Travel Tips

The Banks Peninsula Trail is one of New Zealand's private hikes. It cost $200, and is well worth it for may reasons:
- The accommodation is very good- the huts are well kept, very scenic and have a great atmosphere (with all utensils for cooking plus food in two huts).
- The sceney is magic and ecclectic- The walk begins with a steep ascent up the hills to an excellent vantage point with views across Akaroa Harbour, hills and farmland, then takes you through forests and cliff faces, each night sleeping at a hut on a bay.
- The wildlife!! I saw the rare yellow eyed penguin, hector dolphins, and seals as well as birds such as the wood pidgeon.
- There is a limited number of walkers on the track as it is private.
- The walk can be done in two days (with lots of walking each day) or four days- wich i would recommend as you can take side walks and explore the magic.

There are four huts to stay at (pictures in order)
1st night: Onuku Farm. There are bunk beds, a shower, cooking utensils, and outside there are some 'stargazers'- little cabins to sleep one or two people with a window looking to the stars- the skies are amazing on a clear night.
2nd night: Flea Bay: this is more an old house with beds. There is a piano, fridge with chocolate, drinks and beer, and on the edge of a bay. The owners offer kayaking in the bay- which is the best thing to do- the 2nd day walk is short so take the time to kayak- i saw penguins, seals and dolphins
3rd night: Stormy Bay: this is divided into one bigger hut and smaller two people huts. The place is amazing- like out of a childrens fairy tale with a bath under the stars, and a shower in a tree.
4th night: Otanerito bay: a nice house with bunks, there are side tracks to do.

On the first day you walk along a stream which has many beautiful waterfalls. There is one waterfall which you can walk behind! An amazing feeling being on the 'otherside' of a waterfall.

Yellow Eyed Penguins: this is the world's rarest penguin, they are the 4th largest standing about 75cm tall. It amazed me how far the penguins climb to get to thier nest- sometimes 200m up a hill! The farmers at Flea Bay help in thier conservation (thier numbers are low) and have viewing platfoms. The couple is so nice and their contribution to the penguins deserves a medal.

New Zealand fur seals: These guys are so cute and just love to sloth around on rocks in the sun. On the 3rd day you can take a side track to Seal Cave- when your eyes adjust to the dim light you can see a colony of seals- i even saw pups- sooo cute!

Hector dolphins- the world smallest dolphins. There is a good viewing spot near flea bay.

There are many others- birds, sea life and mammals- detailed in the hanbook given to you.

The coastal trail leads you along impressive cliff-lines.

On the last day, after a slight ascent, you come into an enchanting red beech forest. It is magic!! Take some time here, breathe in and smell the age of the place and feel the stillness... If i were a poet, it is here i'd go to write.

This loo (aka toilet- we Aussie's call toilets loo's sometimes coz it is easier and we are lazy with speech) has the best view i have ever seen from a toilet. What a great way to relieve yourself....