Banks Peninsula Track
BANKS PENINSULA TRACK - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
2. What are the start and return times for the Track?
3. How long will I walk each day?
5. Do I need to bring food and water with me on the Track?
6. Do I need to bring kitchen equipment or utensils with me on the Track?
7. Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
8. Is pack cartage available on the Track?
9. Is the Track suitable for children?
10. Where can I leave my car when I start the Track?
11. What else might be useful to bring?
12. Is there cell phone coverage on the Track?
13. Can I get transport from Christchurch or the airport?
14. Are there any discounts for families or group bookings?
15. When is the best time to walk the Track?
Where exactly is the Banks Peninsula Track?
The Banks Peninsula Track starts and finishes at Akaroa in the southeast corner of Banks Peninsula. Akaroa is 80km from Christchurch.
What are the start and return times for the Track?
The first day of the track (the day you book to start) consists of a 5.45pm pickup, by bus, from Akaroa and transport to the first hut at Onuku Farm. The track proper starts the following morning from Onuku.
For example, if you book to start the four day track on January 1st, your itinerary would be this.
Jan 1 : 5.45pm pickup from Akaroa, transport to Onuku Farm Hut.
Jan 2 : Walk the Track from Onuku to Flea Bay Cottage.
Jan 3 : Walk the Track from Flea Bay to Stony Bay Cottages.
Jan 4 : Walk the Track from Stony Bay to Otanerito Beach House.
Jan 5 : Walk the Track from Otanerito to Akaroa, (arriving about 12 - 2pm)
If you book to start the two day track on January 1st, your itinerary would be this.
Jan 1 : 5.45pm pickup from Akaroa, transport to Onuku Farm Hut.
Jan 2 : Walk the Track from Onuku, via Flea Bay, to Stony Bay Cottages.
Jan 3 : Walk from Stony Bay, via Otanerito Beach, to Akaroa (usually arriving 2 - 4pm)
How long will I walk each day?
Onuku Farm - Flea Bay. 11 kms. 150m to 700m and down to sea level. 4 - 6 hrs.
Flea Bay - Stony Bay. 8 kms. Up and down along coast. 2 - 4 hrs.
Stony Bay - Otanerito Beach. 6 kms. Up and down near coast. 2 - 3 hrs.
Otanerito Beach to Akaroa. 10 kms. From sea level to 600m and down again. 3 - 5 hrs.
The four day option requires moderate fitness.
The two day option requires good fitness.
Both options require the ability to carry a light pack on sections two and three.
Do I need to bring food and water with me on the Track?
You need to start the four day track with most of your food for your first two days and nights (option of Bushcafe first night). Drinks and chocolate are available at Flea Bay. For days and nights three and four, food and refreshments are available from two small shops at Stony Bay and Otanerito Beach. These are restocked daily to provide sufficient choice and quantity to cater for individuals or groups. Payment is by cash at the shops.
Do I need to bring kitchen equipment or utensils with me on the Track?
No. All the huts contain clean, fully equipped kitchens, including fridges, gas or electric stoves, pots, pans, plates, cups, cutlery, t-towels, tin openers, etc...
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
Yes. The huts contain covered mattresses, pillows and clean pillowcases, however you will need a sleeping bag to sleep in. Sleeping bags can be hired for $30 per trip, book in advance.
Is pack cartage available on the track?
Pack cartage is available for the first and fourth sections of the Track. There is a daily minimum charge of $90 up to 9 packs on the first section, $60 up to 6 packs on the fourth section. Above that number of packs it is $10 per pack on either section.
Full pack cartage is available for groups that book on the four day walk.
Is the track suitable for children?
The track is not recommended for children under five. However, if you really do wish to walk with younger children, please contact our office by using this form.
Where can I leave my car when I start the track?
Your booking entitles you to the use of the designated Banks Peninsula Track car park at Mt Vernon Lodge. This is one kilometre up Rue Balguerie from your pickup point, allow 30 mins to park and walk to Akaroa Information Centre for the Banks Peninsula Track bus. Mt Vernon is on the track route as you arrive back in Akaroa at the end of your walk.
What else might be useful to bring?
Keep your pack as light as possible but :
Essential items are : sleeping bag : clothing (incl waterproofs) : personal toiletries : boots : towel
Recommended are : water bottle : light footwear for huts : torch : camera : daypack (if you intend to use pack cartage) : swimwear :
Is there cell phone coverage on the track?
Please note most of the track is outside cell phone range. Which is how we like it!
Can I get transport from Christchurch or the airport?
Scheduled bus services operate from Christchurch to Akaroa and back. Airport shuttles run regularly from the airport to town.
Taxi services are available from Christchurch or airport direct to Akaroa.
Check our links page for transport options.
Are there any discounts for families or group bookings?
There are currently no discounts available. Because we operate with such limited numbers our policy is to try and keep our price at a level open to all, so we are unable to offer further advance booking discounts. The only discount we currently offer is for a standby booking when you walk within 5 days of booking. See our bookings page for details.
When is the best time to walk the Track?
There is no one best time to walk the Banks Peninsula Track. Each day is different, whether because of the 'season' or the 'farming calendar', the 'weather', the 'wildlife' or simply because of the 'people walking', of whom you will be one. But whether the sea is crashing in or like a millpond, whether you are on your own, with friends, or strangers, one thing we're sure of - you'll enjoy it!