The Akaroa Walk is rapidly becoming an icon among New Zealand hiking adventures. It is a 42km, 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.

Features of the walk include:

  • Your trip is guided and your bags are transported for you. Only a daypack for refreshments is needed. A moderate level of fitness is required.

  • The tour begins in Christchurch - the gateway to the South Island, with an international airport. Apart from transport across town there is no extra travelling to the start of the walk.

  • Good quality accommodation is provided and meals are included in the price. On the first and third night's you experience excellent restaurant meals (wine and other beverages are available at your cost). The second evening features a New Zealand barbeque, with fresh Akaroa salmon and a complimentary glass of local wine or other beverage from our selection.

  • You will experience unsurpassed views of Banks Peninsula as you complete the walk from Christchurch to the historic French settlement of Akaroa.

 

Day One

The Akaroa Walk begins in central Christchurch where you meet fellow walkers and your friendly guide. After a picturesque ride on the Christchurch Gondola, from the Heathcote Valley to the crater rim, you will experience the first of many breathtaking views.

You will ramble along an interesting 9km trail on the Crater Rim to Godley Head, where you will inspect World War II gun emplacements. There are panoramic views of the city, the Southern Alps and the coastline throughout this section. Your guide will point out many historical and fascinating sights.

You will then visit the historic Timeball Station, above Lyttelton, which was built in 1876 and used to signal exact Greenwich Mean Time to passing ships.

A ferry then takes you across Lyttelton Harbour into the peaceful Diamond Harbour, which brings you to your first night’s accommodation at Godley House. Built in the 1880's, this historic building, and its beautiful gardens, is the perfect place to unwind and relax.

Day Two

Today you cover a distance of 22kms. The track leads you up to Mt Fitzgerald where you will experience unsurpassed views. From the summit you follow undulating walkways to Mt Sinclair where the views are simply stunning. There is constantly changing scenery and in particular you will delight in seeing Port Levy, Pigeon Bay and Lake Forsyth and in the distance Kaitorete Spit... eventually sight the dramatic Akaroa Harbour.

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

Day Three

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 to the top of French Peak, which is a total of 815 metres above Akaroa... and then start the gentle descent through lush farming valleys into Wainui. The ferry then takes you across the harbour to the French settlement of Akaroa.

Later that evening you will gather and celebrate the completion of the walk at one of Akaroa’s top restaurants… where (with your guide) you will relax and reminisce about your successful trip across Banks Peninsula.

The following morning we transport you back to Christchurch.



Find Out More