Make your own way to Akaroa, a charming little town nestled inside the harbour of Banks Peninsula. Of French and British origins the architecture, lovely gardens, street names and many eateries still reflect this heritage. You may like to arrive early and spend the day soaking up the ambience, wandering the shoreline, sampling some of the many gastronomic treats or joining one of the water-based activities such as whale or dolphin watching. Meet outside the Old Post Office in Akaroa, 80 Rue Lavaud (on the corner of Rue Lavaud and Rue Balaguerie, opposite the BNZ bank) at 5:30pm with your luggage and car already parked (if self-driving). Here you will meet a representative from our local partner and anyone else starting the hike today. There will be a short trip briefing before being transferred by bus to the first night's trip accommodation at Onuku Farm, at the trailhead of the Banks Track.

Meals:  D

Commence the Banks Track (also called the Banks Peninsula Track) from the front gate of your accommodation at Onuku Farm. You will walk steadily upwards through open farmland with magnificent views across the Akaroa Harbour. There are some short side trips to alternative view points if you have extra energy before reaching Trig GG, the highest point on the track at 699m, with a 360 degree panorama of the peninsula and beyond. On a clear day, it is possible to glimpse Aoraki Mt Cook (New Zealand's highest mountain, 3724m) in the distant Southern Alps. Descending the extinct volcanic crater rim from Trig GG on the way to sea level, you will pass through lush forest with magnificent old-growth red beech trees in the Tutakakahikura Reserve. Then take a few moments to visit a waterfall or two before reaching Flea Bay (Pohatu). The bay itself is a marine reserve supporting seals, dolphins, seabirds, fish and among other marine life, the largest Australasian Little Penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. Check the noticeboard inside the Flea Bay Cottage, where you stay tonight, for the timing of a complimentary guided penguin tour in the evening. This is available during the breeding season (October to December) and nests must not be visited unaccompanied. Moulting penguins can also be viewed in January and February but there are no tours after that as there are no penguins coming ashore. They spend most of their life at sea.

Meals:  B,D

Leaving the penguin colony, the track today is mostly open grazing land and winds its way along the tops of the rugged, craggy headlands of south eastern Banks Peninsula. It is the shortest walking day in distance but take your time to absorb spectacular views of sea cliffs, Flea Bay and the vast South Pacific Ocean disappearing over the horizon. Sit and contemplate at the halfway mark near Redcliffe Point, spend some time watching fur seals play at Seal Cave or you may be lucky enough to spot some dolphins offshore. Drop down into Stony Bay (Opatuti) where you pass by the landowner's homestead to find your accommodation for tonight. The Stony Bay cottages are set in lovely gardens and are full of character. You might like to enjoy an open air bath or browse the tiny museum where a collection of historical family artefacts reflects five generations of life in the bay. OPTION: It is possible to do a 1 - 1.5hr guided sea kayak excursion in the Pohatu Marine Reserve, exploring the shoreline of Flea Bay, to observe marine wildlife such as seals, penguins, dolphins and sea birds. It is an early morning excursion prior to walking to Stony Bay. This MUST be pre-booked, additional cost applies and the activity is undertaken at your own risk. Please ask for details.

Meals:  B,D

There is a steep ascent for the first half of today's walk as you climb approximately 700m from sea level up the flanks of the Peninsula's ancient volcanic crater. Passing through what is now some of Hinewai Reserve, you are following a similar route to both the first horse track (constructed in 1880's) and the first phone line (established 1914) between Stony Bay and Akaroa. Hinewai Reserve has been a working project to protect and restore native vegetation and wildlife since 1987. As far as possible introduced mammals and fire are excluded. Regeneration takes time but as you pass through beautiful forest including tree ferns, beech, podocarps, mixed hardwoods and kanuka the long term success of native trees taking over from exotic species such as gorse and broom is clearly evident. Emerging from the forest the track reaches the crater rim. There is an optional side track to Stony Bay Peak (806m) before the trail drops down to sea level in Akaroa, once again affording fabulous views of the harbour. Enjoy a celebratory meal this evening at one of the many restaurants and cafes in Akaroa after checking into your trip accommodation.

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude this morning. Check-out time is 10:00am. You may like to linger in Akaroa and explore a bit if you did not have opportunity to do so before the trip. Your hotel will be able to assist with suggestions and bookings if required.

Meals:  Nil