Frequently Asked Questions

Sleeping bag (unless you have booked a private room)
Tramping boots
Adequate clothing for all Weather Conditions
Personal Locator Beacon
Sun hat / Woollen hat
Sunscreen
Raincoat
Walking poles are recommended
A water bottle
A day-pack for 3-Day Classic Walkers
Cash (for shop)
Camera/Smartphone
Torch
Sunglasses/Reading glasses
Hut footwear
Towel (unless you have booked a private room)
Medication
Personal bathroom items

There is spring-fed drinking water available at all accommodations. Make sure you bring a big enough water bottle to last the whole day.

You will need to bring food for all meals until you get to Stony Bay Cottages, although Flea Bay Cottage and Ōnuku Trampers Hut have milk, drinks, and chocolate bars available.

On your last evening at Stony Bay, there is a Walker’s shop. This shop is well stocked and open to walkers throughout their stay. It is restocked daily and provides sufficient choice and quantity to cater to individuals or groups. Expect to pay prices roughly similar to a remote country dairy and don’t forget to bring cash.

As well as a good supply of cold drinks, this shop includes:
Cereals, milk, bread, butter, bacon, eggs, chocolate, biscuits, cheese, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, soup, tinned fish, tinned fruit, tinned tomatoes, noodles, pasta, potatoes, sausages, steaks, mince, and ice cream.

Catering for your Banks Track journey can be arranged through The Common, available for groups of 6 hikers or more.

They provide tailored multi-day meals designed for walkers, including lunches and dinners suited to each hut’s facilities and dietary requirements.

For menus, pricing, and bookings, please contact The Common directly via email hello@thecommon.nz or phone 0210 591 075.

Each accommodation has hot showers and flush toilets.

Pillows and pillowcases are provided and all kitchens are fully equipped including stoves, pots, pans, plates, coffee plungers, tea, instant coffee, cutlery, etc as well as cleaning materials and tea towels. You do not need to bring any kitchen items. There are also rubbish bins at all huts.

On the 3-Day Classic Walk, we will transfer your pack for you to each accommodation and to Akaroa on the last day, so you only have to carry a day pack with lunches, water bottles, and extra clothing for safety.

Please try to keep pack cartage as easy to handle as possible. Strong soft-sided bags that can be carried with handles are preferred.

On the 2-Day Hikers Option, you will have to carry your own pack while hiking.

Transport of 1 pack per person up to 15kg is included in your 3-Day Classic Walk booking, if you require extra items transported, they must be pre-booked and paid.

If you are travelling with multiple people you can replace one of your packs with a chilly bin or book additional pack cartage. Maximum size for chilly bins 45cm (L) x 30cm (W) x 40cm (H).

Section 1: Onuku – Flea Bay. 11 km, 5-7 hrs
Section 2: Flea Bay – Stony Bay. 8 km, 3-5 hrs
Section 3: Stony Bay – Akaroa. 12 km, 5-7 hrs

3-Day Classic Walk – Moderate

The 3-Day Classic Walk covers one section per day. Grade classification – moderate. We will transfer your packs for you between accommodations, so you only have to carry a day pack.

2-Day Hikers – Demanding

The 2-Day Hikers Option covers sections one and two on the first day and section three on the second day. Grade classification – demanding. You will carry your pack while hiking.

Hiking in New Zealand requires thorough preparation for rapid weather changes and rugged terrain. Prioritise safety by checking forecasts, packing thermal layers (no cotton), carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and telling a trusted person your plans.

Banks Track Intentions Sheet

Please take responsibility for your own safety and make good decisions before and while on the track.

The weather will have a large impact on your trip. Be prepared for all weather – what can be a very easy walk in some conditions can also be a very challenging trip in bad weather.

Please be aware that during or following heavy rain, the surface can be extremely slippery and strong coastal winds can make progress slow. Inexperienced walkers may want to allow extra time due to the steepness of parts of the track. Many walkers find walking poles an extremely useful addition to their pack.

Safety in the outdoors:

Land Safety Code (DOC NZ)

Safety in the Outdoors (New Zealand)

10 Essential New Zealand Outdoor Safety Tips

Weather

MetService

Windy Forecast Map

Windfinder Akaroa Forecast

All children require a booking on Banks Track.

Our 3-Day Walkers have the option to join a tour on their second evening including penguins in season (approx. Oct to Jan and April). No pre-booking is required. Information upon arrival at Flea Bay.

There is cell phone reception on day one until you reach the halfway shelter and on day three once you reach the top. There is no cell phone reception at Flea Bay and Stony Bay. 

We welcome you to walk Banks Track from 1st October to 30th April each year.

The gift of experience and nature on Banks Peninsula. A Banks Track gift voucher allows the recipient to choose when they want to walk Banks Track.

Grab One Today

90% refund when at least 60 days notice is given
50% refund when at least 14 days notice is given otherwise payment is forfeited.
Bookings can be rescheduled within the same season when at least 30 days notice is given.
Cancelled bookings may be refilled.

All activities have an element of risk and all walkers undertaking Banks Track do so voluntarily and at their own risk.

We will do all in our power to maintain our track and accommodation in a safe condition for your enjoyment.

Banks Track excludes, to the fullest extent possible under law, all liability for loss or damage suffered by the walker in relation to the Banks Track.

Banks Track reserves all rights to cancel any activity at its discretion for (but not limited to) any of the following reasons:

a) weather conditions;

b) unsuitability of walker(s) due to reasons such as ill health, poor fitness, intoxication or any other reasons rendering a walker unsuitable or unfit to participate in the activity;

c) any other circumstances which are beyond the reasonable control of Banks Track.