Your Journey Begins in Akaroa
You will arrive in Akaroa on the evening before your first day walking the track. This is the date you select when making your booking.
Prior to 5:30 PM, those with their own transport will need to park their vehicle at the designated Banks Track carpark at Mount Vernon Lodge and allow 30 minutes to walk back to the bus pick-up point.
3-Day Classic Walk
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 Option
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.
5:30 PM Pick-Up
- Paul or Mafi (your bus driver) will meet you outside Akaroa’s old Post Office, 80 Rue Lavaud on the date you booked and transport you to Ōnuku Trampers Hut, a 20-minute drive. The bus will be ready for boarding at 5:15 pm. At this point, you will be given a printed guide to the route which is full of useful information about the walk
Night At Ōnuku
- The first night’s accommodation is at the Ōnuku Trampers Hut. Ōnuku Farm sits inside the caldera that forms southern Banks Peninsula. The purpose-built trampers hut sits about 200 m above sea level with wonderful views up the Akaroa harbour towards Ōnawe Peninsula – the core of the extinct volcano
Section 1: Ōnuku – Flea Bay. 11 km, 5-7 hrs
- You will climb from Ōnuku Trampers Hut, through farmland to Trig GG at 699m, over the rim of the extinct volcano, and down into Flea Bay through the Tutakakahikura Reserve
Penguin Tour
- 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
Night at Flea Bay
- 3-Day Walkers will spend their second night at Flea Bay, and 2-Day Hikers can use this as a midday lunch stop. The historic farm cottage in Flea Bay is set just 200m back from a safe swimming beach and has verandah views of the bay and Pōhatu Marine Reserve. The cottage is situated within the boundaries of the largest mainland colony of little blue penguins in New Zealand
Kayaking
- Our 3-Day Walkers have the option to book a kayaking trip with Pōhatu Penguins Ltd for their second morning before walking to Stony Bay – Book Here
Section 2: Flea Bay – Stony Bay. 8 km, 3-5 hrs
- From Flea Bay you walk along the coast of the Pōhatu Marine Reserve and around the headlands to Stony Bay
Night at Stony Bay
- Both the 3-Day Walkers and 2-Day Hikers will spend a night at the Stony Bay Cottages. There is a well-stocked trampers shop (cash only) and a small family museum, as well as a campfire to gather around in the evening, a ‘bath under the stars’ and candles for lighting
Section 3: Stony Bay – Akaroa. 12 km, 5-7 hours
- This includes walking through some of Hinewai Reserve, back over the rim of the extinct volcano and down into Akaroa. Most walkers arrive in Akaroa in the early afternoon, where 3-Day Walkers can pick up their packs from the Lockup
Book Your Walk Now
What are you waiting for – book your next epic adventure today!
3-Day Classic Walk
Our most popular 3-Day adventure takes you on an incredible journey with plenty of time to explore our various side tracks. Walk with just a day pack, as we transport your bags between each accommodation.
2-Day Hikers Option
Our spectacular 2-Day Hike follows the same route as the 3-Day Classic Walk. This is ideal for fitter and faster hikers who prefer to carry their packs while hiking. You will sleep at Ōnuku and Stony Bay huts.