the tiny museum where a collection of historical family artefacts reflects five generations of life in the bay. OPTION: It is possible to do a 1 - 1.5hr guided sea kayak excursion in the Pohatu Marine Reserve, exploring the shoreline of Flea Bay, to observe marine wildlife such as seals, penguins, dolphins and sea birds. It is an early morning excursion prior to walking to Stony Bay. This MUST be pre-booked, additional cost applies and the activity is undertaken at your own risk. Please ask for details.
Day 5
Stony Bay/ Opatuti to Akaroa. Transfer back to Christchurch (10 kms, 5-7 hrs; optional + 2 km, + 1 hr)
There is a steep ascent for the first half of today's walk as you climb approximately 700m from sea level up the flanks of the Peninsula's ancient volcanic crater. Passing through what is now some of Hinewai Reserve, you are following a similar route to both the first horse track (constructed in 1880's) and the first phone line (established 1914) between Stony Bay and Akaroa. Hinewai Reserve has been a working project to protect and restore native vegetation and wildlife since 1987. As far as possible introduced mammals and fire are excluded. Regeneration takes time but as you pass through beautiful forest including tree ferns, beech, podocarps, mixed hardwoods and kanuka the long term success of native trees taking over from exotic species such as gorse and broom is clearly evident. Emerging from the forest the track reaches the crater rim. There is an optional side track to Stony Bay Peak (806m) before the trail drops down to sea level in Akaroa, once again affording fabulous views of the harbour. The transfer from Akaroa through to Christchurch is at 4.00pm, arriving into Christchurch around 6.00pm in time for a celebratory dinner.
Meals: B
Day 6
Trip concludes Christchurch
Trip arrangements conclude this morning on check-out. Please contact us if you wish to extend your stay in Christchurch or Akaroa with additional nights. Subject to availability.
What's included
What's not included
This includes reasonably wide mown grass paths, similar to a clipped lawn, and also grazed grassland with the path denoted by painted stones (surface can be puckered by livestock hoof prints and may be a little uneven in this case)
A track that is approximately vehicle width and used occasionally by quad bikes or 4WD vehicle. The track is not maintained and the surface is generally very uneven with a combination of grass, tree roots and/or many large, loose stones and often gutters and/or tyre ruts.
A narrow formed trail that is approximately a single person width. These are usually smooth, compacted earth surfaces which can be pleasant underfoot in dry weather but muddy and slippery in places after rain. This type of path can also include wooden bridges, stone or timber steps, tree roots, small rocks, and sometimes large boulders to scramble around or over.
Walking on this type of track is limited and avoided where possible. It is a formed public access road with fine gravel or shingle surface. The road is just wide enough for two small vehicles to pass. You may encounter the occasional car or farm vehicle (small truck or tractor)
Mostly original farm dwellings modified or renovated where necessary to give the feeling of visiting someone's home. Sleeping arrangements are on a multishare basis and of a bunk room style. Each room contains 3 - 4 beds/bunks either as separate single beds side by side or one bed above the other. There are two double rooms only (with a double bed) at each property, which must be pre-booked (additional cost applies). A mattress, pillow, pillow case and bottom bed sheet are provided. Bathrooms are shared and have flush toilets and hot showers. Communal kitchens are fully equipped with crockery, cutlery, cooking pots and utensils, gas or electric cook tops, and a fridge. Some may also have a microwave oven, electric oven and/or an outdoor gas BBQ. Lounge areas are also communal with plenty of home comforts. The cottages have different layouts, each with their own story and character, but all are cosy, relaxed, comfortable and offer the same general facilities. There is no wifi or mobile phone reception at any of the cottages, except the first night which has mobile reception only. There is no electricity at the third cottage. Charging electronic devices is possible every night. (Note that the third cottage has one charging port only for the whole property.)
INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE - GRADE 4 These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages. These adventures involve walking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. Treks may involve carrying a full pack around 15kg. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. Suggested preparation: We recommend 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise three times a week, from a minimum of three months period to your departure. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling - good cardiovascular exercise. Hill or stair walking with a 7kg daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week. During the walking stages you will need to carry your daily requirements such as water, lunch, spare clothing and personal items.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Our itineraries have been carefully designed and researched with you in mind. The logistics are handled for you allowing you the freedom to walk New Zealand at a level of your choosing and in your own stride.
A core Maori value exercising guardianship in relation to nature, flora and fauna and its people, ensuring that sustainability and environment are valued, respected and protected for future generations to enjoy.
As a small business ourselves, we love supporting and sharing New Zealand with other small and likeminded businesses and communities to showcase for you, what our land and people have to offer.
5Days
Introductory to Moderate
4Days
Moderate
Introductory
6Days
Moderate to Challenging