OUR NEW ZEALAND HIKING TOURS  

Let's explore 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. 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. 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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This tour can be perfectly combined with our Kaikoura Coast Track tour and/or our Island Hills Station Track tour. Or just enjoy an awesome four-day break in stunning nature.

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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).

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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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