Banks Peninsula

Christchurch

#48 Among Things To Do in Christchurch

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Weather :

Tags : Nature

Okins Bay Maori and Colonial Museum Entry Fee : Adult- $15, Children below 13 years- Free
Concession- $10

Timings : Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4pm

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Banks Peninsula, Christchurch Overview

Banks Island is a volcanic peninsula located in the South Island of New Zealand. It is a generally hilly area and one of New Zealand’s most unique landforms. The peninsula was formed by two giant volcanic eruptions about eight million years ago. The unusual cogwheel shape is due to the harbours and bays that spread out of the peninsula’s center. The historic town of Akaroa is one of the main highlights and is an 80km drive from Christchurch and drive along Summit Road, one of the original craters is beautiful.

The waters surrounding Banks Peninsula are home to the Hectors Dolphin found only in New Zealand and are one of the rarest and smallest species. There are many tours that depart from Akaroa that take you dolphin watching or to see other marine life like orcas, New Zealand fur seals, little blue penguins and white flippered penguins. Akaroa is also a French settlement in the heart of an ancient volcano and is filled with beautiful bays. It is the perfect base from where you can start exploring the Banks Peninsula.

Must Know Before You Visit Banks Peninsula

Time required : 1-2 hours

Summer Hours : Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm

Giants House timings : 1st October-30th April – 11am-4pm

1st May-30th September- 11am-2pm

Entry Fee : Adult: $22.50
Children below 15 years: $10
2 Adults + 2 Children: $55

Time required : 1 - 2 hours

Pets : No dogs allowed

Things to do in Banks Pensinsula

1. Conservation Walks

Akaroa is an 83km drive from Christchurch and is located on the edge of a deep harbour. There are many tracks suitable for walking, hiking, tramping and mountain biking. The Otepatotu Scenic Reserve i (Read More)s a 1-hour return track. This is a walking track with a lookout over the bluffs where you can enjoy sweeping views of the harbor. The track then passes through a totara forest and finally reaches the summit of Lavericks Peak (755m). Otepatotu translates to ‘place of the fairies’ and the trees hung with moss here create a goblin forest.

The Mt Herbert or Te Ahu Patiki is a tramping track that takes 5-6 hours return and can be accessed from Diamond Harbour or Whero Ave. This is a challenging walk from the sea to the summit of Mt Herbert which is the high point of Banks Peninsula.

2. Okains Bay Maori and Colonial Museum

The Okins Bay Maori and Colonial Museum is just 20 minutes from Akaroa and 1.5 hours from Christchurch. It features a nationally significant Maori collection with waka (canoes) and wharenui (meeting h (Read More)ouses), personal artefacts and stone tools. There are also many European pioneer artefacts and Paheka items on display. You can experience New Zealand culture in a special rural setting.

3. The Giants House, Akaroa

Beautifully located in the small resort town ‘of Akaroa’ on the South Island, The Giant’s House is an award-winning marvel conceptualized by Josie Martin, tuning a fine contrast betw (Read More)een a garden and an art home.

Weather : 7 Degree C to 12 Degree C in Winters and 9 Degree C to 18 Degree C in Summers

Timings : 1 October to 30 April 11am – 4pm; 1 May to 30 September 11am – 2pm

Inhouse Cafe : The ‘Artist Palate’ Café is open from 1 October to 30 April

Time Required : 2 hours

Entry Fee : $22.50 per adult; $10 per child (2-15 years of age)

Pets Policy : No dogs are allowed in garden