Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
that remain of the farm. From the track there are great views of the harbour and Onuku
Farm.
The track swings east, and about 45 minutes from the Onuku Farm gate you come to a
prominent track junction on a ridge. To the west is a marked track to a lookout and an al-
ternative route back to Onuku. The main track is indicated by a 'BP Track' sign, which
points uphill and to the east. Keep following this track until you come to some park benches
overlooking Akaroa Head. There is a side trip from here to a rock-studded knoll on the
ridge.
The main track switches back from the benches, crosses an electric fence and aims for the
highest point in the area, Trig GG (699m). Observe how the wind has shaped the vegetation
here. If you're lucky you may also see Aoraki/Mt Cook 230km away to the west. From the
Onuku Farm gate to this point is a solid two-hour climb.
From Trig GG it's a canter down to Eagle's Roost Shelter. The track leads from here to a
road junction; Lighthouse Rd goes north to Akaroa, and south to the lighthouse near Akaroa
Head. Ignore the road, follow signs to Flea Bay Rd and take that downhill for just over 1km.
Watch out for the turn-off (a sharp left fork) to the track, which passes through the Depart-
ment of Conservation (DOC) Tutakakahikura Scenic Reserve . This patch of remnant red
beech has survived the once-extensive logging on this part of the peninsula. Climb the stile
where it is signposted and follow the track down a serene gully, eventually joining the main
stream, which drains into Flea Bay.
There are a number of signposted cascades and waterfalls along this stretch, all shrouded
in tree ferns. About one hour after entering the gully, the track emerges into an open area
and drops steeply. Park your backpack here and head off to do some exploring. There is a
waterfall that you can walk behind.
The track soon passes through a grove of tree ferns and nikau palms at their southern nat-
ural limit. Beyond the palms the track follows the stream on its true left (east) bank for
about 1.5km. The track crosses the stream a couple of times before arriving at Flea Bay Cot-
tage, sited within the boundaries of the largest mainland colony of little blue penguins.
Day 2: Flea Bay Cottage to Stony Bay
2½-4 HOURS, 8KM
Head to the beach, then take the road east through the gate and follow the markers up to a
stile. Having elegantly negotiated it, you will find yourself heading uphill to circumvent
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