Banks Track
Banks Track
4.8
Full view
About
NZ’s original private walking track is an excellent eco-tourism experience, offering diverse wildlife, scenery and hospitality. Each accommodation reflects the character, history and individuality of the track families. Two self-guided options offer you the comfort of hot showers and small numbers, combined with the independence of the freedom walker. A Kiwi favourite.
Akaroa, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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4.8
398 reviews
Excellent
341
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55
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emmaruss2025
1 contribution
Dec 2024
My partner and I walked the Banks track (3 days/3 nights) in December 2024 and absolutely loved it. We have a little bit of experience with multi-day hikes, having done four 3-day ones before, and we found that on the Banks Track, the days of hiking were challenging enough to be tired at the end of each day, but not too sore or exhausted. The first 2 days of hiking in particular were stunning! The accommodation was rustic but lovely and comfortable, in beautiful, quiet surroundings. We enjoyed seeing dolphins and many sheep and birds. The service provided by Banks Track was excellent, the luggage transfer eased the walking for us and made the nights that much more comfortable (being able to pack fresh clothing and good food). We caught the French Connection bus Christchurch-Akaroa before and after the banks track, which worked well, although there is a fair bit of time in Akaroa before you leave for the hike, so recommend planning something (e.g. we did some kayaking and had a nice lunch).
Written 5 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're so happy to hear that you and your partner had such a wonderful and rejuvenating experience on the Banks Track. It’s great to know that you found the hike both rewarding and enjoyable, with just the right level of challenge. We're also delighted that you appreciated the rustic yet comfortable accommodations and the ease of luggage transfer. Seeing dolphins, sheep, and birds along the way must have made the journey even more special! We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future.
Written 3 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bankspeninsulawalk
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Couples
I chose the 2 day version. The hike is challenging in 2 days but feasible with good fitness. The huts are unusually well equipped for hiking huts and invite you to exchange ideas among hikers in the evening. The trail is usually well signposted. The supplied booklet is informative and also includes the maps. If you value a penguin observation and/or kayak tour (costs extra), you should choose the 3 day variant. In this variant, the luggage is also transported.
Automatically translated
Written 10 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danke für Ihre tolle Bewertung! Wir freuen uns, dass Ihnen die abwechslungsreiche Wanderung, die gut ausgestatteten Hütten und das informative Heft gefallen haben—vielleicht sehen wir Sie ja für die 3-Tages-Variante wieder!
Thank you for your great review! We're glad you enjoyed the diverse hike, well-equipped huts, and informative booklet—perhaps we'll see you again for the 3-day option!
Written 3 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mckayarch2024
1 contribution
Nov 2024
This walk will fit the "Goldilocks Zone" for many trampers. It's not too hard for most people, not too easy for the rest. It has a nice balance of sea, native bush, farmland, and farm accommodation. The food can be as nice as you care to make it since all food is carried from hut to hut for you, no excuses for slim meals! Some of the accommodation is average and some is simply exceptional and not well enough promoted in the literature. We saw Hectors Dolphins, Seals, Penguins, eels, native fish, and many different birds along the way. The Red Beach and Tree-Fuchsia forests are spectacular. So are the views of the rugged coast. The trip starts with a slightly dour and less than encouraging brief by the shuttle driver. Ignore her - you will have a fine trip.
Written 24 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your thoughtful review! We're so glad you enjoyed the balance of scenery, wildlife, and accommodations—it’s wonderful to hear how much you appreciated the experience!
Written 4 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JulesBeeNadiaCynthia
1 contribution
Jan 2025
From the moment we booked to our arrival the information, arrangement and planning was perfect. Our party of 3 soon became a party of 4 as it is so easy to make friends and share experiences. The most amazing time had bonding, new firsts, great exercise (up, down, around), stunning scenery, unforgettable wildlife and birdsong, with huts and utilities well-equipped and meeting the most special Kaitiaki of our lands made this such as incredible journey. The track was clearly marked, which made it easy to navigate. Getting to encounter the best Aotearoa has on offer is priceless and memories shared are forever. Can’t recommend enough, this is a MUST DO bucket list for all ages. My highlights (there were so many) included the informative passionate story of the conservation of the White Flipped Penguins, swimming in one of the main gorgeous waterfalls, the seal colony where we got to experience a "seal show" and not forgetting the Stony Bay outdoor bath - just sublime. Definitely a beautiful adventure with fantastic encounters.
Written 3 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your amazing 5-star review! We're so glad you had such an unforgettable experience, from the stunning scenery and wildlife to the wonderful connections made along the way. Your highlights truly capture the spirit of the track.
Written 3 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
swpernilla
Ettrick, New Zealand1 contribution
Jan 2025
My experience walking the Banks Track at the end of January 2025 together with a dear friend was truly an unforgettable experience. Everything went smoothly from beginning of booking the 3-day walk to the end of picking up our bags in Akaroa. I would highly recommend this track if you are ready to be inspired by the natural beauty and the kindness and generosity of the care takers of the land.
Written 2 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your lovely review! We're so glad you and your friend had an unforgettable experience, from start to finish. That is exactly what we aim to achieve.
Written 3 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karen W
Kaiwaka, New Zealand122 contributions
Jan 2025
Despite some fairly unseasonable cold weather we really enjoyed this 3 day hike around private farmland in Banks Penninsular. The walk is very well organised, we got great information leading up to it so were well prepared. Loved the quirkiness of the huts, very well appointed with everything you could need including firewood, cooking equipment, pillows, sheets and some supplies. And the views are incredible!
Written 19 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed the hike, unique huts, and incredible views—even with the chilly weather.
Written 3 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jude B
1 contribution
Feb 2025 • Family
I walked the Banks Track with my 18 year old son, and we both had a fantastic time. Scenery and views are stunning, accommodation is quirky and full of character, and the walk itself is an interesting mix of farmland, coastal and bush. We struck gold with the weather and our wonderful fellow walkers! Lots of fun and banter at each cottage, especially the third night, with an outdoor bath, badminton, quoits, and even an outdoor pool table! Good chats, sharing of wine, and games of charades around the outdoor fire. If you’re considering this walk - do it!!
Written 18 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shevonne M
2 contributions
Jan 2025
I can't rate this walk highly enough. So much variety is packed in - up, down, coast, forests of several kinds, wildlife and high quality huts. We did the 2-day walkers option, rather than 3-day longer version with portage, so it was challenging - 14 miles and 1000m of total ascent on the first day. Confidence walking definitely required. Good weather definitely helped. The first hut at Onuku is well-appointed but can be cool at night (summer wasn't too hot this year) and the Stony Bay hut had a range in it which we made a fire in so was very cosy. The birdsong and fantail frollicks are a constant accompaniment, and we also saw a seal group on the beach at Stony Bay.
Written 20 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your amazing 5-star review! We're thrilled you enjoyed the varied landscapes, wildlife, and the cozy huts—your feedback means a lot.
Written 3 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AngelaK3521
Christchurch, New Zealand1 contribution
Feb 2025 • Family
What a wonderful way to spend three days. The huts feel like you have been transported into a lord of the rings movie set. The coastland ocean, and mountains views are stunning. One’s heart and lungs get’s a bit of a work out too - walking from sea level to the mountains each day - but the views at the top are worth it. Beautifully organised with superb peeps running this very special walking track. Thanks again Banks Track .
Written 27 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alle D
6 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
The Banks track was an absolute joy, offering a perfect blend of elements. It was well-organized and easy to navigate. We opted for the two-day hiking option and thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m considering returning with family and friends to try the three-day option and spend more time exploring Flea Bay. Well done to the families who made this possible. It was a pleasure to walk the trail with just 16 people. Special thanks to the Flea Bay family who stopped to greet us while we paused for lunch on the first day. Additionally, the booklet was great; it kept my daughter engaged with what lay ahead.
Written 4 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your wonderful 5-star review! We're so glad you enjoyed the 2-Day Hiker Option and are considering returning to walk the 3-Day Classic Walk —your kind words mean a lot to us and the families involved!
Written 4 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What are our options for getting from Christchurch to Akaroa?
Written 7 December 2019
Banks Track
Akaroa, New Zealand
Kia ora Susan
Below is the information from our website. As you can see there are a couple of options. If you require further assistance please email directly to Mafi, our Banks Track administrator.
Unfortunately this system will not allow me to give you a link to our website or the email addresses for Mafi or Philip. So please search for Banks Track and this information is on The Track page.
Thanks from the Banks Track Team.
Getting to Banks Track
By private car
Akaroa is a scenic 85km drive from Christchurch. Travel along the Chch-Akaroa Highway, allowing 90 mins to get to the Banks Track pick up point.
Petrol and refreshments are available at Little River and Duvauchelle along the way. Also Little River Gallery and Barrys Bay Cheese factory are well worth a visit.
By Public Transport from Christchurch to Akaroa and return
Regular bus services are provided by Akaroa Shuttle and French Connection bus companies. These services both depart Christchurch in the morning so please ensure you have checked their timetable prior to making your Banks Track or flight bookings.
If you require a ChCh / Airport pickup contact Philip Narbey directly. Philip has a tour van and can organise this for you.
All the bus/taxi services drop you off within 50m of the Banks Track pick up point at 80 Rue Lavaud, Akaroa.
Written 8 December 2019
Hello My husband and I will be in your area 2nd week in September I would assume weather wise not appropriate to walk the track?
Written 19 August 2018
Banks Track
Akaroa, New Zealand
Thank you for your enquiry about the Banks Track. Unfortunately, you are arriving in our area just a couple of weeks early. Our Banks Track season is from October 1st to the end of April.
Can we suggest you look at doing day walks in Hinewai Reserve while you are here and then maybe we will see you back one year between Oct and Apr when you can walk Banks Track.
Written 20 August 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.