- New Zealand: 0800 377 378
- Australia: 1 800 044 633
- World: +64 3 962 3280
* Due to fluctuating exchange rates, prices may vary at the time of booking if a tour is based on a different currency from its home country currency.
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For dates, availability & customisations Enquire or Book
Overview
Tours run: November - April (Sundays - weekly)
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3 Days / 3 Nights
- START - Christchurch
- END - Christchurch
- Walking
Activity Level Guide
EasyAn average level of fitness. Walk 7km, Bike 15km
Well formed tracks and roads with very little incline MildAn average level of fitness . Walk 12km, Bike, 25km
Well formed tracks and roads with average incline ModerateAbove average level of fitness. Walk 20km, Bike 45km
Formed tracks and roads with average to steep inclines at times ChallengingAbove average level of fitness Walk 20+km, Bike 50+km
Partially formed tracks and roads with some steep inclines and possibly some easy river crossingsAkaroa — it's all here
What's Included
- All accommodation
- All meals
- Fully guided
- Free Tuatara Tours kit bag
- Luggage transport each day
- Walking poles
- Comprehensive safety systems
The Akaroa Walk is rapidly becoming an icon among New Zealand walking tours.
This is a 46km, three-day, guided walk from Christchurch to Akaroa. You travel along the Summit Ridge and across Banks Peninsula, in the Canterbury Region of the beautiful South Island of New Zealand.
Itinerary & MapDates and Availability?
Tours run: November - April (Sundays - weekly)
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
Customisations?
We can customise tours to suit.
Fitness levels?
We can help you prepare and evaluate your fitness.
Nicky
Hamish
Itinerary & Map
The Akaroa Walk is a truly unique and exciting way to explore Banks Peninsula and its surrounds.
Spend time in paradise with native birds, plants and fabulous company, as well as huge panoramic landscapes that are unique to the area whilst completing your journey from Christchurch to Akaroa.
Larger Map
Day 1: Christchurch to Diamond Harbour
The Akaroa Walk 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.
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Bed & Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast
Meet the locals, large family homes with character and the personal touches.- Heating.
- Comfortable bed, all linen provided. Double or twin rooms.
- Ensuite bathrooms with hot showers and all the amenities.
- Laundry facilities available.
- Individual properties may offer in-room amenities, tea/ coffee making facilities, electric blankets, spa pool, swimming pool, bike hire, kayak hire, tennis court (varies with each property).
- Hosts live on site.
- Sumptuous breakfast provided by your hosts.
Some properties have gardens of note , or properties of historical value.
- Walking
Day 2: Diamond Harbour to Pentrip Lodge
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 is served while you relax on the deck, or by the fire.
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Lodge
Lodge
Relax and enjoy the surroundings.- Lodges are usually run by managers who live on site and will also prepare meals for you.
- Most are in scenic locations.
- Known for individuality in design or landscaping.
- Comfortable beds, all linen and amenities provided.
Known for special extra touches such as complimentary beverages, designer linen, hand crafted accessories, boutique wines (may vary at each property)
- Walking
Day 3: Pentrip Lodge to Akaroa
The total walking distance today is 11km. You start this section with a trip to the oldest living tree on Banks Peninsula – a 2000 year old Totara. From here you head around French Peak, which is a total of 815 metres above Akaroa... and then start the gentle descent through lush farming valleys into Wainui. That evening you will gather and celebrate the completion of the walk at one of Akaroa’s best restaurants… where you will relax and reminisce about your successful trip across Banks Peninsula. The following morning we transport you back to Christchurch.
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Apartment
Apartment
Privacy and comfort in style.- Comfortable bed, ensuite bathroom, all amenities.
- Lounge and dining area, full kitchen facilities.
- Laundry facilities available.
- TV, telephone and internet
- Many city apartments also offer parking, in-house spa, swimming pool or gym.
- Serviced apartments usually have 24 hour reception.
- Walking
What's included?
Accommodation
Bed & Breakfast
Meet the locals, large family homes with character and the personal touches.- Heating.
- Comfortable bed, all linen provided. Double or twin rooms.
- Ensuite bathrooms with hot showers and all the amenities.
- Laundry facilities available.
- Individual properties may offer in-room amenities, tea/ coffee making facilities, electric blankets, spa pool, swimming pool, bike hire, kayak hire, tennis court (varies with each property).
- Hosts live on site.
- Sumptuous breakfast provided by your hosts.
Some properties have gardens of note , or properties of historical value.
Lodge
Relax and enjoy the surroundings.- Lodges are usually run by managers who live on site and will also prepare meals for you.
- Most are in scenic locations.
- Known for individuality in design or landscaping.
- Comfortable beds, all linen and amenities provided.
Known for special extra touches such as complimentary beverages, designer linen, hand crafted accessories, boutique wines (may vary at each property)
Apartment
Privacy and comfort in style.- Comfortable bed, ensuite bathroom, all amenities.
- Lounge and dining area, full kitchen facilities.
- Laundry facilities available.
- TV, telephone and internet
- Many city apartments also offer parking, in-house spa, swimming pool or gym.
- Serviced apartments usually have 24 hour reception.
Please note accommodation is double or twin share. If single room accommodation is requested, an additional fee of $338 per person is payable to cover this requirement for the duration of the walk.
Food
You will enjoy great local cuisine; continental breakfasts and hearty packed lunches during the day, and either restaurant meals or wholesome home-cooked fare prepared by your host/hostess in the evenings.
If you have any dietary issues or food allergies, we are happy to cater for these, please advise the office of details when you make your booking.
Alcohol is not included in the tour cost, but is available for purchase most nights or you are welcome to bring a small amount with you for personal consumption if you prefer.
Fully Guided
Our guides are very experienced, friendly walkers and bikers who love to share their knowledge of New Zealand’s flora and fauna and local history. They all hold current first aid certificates, passenger driving licences and are the very best people to ensure your experience will be one to remember.
Exclusive to Tuatara Tours - Tour Kit Bag
To ensure you get the very best out of your journey with the least of fuss, we provide you with a calico kit bag full of useful goodies.
Your Tour Kit Bag Contains the Following
Contents may vary from time to time!
- Tuatara Tours cap
- Tuatara Tours mug
- Tuatara Tours drink bottle
- Tuatara Tours pen
- Tuatara Tours hand sanitiser
- Tuatara Tours tissues
- Tuatara Tours rain poncho
- Tuatara Tours emergency whistle
- Tuatara Tours postcard
- Tuatara Tours brochures
- Field & History Guide of the area
- Bag of Tuatara scroggin
- Bag of Tuatara energy plus snakes
Luggage
Tuatara Tours transports all your luggage for the duration of the tour.
All you carry is a small day pack with your personal gear, drink and lunch.
We do the Rest
What Do I Bring
For your own safety there are a few things that you must bring yourself:
- Footwear with good ankle support – we recommend good hiking boots
- Thermal top wool or polypro
- Thermal bottom wool or polypro or long trousers
- Waterproof parka with hood
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Fleece jacket or woollen jersey
- Woollen or fleece hat
- Gloves
- Medium size day pack
Other things we recommend you bring are:
- Woollen socks
- Hat, sunglasses
- Drink bottle – at least one litre capacity (we supply you with one bottle, but you may wish to bring another)
- Swim wear
- Camera
- Small personal first aid kit including blister block or similar
- Casual attire for the evenings
- Any other personal items
- Your sense of humour
Safety and Risk Management
To ensure maximum safety for all, our guides are certified first aiders and fully qualified drivers. Tuatara Tours operate under a Safety and Risk Management Plan which is regularly audited and approved by a qualified and independent auditor.
Photos
Akaroa Walk pics, click on the pic you wish to see in more detail
History
Akaroa Walk - Free Field and History Guide
On the Akaroa Walk we provide you a comprehensive field and history summary of Banks Peninsula and Akaroa to refer to on your trip.
- Geology
- Fauna
- Flora
- Did You Know?
- Maori History
- And more...
People
Man has inhabited the Banks Peninsula area for about 1,000 years. The first people to come here were the seafarers in canoes from Polynesia, known as the Moa Hunters. Over time, several waves of Maori descended upon the area. In the late 16th Century the Moa Hunters were overcome by the southward migration of the Ngati Mamoe, who in turn were overcome by the Ngai Tahu.
When Captain James Cook sighted Banks Peninsula in 1770, he thought it was an island and named it after his botanist Sir Joseph Banks, who was on board his ship Endeavour at the time.
In August 1838, Jean L’Anglois, the Commander of a French whaling ship, purchased what he believed to be the entire Banks Peninsula.
On 29th January 1840, two weeks prior to French and German settlers even leaving France for Banks Peninsula, Captain William Hobson had arrived in New Zealand and begun gathering signatures for the Treaty of Waitangi.
By the time Captain Charles Lavaud and his fifty seven French and six German settlers arrived in New Zealand on August 17th 1840, British Sovereignty had been declared over the whole of New Zealand and a British delegation had already been to Akaroa to gather southern signatures. The British Union Jack was hoisted for the first time in Akaroa on August 11th 1840, just six days before the French and German settlers arrived!
Flora and Fauna
On the Akaroa Walk, you will pass through a diverse variety of vegetation types, ranging from undisturbed totara forest to wide open tussock and grazing pastures.
The flora and fauna of the area has changed dramatically with about one third of the original plant life now gone... but there is still plenty of for you to savour over the 3 days of the Akaroa Walk.
Industry
In the past the major industries on Banks Peninsula were forestry milling until all the land was cleared in the early 1900's. Farming and Tourism are now the main concentrations of industry.
Fishing and fish farming are also currently undertaken.
