Akaroa Hanmer Trail

The Tuatara Akaroa Hanmer Trail is an eight-day fully guided walking and cycling tour.

Experience the grandeur of the South with this magical journey walking across beautiful Banks Peninsula, and then cycling from the stunning Waipara Valley wine region of North Canterbury and Hanmer Springs.

The philosophy of Tuatara Tours is to combine the wonderful scenery of the South Island with challenging exercise... and have the ability to enjoy a glass of wine at night, with excellent cuisine, in good quality accommodation. We combine recreation with ambience, exercise with relaxation.

The cycling is on easy terrain, with options to ride in the accompanying bus from time to time. No previous cycling experience is needed.

Your trail begins with a three-day guided walk from Christchurch to Akaroa. You travel along the stunning Summit Ridge on Banks Peninsula, experiencing unsurpassed views of the Southern Alps, Canterbury Plains, Lyttelton, Diamond Harbour, Port Levy, Okuti, French Farm Valley, Kaituna, Wainui, Lake Forsyth, Lake Ellesmere and Akaroa.

You will then have a "break day" to enjoy an exciting cruise on Akaroa Harbour - taking in all of the views, as well as sighting the rare Hector's dolphins at play, before returning to Christchurch to check into your hotel.

The following day you will be transported right into the heart of the Waipara Valley wine region where your cycling begins. Over the next four days you will enjoy spectacular views of Balmoral Forest, Pahau Plains and Hanmer Springs whilst being entertained by your knowledgeable and friendly guide.

The trail is achievable for all types of outdoor enthusiasts, from novice and recreational bikers/walkers, to the adventurers who enjoy being pampered at the end of the day with a hot shower, a comfy bed and fine local cuisine.

A moderate level of fitness is required.

Features of the trail include:

Trip Itinerary

The Akaroa Hanmer Trail begins close to Christchurch where you meet fellow walkers and your friendly guide.

After a picturesque drive along the Summit Road you will arrive at Gebbies Pass, which is the start of your 18.5km walk on day one. You will walk along the interesting and historical Packhorse Track over McQueens Pass to Mt Bradley and on the way enjoy commanding views of Lyttelton Harbour. Stop and inspect the historic stone hut perched high in the saddle. You then continue on to Mt Herbert, whilst enjoying stunning views of the Southern Alps and the Banks Peninsula coastline. From Mt Herbert you will follow the track down to sea level and to your overnight stay at peaceful Diamond Harbour.

Day Two

Today you will cover a distance of 16kms. The track leads you up to Mt Fitzgerald where you will experience unsurpassed panoramic views of the small, secluded bays of Banks Peninsula. From the summit you will follow undulating walkways to Mt Sinclair where the scenery continues to unfold below you. In particular, you will delight in seeing Port Levy, Pigeon Bay, Lake Forsyth and (in the distance) Kaitorete Spit. You will also get your first glimpse of Akaroa Harbour.

You then arrive at our own Pentrip Lodge, where you are welcomed with a refreshing cold beverage and a hot spa. A highlight of Pentrip Lodge is the barbeque dinner, with fresh Akaroa smoked salmon and local produce - which are served while you relax on the deck, or by the fire.

Day Three The day starts with a visit to a 2,000 year old Totara tree followed by an 11km walk down meandering valley tracks overlooking Akaroa Harbour, until you reach Wainui. We then take you by boat across to Akaroa Village, where you will stay in good quality accommodation and celebrate the first three days of the journey with an entertaining evening meal in one of Akaroa's top restaurants.

Your cycle experience starts with the beautiful landscape of the Waipara River Gorge. You will pedal through the quiet and peaceful North Canterbury rural landscape.

You finish your day with a long cool drink at the historic Hurunui Hotel one of the country's oldest licensed establishments, having held its licence continuously since 1st July 1860. From the hotel you are transported to the town of Culverden which is in the rural heart of the North Canterbury farming community. You will spend the night dining and relaxing.

It is then just a short pedal to your accommodation for the evening, the historic Waiau Hotel. The hotel is set in a beautiful and peaceful valley, and has great ambience and character. You will relax with fabulous local cuisine and perhaps a well deserved beverage or two.

You reach your destination of Hanmer Springs mid afternoon. You will be able to have a well deserved soak in the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools before enjoying an evening meal with your group.

You will then travel to Waipara and visit a local vineyard where you will be able to taste a range of award-winning wines. From here you travel a short distance to a local olive grove to enjoy another award winning product.

Then it is all aboard and back to Christchurch, your final destination of the tour.

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