This 35 Km track was one of New Zealand's first private tracks, walked over 2 or 4 days it covers 35 Kms along the coastline of this long extinct volcano near Christchurch in the South Island. Maori arrived on this ancient weathered volcano with fire and adzes, dogs and rats and soon a third of the forest was gone. Early European settlers quickly cleared the rest of the land … [Read more...]
Onuku Farm Hostel – the first night
The Banks Peninsula Track bus picks us all up from outside the Old Post Office, packs are loaded up and we are given an introduction to the tramp before heading off to our first night. On the way we introduce ourselves to the other trampers, and read the booklet about how we are going to spend the next few days. All of us are kiwis, a family of four, a woman and her very fit … [Read more...]
Otanerito Bay and Hinewai – it is our last night on the Banks Peninsula Track
We have arrived for our last night on the Banks Peninsula Track- tonight we are in Otanerito Bay. The walkers have done another relatively short (6km) coastal walk. The latte ladies have been back to Akaroa for, of course, a latte. We have to line up with the hundreds of milling visitors of one of the many cruise ships that visit Akaroa at this time of year. These … [Read more...]
Stony Bay Opatuti – our third night on the Banks Peninsula Track
The walkers have a shorter trip today - 8kms up and down along the coast, past Seal Cove - though every cove has seals on this coast. Arriving at Stony Bay is like we have stepped into a kind of hobbiton - funky small buildings placed in beautiful gardens. There is a pool table with paint pots to catch the balls, two fire baths to relax after the day, a fire pit to gather … [Read more...]
Flea Bay – Pohatu – The Second Night
A 4-6 hour walk from 200m to 699m and back down to sea level is the first day of walking on the Banks Peninsula Track. It is a misty day - so not too hot for walking, but the views are not so expansive over Akaroa harbour, though the cloud lifts enough to see out to the Akaroa Harbour entrance. A lunch shelter at the top of the ridge provides shelter and a gathering point … [Read more...]
Akaroa Harbour – Black Cats and Wineries
Although Christchurch itself is on the river and inland it is very close to two fabulous harbours - Lyttleton and Akaroa. They are definately on the list for a day trip (or more) each. Last weekend we headed to Akaroa to go out on The Black Cat Cruise of Akaroa Harbour, and then on to French Farm Winery for lunch. The excuse was a birthday celebration, so we actually hired … [Read more...]