Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The season for the track is October to April. The warmest months are December through
March, with average temperatures around 21°C maximum and 11°C minimum. A broad-
brimmed hat and sunscreen are essential on blue-sky days as it can get very toasty indeed.
MAPS & BROCHURES
As the track is very well signposted, a topographical map is not required. The booklet
Banks
Peninsula Track: A Guide to the Route, Natural Features and Human History
(included in
the track booking fee) should keep you on course. To get a handle on the entire peninsula,
seek out NewTopo
Banks Peninsula
1:60,000 map.
HUTS, BOOKINGS & INFORMATION
The beauty of this track is that all your accommodation and transport is included in the
package. Bookings are essential and should be made through
Banks Peninsula Track
(
06-304 7612;
www.bankstrack.co.nz
)
. Tramper numbers are limited, so book early for peak sum-
mer and NZ holiday periods.
Accommodation is provided at Trampers' Hut (Onuku Farm), Flea Bay Cottage, track
huts at Stony Bay, and a cosy farmhouse at Otanerito Bay.
The four-day package ($240 to $285) includes transport from Akaroa to Trampers' Hut,
hut accommodation, landowners' fees, track registration and a copy of
Banks Peninsula
Track: A Guide to the Route, Natural Features and Human History.
A two-day package
($150 to $175) covers the same route, but at a less leisurely pace.
8
Getting to/from the Tramp
Trampers are picked up from Akaroa old post office at 5.45pm by the Banks Peninsula
Track bus. A car park is provided at Mt Vernon Lodge, but you need to allow 30 minutes for
the walk to the post office from there.
The Tramp
Day 1: Onuku Farm to Flea Bay Cottage
4-6 HOURS, 11KM
After spending a night in Onuku Farm Trampers' Hut, the day starts near the farm gate,
where there is a sign indicating the Banks Peninsula Track. The marked track rises steeply
through sheep paddocks, swings east, sidles around a rocky promontory on a ridge and tra-
verses a patch of bush to reach the site of Paradise Farm. Stockyards and exotic trees are all
