Akaroa & Banks Peninsula walks

With endless hills, bays and hidden bush, Akaroa and Banks Peninsula is a natural wonder to explore, especially on foot.

What are the best walking tracks in Akaroa & Banks Peninsula?

There are plenty of walks for all abilities with fantastic scenery from native bush reserves and the coast to summits with spectacular views.

Gather family or friends and head out on these great walking tracks.

What are the best short walks in Akaroa?

Garden of Tane

Visitors to this beautiful reserve at the southern end of Akaroa will find a place of peace and shade, birdsong and mystery, criss-crossed by a myriad of tracks.

Expect to feel lost as you wander through a mix of exotic trees and native bush, come across viewpoints, ceremonial plaques and historic graveyards without worry, as downhill always leads back to Beach Road.

An old-fashioned playground near the main entrance on Rue Jolie is sure to be a hit with the kids.

A network of tracks criss-cross Akaroa’s most beautiful reserve – a place of peace and shade, birdsong and mystery.

Walk details

Easiest: Short walk
Up to 1 hour circular
Start location, Akaroa Township
Red circle number 5 on the map

Lighthouse, Monument & Pou Tū te Raki o Te Maiharanui

Visit the Akaroa Lighthouse and the Britomart Monument, where the Union Jack still flies as it did in 1840 when British officials raised the flag just days before the French arrived. This gentle walk blends coastal views with a fascinating slice of local history.

Walk details

Easiest: Short walk
1 hour circular
Start location Akaroa Lighthouse on Beach Road, Akaroa
Red circle number 7 on the map

French Cemetery Loops

Discover Akaroa’s French past on a charming walk that leads to a secluded cemetery nestled among native bush, historic cottages, and the town’s early Catholic landmarks.

Walk details

Easy: Walking track
¾ hour but can be increased to 1½ hours with the longer circuit
Start location Rue Brittan
Red cricle number 3 on the map

What are the best long walks in Akaroa?

Montgomery Reserve

Stop at Hilltop carpark on your way to Akaroa and explore Montgomery Reserve.

Soon, you reach a massive and ancient Totara tree.

Continue for a few more minutes to a lovely viewpoint, and you can return to the tavern from here for a relatively easy half-hour walk.

For those wanting more adventure, continue up the steep track through regenerating and old-growth forest to the top of Montgomery Peak, about two hours return.

Take a short walk to an ancient Totara tree and viewpoint or continue to the summit for spectacular views.

Walk details

Intermediate: Great walk/easier tramping track
½ hour to 2 hours return
Start location at the Hilltop Tavern car park
Brown circle number 7 on the map

Children's Bay Farm Walkway

A gentle track and boardwalk connect the carpark at the entrance to Akaroa with Children's Bay.

From here, the Farm Walkway climbs steeply up the headland to the fantastic Rhino sculpture.

Return from here for a one-hour walk or continue to Takamatua for a delightful circuit.

Walk details

Intermediate: Great walk/easier tramping track
1 hour return or 3-4 hours circular
Start location, Akaroa recreation ground car park
Orange circle 8 on the map

Hinewai Reserve

Enjoy the challenging walk with steep sections in the protected forest with a small waterfall, stunning views, and a lot of bellbirds.

Hinewai is more than a place to walk; it’s an invitation to witness regeneration in action and to experience the beauty of Banks Peninsula in its most natural form.

Walk details