The Story of Banks Track

The original Four-Day Banks Track (with a Two-Day Option) grew into a “must-do” activity for many walkers from both New Zealand and overseas. The retirement of one landowner in 2017 resulted in change, so after 27 years the four-day track became the Three-Day Classic Walk (with a Two-Day Hikers Option). These three days offer everything the four days were able to offer except a visit to one bay, and the silver lining is that many of our walkers find it easier to plan a three-day escape than a four-day one.

There are now five landowner partners: the Gibbs, Hamilton, Helps, Armstrong, and Hugh Wilson from Hinewai Reserve. Each takes responsibility for the track that runs through their land and the accommodation they provide. Together, the landowners and a few other locals manage the booking office, health and safety, marketing, pack transport, and more. We operate as a traditional family-run Banks Peninsula business.

We are a group of rural folk, with our hearts in the land we care for. Each landowner, whether farming, running a tourist operation, or managing a nature reserve, works their own property as well as the Banks Track operation. Each of us is involved in conservation and is a part of the Banks Peninsula “Wildside Project” of conservation protection and restoration. Pest Free Banks Peninsula is working towards eliminating all pests from the Banks Peninsula, which will see even more birdlife thrive and native plants flourish on Banks Track.

This diversity of ownership, coupled with such a range of landscapes, makes the Banks Track not only the original but also the most unique private walking track in New Zealand. We welcome you to walk in our backyard from 1st October to 30th April each year.