Access
From Christchurch it only takes 90 minutes to get to Akaroa, one of the top tourist towns in Banks Peninsula. The journey is a scenic one, picturesque vistas will greet you at every turn and rise but take care as some roads are narrow and have steep drops on one side.
From around Akaroa, there are many other attractive beaches and seaside villages nearby such as Wainui, Okains Bay, Pigeon Bay
If you don't have a car, check out the Akaroa Shuttle(external link) for bus information.
Dogs
If you are heading out walking or visiting some of the beautiful reserves and beaches in Banks Peninsula, make sure you check dog restrictions.
The Banks Peninsula is a rare area of biodiversity and dogs can be disruptive to native wildlife.
Facilities
You will find free public toilets in Birdlings Flat, French Farm, Wainui, Akaroa, Takamatua, Okains Bay and Pigeon Bay.
| Park name | Address | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Green Point Reserve | Beach Road, Akaroa | Britomart Memorial, walkways |
| Garden of Tane | Beach Road, Akaroa | Bush walks, playground |
| Stanley Park | Rue Lavaud, Akaroa | Walkways |
| L’Aube Hill Reserve | Rue Pompallier, Akaroa | French Cemetery, bush walks |
| Akaroa Recreation Ground | Rue Lavaud, Akaroa | Slipway, playing fields, tennis courts, BBQ, toilets, skate park |
| Rue Balguerie Playground | Rue Balguerie, Akaroa | Playground, toilets |
| Akaroa Heritage Park | Long Bay Road, Akaroa | Walkways, botanical plantings |
| Robinsons Bay Reserve | Old School Road, Robinsons Bay | Walkways, native bush |
| Robinsons Bay Regional Park | Monarch Drive, Duvauchelle | Ngaio Point walkway |
| Little River Heritage Park | SH 75 Little River | Picnic tables |
| Birdlings Flat Playground | Poranui Beach Road, Birdlings Flat | Toilets, playground, beach |
| Le Bons Bay Domain | Le Bons Bay Road | Toilets, playground, tennis courts |
| Okains Bay Beach | Okains Bay Road | Toilets, campground, playground |
| Pigeon Bay Campground | Wharf Road, Pigeon Bay | Campground, toilets |
| Port Levy Old School | Western Valley Road, Port Levy | Toilets, swimming pool, tennis courts |
| Pūrau Foreshore Reserve | Purau Avenue | Beach, picnic tables |
| Pūrau Recreation Reserve | Purau Avenue | Toilets, playground |
| Camp Bay Beach | Camp Bay Road | Toilets, beach |
Try our interactive walking map or below pages to see a number of popular walks in the Bank Peninsula.
The Rod Donald Trust website(external link) also offers great information about walking in the Banks Peninsula whether it be in Christchurch City Council reserves or those managed by the Department of Conservation and private land owners.
You can also pick up a detailed Rod Donald Trust brochure from the Akaroa i-Site(external link) for a small fee.
