After your first nights' stay at Onuku Farm Trampers' Hut, the Banks Peninsula Track climbs up and over the crater rim surrounding Akaroa Harbour. From there it descends through native forest to the Pacific Coast, where you stay for your second night.

The Track then follows this dramatic coastline, via clifftops, rocky bays and sandy beaches for your next two days walking and two nights.

On your final day you ascend once more through both the regenerating and ancient forest of Hinewai Reserve before cresting the crater rim at Purple Peak saddle and descending to Akaroa.

The Track route is wonderfully diverse, passing through lush native bush and beech forest, with waterfalls and birdsong, and crossing open pasture with stunning panoramic views.

You quickly gain height after passing the Onuku farm buildings following the grass farm road to the abandoned site of Paradise Farm. Continue up through open pasture with stunning views of Akaroa Inner Harbour until finally reaching Trig GG, the highest point on the walk. From here on clear days there are views over to the Southern Alps. Soon after there is a walkers' shelter, before you cross over the crater rim. A brief road section starts the descent into Flea Bay, you turn off at Mortlock's Mistake, following the stream through conservation reserves with red beech and regrowth hardwood forest, and a series of four waterfalls, (access behind the veil of the last one) before emerging into the grazed land of the valley floor. In the last 20 minutes you pass Nikau palms at their southernmost limit. The cottage is just 200m from the beach and Pohatu marine reserve.

Landcrossings. Onuku Farm. Onuku Heights. DOC Reserves. Flea Bay Farm.
Onuku - Flea Bay. 11 kms, 4-6 hrs

The Track leaves Flea Bay by climbing to just 150 metres altitude and then traversing along the eastern side of the bay above Pohatu marine reserve, giving good views, with seats provided for dolphin and penguin viewing. The narrow track continues on through the DOC penguin sanctuary area and rounds the tip of the headland before reaching the gully above Island Nook. From here it follows the dramatic clifftop route to the iron oxide stained cliffs of Redcliffe Point before dropping down to the 'Gull and Shag' shelter built against the rock wall. You cross a stream here, near the Seal Cave, a reliable haunt of fur seals, often swimming and playing with their young amongst the rocks or curled up asleep in the cave. The track climbs steeply after this to the ridge (with great views to Pompeys Pillar to the north), and then follows round the coast before a steep descent brings you down onto the beach. You cross the small creek and walk a hundred yards up the valley to the Stony Bay cottages.

Landcrossings. DOC Penguin sanctuary. Opatuti Farm (Stony Bay).
Flea Bay - Stony Bay. 8 kms, 2-4 hrs

From Stony Bay you climb briefly through regenerating coastal forest (penguin sanctuary) before heading out to Blowhole Point (where in favourable conditions the sea whooshes up through a small hole in the rock shelf). You then swing inland again past rock-walled Blind Bay, up a bushy gully, and out to the southern headland of Sleepy Bay with it's spectacular view of the Sea Arch. Sheltered Sleepy Bay is in delightful contrast, a good place to lunch or linger - its high bush-girt waterfall is just a couple of minutes off the main track. You cross one more spur, passing the site where Ngai Tahu warriors fought a decisive battle with Ngati Mamoe some 300 years ago, before joining the broad farm track down to Otanerito beach.
Walks to 'Fantail falls' or the 'Stones' viewpoint are options for the energetic, after arrival.

Landcrossings. Opatuti Farm. Renegat Farm.
Stony Bay - Otanerito Beach. 6 kms, 2-3 hrs

The first kilometre from Otanerito beach is through farmland alongside the creek, but for most of the way upvalley the route traverses Hinewai Reserve through extensive regenerating native forest and some mature old-growth beech forest. The gradient is gentle at first, following the lower reaches of Narbey Stream, with short sidetracks leading to waterfalls. The second half of the ascent is steeper but under shady forest canopies. Eventually you emerge into a parkland of native trees and pasture at Brocheries Flat, before making the last short climb to Purple Peak saddle, 590m above sea level. Akaroa Harbour spreads out below you like a satellite image. For the energetic, a 40 minute steep side track leads to the even loftier viewpoint of Taraterehu, or Stony Bay Peak, 806m. From the saddle the track descends quite steeply through grassy farmland gullied with native bush and surrounded by spacious views in all directions, finally entering town by Mt Vernon Lodge and Rue Balguerie.

Landcrossings. Renegat Farm. Hinewai Reserve. Miessen. Purple Peak Track (public).
Otanerito Beach - Akaroa. 10 kms, 3-5 hrs

On the four day walk you spend a night at each of the four huts of the Banks Peninsula Track. These are all completely different from each other, ranging from the purpose built lodge at Onuku and colonial cottages of Stony Bay through to the old farm cottage at Flea Bay and original farm homestead at Otanerito.

They all have fully equipped kitchens, comfortable bedrooms and bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers.

There is no 'official' hosting at the accommodations on the Banks Peninsula Track.
Each hut is owned and run by different families with a high degree of independence as to how they operate.

Our intention from the outset was to try and provide walkers with everything they needed for an enjoyable stay and to remain as much in the background as possible, with our contact being at the personal level rather than in the pre-arranged 'tourist' format.

In many cases you will not see anyone, but we are usually around and if you need anything or wish to ask questions, please come to the farmhouse and find us!

This first night for all walkers is in two purpose built lodges with panoramic views over Akaroa Harbour

The larger is for the four day walkers and has 2 x 4 bunk bedrooms and a spacious 4 bed loft. Or you may choose, for fun, to sleep in one of the double bed 'stargazers' where you can lie in your bed and see the stars.
There is a well equipped kitchen/dining room. Gas stoves and water, solar powered lighting. Log burner.

Toilets and hot shower are shared with two day walkers.

Host. Jeff Hamilton.

This charming 160 yr old pioneer cottage is the second night for the four day walkers.

It is set just 200m back from the safe swimming beach and with verandah views of the bay and Pohatu marine reserve

Electric stove, lights, hot water, shower. Log burner, flush toilets, lots of room. Piano. Gas barbecue.

Three bedrooms in house with 4 beds.
Two x 2 bedrooms in adjacent building.

The cottage is sited within the boundaries of the largest mainland colony of Little Penguin in NZ. Penguins may be heard calling from surrounding hillsides especially in October.

Hosts. Francis and Shireen Helps - Flea Bay
        Steve & Pam Helps - Akaroa

The third night for four day walkers is a delightful collection of self-contained colonial style cottages.

The four day walk cottage has an open fireplace and log burner, gas cooking, barbecue, candles for lighting, electrically heated shower, flush toilets, and a 'bath under the stars'.
Toilets and hot shower are shared with two day walkers.
Main cottage has two 4 bed rooms.
Three other 2 bed cottages with kitchens.

Also a small 'museum' and lovely outdoor areas.
A full range of shop supplies are available at Stony Bay.

Hosts. Mark & Sonia Armstrong

The fourth night for four day walkers is set in a delightful 'out of control' organic garden, abundant with both exotic and native plants, the house is just fifty yards from a safe, sandy beach with good swimming in calm seas and great boogie boarding when the surf is up.

Kitchen and two bedrooms in house 4/6, and garden sleepout for 2.
Outside double toilet/shower block.
Free coffee, tea, sugar.... and a good selection of books, magazines, indoor and outdoor games.
Otanerito Beach Tramper's Shop also has a full range of supplies.

Hosts. Doug Hood & Fiona Farrell

The Track is Self - catering, with the following options, which are all payable by cash.

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On your first evening at Onuku, a ten minute walk from the hut takes you to the 'Bush Cafe' which offers a 'Homecooked Dinner with Dessert' for $25.
Chris and Aya operate this for Banks Peninsula Track walkers from 1st October to 31st March.
Pre-bookings are essential, payment by cash. Phone 021 520 164

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On your second evening at Flea Bay Cottage there are Drinks and Chocolate available.

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On your third and fourth evenings at Stony Bay and Otanerito there are Trampers' shops.
These two shops are well stocked and open to walkers whenever they arrive. They are restocked daily, and provide sufficient choice and quantity to cater for individuals or groups. Expect to pay prices roughly similar to a remote country dairy.

Trampers' shops supply list.

As well as a good supply of Cold drinks, stocks include

Cereals, Milk, Bread, Butter, Bacon, Eggs, Coffee, Tea, Sugar, Chocolate, Biscuits, Fresh vegetables, Soup, Tinned fish, Cheese, Fresh fruit, tins fruit, tinned tomatoes, Noodles, Pasta, Potatoes, Sausages, Steaks, Mince, and Ice Cream.

These two shops are well stocked and open to walkers whenever they arrive. They are restocked daily, and provide sufficient choice and quantity to cater for individuals or groups. Expect to pay prices roughly similar to a remote country dairy. Payment by Cash.

Standard Pack cartage is available as an option on the first and last of the four sections of Track. These are the two longest sections and also those with most ascent and descent.

Payment is by cash, no pre-booking required.

A standard charge of $10 per pack is subject to minimum daily fees, as detailed below.

Section 1. Onuku Farm to Flea Bay. 1 - 9 packs $90.    9+ packs, $10 per pack.
Arrival of packs, by 2.00pm.

Section 4. Otanerito to Akaroa. 1 - 6 packs $60.    6+ packs, $10 per pack.
Arrival of packs, by 1.00pm. Fee includes storage until 5.00pm, Akaroa Information Centre.

TIP. If you have a vehicle parked at Mt Vernon, keep your keys with you, as you will pass Mt Vernon 30 mins before reaching your packs at Info Centre.

Additional luggage can be stored during your walk for $5.00 at Akaroa Information Centre.

An option of full pack cartage exists for groups on the 4 day walk.
The cost for this option is $630 for up to 12 x 15kg maximum packs.
This fee includes a carbon credit donation paid to Hinewai Reserve.
This option must be booked in advance.
This option was originally designed for single groups who booked out the entire walk, and has been extended to be available for smaller groups. If you are a group smaller than 12, and book this option you are obliged to offer cartage to the other walkers, at our conventional rates on the first and last days and for $50 for the full cartage option. This money is paid to you, ie, the BPT only receives the single payment of $630 and you deal with the rest.

Pack Cartage and Eco-Tourism, the conflicting desires!

No issue has taken up more time or caused more debate for the Track members than the issue of pack cartage on the middle section of the Track.

One of the distinctive attractions of the Banks Peninsula Track is the remoteness of the bays, not just from Akaroa, but from each other. No farm tracks go the whole way from one bay to another, the only way for us to drive to our neighbour’s property in the next bay is via Akaroa township. The return trip is never less than 70kms, although the walking distance may only be 6 or 8 kms.

This topography is one of the reasons why the bays have such a unique feel, and why the walking track around the coast, linking up these remote farms, is so special. But it also has a big impact on our thoughts and policy regarding pack cartage around the Track, and especially as it affects our desire for the Track to be as eco friendly as we can make it. We hope the facilities provided on the Track will allow you to carry only a light pack.

We understand some walkers simply cannot carry a pack, but we have differing views amongst us as to what the best arrangement should be. Please accept that the result is the best compromise we can reach.

Flea Bay boasts the largest mainland colony of any little penguin on mainland New Zealand.

On the second evening of the four day walk, Francis Helps invites Track walkers to join him on his evening tour of the white flippered penguin nesting boxes that he has established and maintains on the farm. Sometimes Yellow Eye penguins (Hoiho) are also seen.
The penguins breed between September and mid - January, and adults moult between December and end of February. The tours are seasonal, spring and early summer, stopping around the end of January, with the best viewing month being October.
Free, (optional conservation donation)

View pdf of penguins time on land

Essential.
Backpack.
Boots.
Clothing including adequate outdoor clothing for all weather.
Personal necessities (toiletries, medicines).
Towel.
Cash for shop and pack cartage payments (& Bush Cafe).
Sleeping bag.

Recommended.
Torch, light indoor footwear, water bottle, swimwear, daypack (if using pack cartage).

Food.
You need to start the four day track with food for your first two days and nights (option of Bushcafe first night). Drinks and chocolate are available on your second night 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.

Please note most of the track is outside cell phone range.

All the huts contain clean, fully equipped kitchens, including fridges, gas or electric stoves, pots, pans, plates, cups, cutlery, t-towels, tin openers, etc... so you do not need any of these.

The huts contain covered mattresses, pillows and clean pillowcases.

You will need a sleeping bag to sleep in.
Sleeping bags can be hired for $30 per trip.
Bags are washed at Akaroa Laundry between each hire.
Hire should be arranged in advance (preferably by e-mail).

Current season prices.
$245 until 23rd April.
$215 last four days 24th - 27th April.
$195 standby (walk within 5 days of booking)

To view availability and prices, just click the 'booknow' button here or on any page of our site.

(NB. The availability page opens in a new tab. Using the menu at the top of that page will take you into the 'official' bankstrack site. Return to this 'greenfolder' version by clicking back on the greenfolder tab, or simply close the 'availability' page/tab).

To make a booking, first check our availability guide and choose an available booking date for your number and package. You only need to have the start date available (this includes the other days/nights on either package). From there either continue with online booking, or send an e-mail enquiry to our office through the contact us page.

Bookings are secured by a 10% deposit (non-refundable) with the balance payable 90 days before walking. For online bookings, the balance will be automatically debited from your card. For e-mail or phone bookings, you will be contacted prior to payment date.

NB. Your booking start date is the date of your 5.45pm bus pick-up. You start walking the day after. This means you need four days following your start night. For example, a Monday night start will mean you stay Thursday night at Otanerito and reach Akaroa about 1.00pm Friday.

(NB. The availability page opens in a new tab. Using the menu at the top of the page will take you into the 'official' bankstrack site. Return to this 'greenfolder' version by clicking back on the greenfolder tab, or simply close the 'availability' page/tab).

Refund policy:
A 90% refund will be made when at least 28 days notice is given.
A 50% refund will be made when at least 7 days notice is given, otherwise payment is forfeited.
Cancelled bookings may be refilled.
Standby bookings are non refundable.