The Banks Peninsula Track follows the coastline of the bays to the south east of Akaroa, the historic French settlement on Banks Peninsula in the South Island of New Zealand.
The charming and picturesque seaside village of Akaroa is a scenic 85kms from Christchurch.
It has many restaurants, cafes, craft shops, supply stores, museum, cinema, in addition to a wide range of great accommodation making Akaroa a delightful and much loved destination for locals and international visitors alike.
It is particularly noted for its old cottages, gardens, and nature tourism opportunities.
A good range of the Akaroa area accommodation and activities can be found through our links in the sidebar to the right.
Discover historic Akaroa through the Akaroa 'Audio Guide'.
Registered Track walkers receive a 20% discount off the $10 rental price of the audio guide from Akaroa Information Centre.The Audio Guide starts at the Information Centre in the historic heart of Akaroa, includes 18 points of interest and ends at the Main Wharf. The 1.5km walk takes about 90 minutes to complete. The dramatic story of Akaroa's role at the birth of New Zealand unfolds as you listen to a rich tapestry of tales and find the town's most beautiful buildings.
By private vehicle.
Akaroa is a scenic 85km drive from Christchurch on State Highway 75. Leave Christchurch at the south eastern corner of Hagley Park along Lincoln Road. Allow 90 mins for the journey.
Petrol and refreshments are available at Tai Tapu, Little River, and Duvauchelle along the way, and Little River Gallery and Barrys Bay Cheese factory are well worth a visit.
Free Car parking (also suitable for campervans) for track walkers is provided at Mt Vernon Lodge - allow an additional 30 mins to walk to the Information Centre for bus pick-up. The end of your track walk will take you past Mt Vernon as you arrive at Akaroa.
Public Transport from Christchurch to Akaroa (and return)
Regular bus services are provided (up to 3 per day) by
Akaroa Shuttle 0800 500 929
French Connection 0800 800 575
Taxi bus services are provided at good rates by
Outer bays tours 027 489 7200 e-mail pchandler@xtra.co.nz
Akaroa Tours and Taxi 027 695 6981 e-mail rosemary@akaroanz.co.nz
All the bus/taxi services drop you off within 50m of Akaroa Information Centre.
Christchurch has an international airport with direct flights to all the major Australian cities as well as many other international destinations. As the major South Island airport, it also has good connecting flights to almost all other NZ destinations.
Outer bays tours offer the tracks bus, or a van for smaller groups, to charter for groups arriving in Christchurch. Paul can pick you up from the airport or city mid afternoon and deliver you to Akaroa, and return you to Christchurch/airport upon finishing the track. The cost is competitive with any other transport operator and the service convenient as the same bus takes you and your gear out to the first hut that night.
Van for up to 6 people - Bus for 7 to 16 people.
Their charge is: Group up to 8 : $160 per trip each way ($320 return)
Group 8 - 12 : $200 per trip each way ($400 return).
It may be possible to consolidate your group with others. Please contact direct to arrange.
Paul Chandler e-mail pchandler@xtra.co.nz
Ph. (03) 304 7573. Cell ph. 027 489 7200.
The Akaroa Information Centre is located at the centre of the village and is the tourist hub of Akaroa and base for the akaroa.com website (link above).
The website has
good coverage of upcoming events in Akaroa and the surrounding area.
The Information Centre is our bus departure point, pack delivery point at the end of the walk, and also provide a very reasonable pack storage facility for our walkers. They also provide our answering service during the day and can take short notice standby bookings for those who cannot go online. Phone number (03) 304 8600
Christchurch weather forecast from Met service
Swell map (for idea of kayaking conditions)
Onuku Farm Hostel - Akaroa Inner Harbour
Chez La Mer Backpackers - Akaroa
Halfmoon Cottage - Barrys Bay, Akaroa Inner Harbour
Onuku Farm Hostel - Akaroa Inner Harbour
Akaroa Waterfront Motels, Waiiti, Driftwood
link to aatravel guide list of akaroa motels
Onuku Heights - 6kms from Akaroa near start of track
The Giants House - the mosaic garden, Rue Balguerie
Room with a view - 20 Aubrey St, Akaroa
Kayaking on Akaroa Harbour, small groups, friendly trips
Sailing, eco-friendly wildlife trip, from Akaroa on Harbour
Wildlife tours, Boat cruise, Fishing,
Seal colony - Banks Peninsula Eastern Bays
Self-guided (audio kit) or guided historic Akaroa tour
The Giants House - the mosaic sculpture garden
Akaroa Golf Club (Canterbury Golf)
Akaroa's 2 screen luxury Cinecafe
The name Akaroa is Kāi Tahu Māori for 'Long Harbour'.
