Akaroa Walk
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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.
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Day 1: Christchurch to Diamond Harbour
The Akaroa Walk begins with a walk briefing in Christchurch where you meet fellow walkers and your friendly guide.
After a picturesque drive along the Summit Road you will arrive at Godley Head, which is the start of your 12km walk on day one. You will walk along the historical Godley Head Walkway and then onto the Crater Rim Walkway, on the way enjoying commanding views of Lyttelton Harbour and Christchurch City.
You then make your descent into the port town of Lyttelton on the famous Bridle Path. Your walk follows the route of the first settlers to Christchurch who arrived in Lyttelton in 1850 and left from here to establish the city of Christchurch.
From Lyttelton you catch a ferry to your accommodation in Diamond Harbour.
Day 2: Diamond Harbour to Duvauchelle
Today you will cover a distance of 16.5kms. 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 and the Onawe Peninsula.
Your accommdation this evening is a charming B&B in Duvauchelle, with grand views the length of Akaroa Harbour.
Day 3: Duvauchelle to Akaroa
The total walking distance today is approximately 11.5km.
After a transfer from Duvauchelle, along the Summit Road above Akaroa Harbour we take a short walk amongst the totara forest on the Otepatotu Reserve track to warm up your legs. From the Otepatotu Reserve its on to the old Le Bons Bay access track by which we descend into Takamatua and then walk to your accommodation in Akaroa via Childrens Bay. You should have time to enjoy the sights of Akaroa township for the remainder of the afternoon.
Tonight 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 by bus. You will be dropped off outside the Museum in Rolleston Avenue. If you wish to be dropped off at the airport instead please notify us at the time of booking.
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The Akaroa Walk is an icon among New Zealand walking tours. At 39 km, it is a very achievable journey over 3 days of fantastic scenery, taking you from Christchurch, the Gateway to the South Island, to the charming historic settlement of Akaroa on Banks Peninsula.
This New Zealand walking tour offers spectacular panoramic views from the crest of the Godley Head and Crater Rim walkways, a stroll amongst ancient totara forest on the Otepatotu Reserve Track and a close-up view of the twin volcanic craters of the Lyttelton and Akaroa Harbours and the many smaller bays and coves that surround them.
The Banks Peninsula region is also host to a large number of bird species that shelter amongst the pockets of native trees and shrubs, while a marine mammal sanctuary in Akaroa Harbour protects the rare Hectors Dolphin.
The Akaroa Walk incorporates some of the best historical walking tracks in Canterbury. Among these is the Bridle Path Track, the original route travelled by Christchurch’s first European settlers in their arduous journey from the port of Lyttelton to the settlement of Christchurch, carrying clothing, food, and all their earthly possessions. Now you can retrace their footsteps, albeit with only your day pack.
Another walking trail surveyed as a traveller’s road but never constructed is the Summit Road Walkway, used by turn-of-the-century farmers and landowners as they journeyed from bay to bay on Banks Peninsula. In the spirit of the early pioneers and accompanied by one of our informative local walking guides, you will learn about the forces of nature that shaped this stunning landscape and the people that came to tame it, the legacy of the early Maori inhabitants and the influence of the French and English colonists still evident today.
Akaroa is a delightful place to spend a few days after your walking tour, consider extending your stay and enjoy a few days exploring the village at leisure, with its many fine galleries, craft shops and cafes. Your Akaroa Walk experience includes return transport to Christchurch at the end of your journey as well as all meals on tour, portage of luggage so you only need walk with a day pack and accommodation each night in locally owned and operated Lodges and motels