Banks Peninsula Walking Festival

Kia ora koutou,

We’re pleased to confirm that the new dates for the Banks Peninsula Walking Festival are 2-17 May, 2026. The updated programme will be released on 13 April, with ticket sales going live on 18 April. Thank you for your patience as we work through contacting affected landowners and shaping the refreshed programme. We’re incredibly grateful for the support and understanding from our community as we bring this together.

We look forward to sharing the new line-up with you soon and welcoming you to the Peninsula in May.

Saturday 28 February

1.) Fantail Farm – Pigeon Bay – half day
Half-hour to 2 hr walk options | Gently graded
A rare visit to a 110-acre permaculture property featuring native restoration plantings, orchards and an off-grid eco-home. A relaxed exploration of visionary land stewardship with views over Pigeon Bay.
Hosted by Elena Fabian and Taggart

2) Tūpari Reserve/Kaituna Valley – River Valley to Old Growth – half day
5km | 3 hrs | 210m climb | Medium
A rock-hop start leads into regenerating bush and areas of old growth forest within this 730-hectare private reserve. A relaxed, scenic walk with a strong restoration story.
Hosted by Mark Nixon and Megan Reynolds

3) Te Whenua Ora Saddle – Views to Little River – three quarter day
2.5–3.5 hrs | 450m climb | Hard
A steady climb to Te Whenua Ora Saddle with sweeping views towards Little River. Hear the story behind this conservation project while tackling a rewarding hill climb.
Hosted by Niki Davidson and Sandra Tuckwell.

4) Antarctic Stories of Connection to Christchurch – half day (morning)
8km return | 3–4 hrs | Well-formed track with hills
A coastal walk from Taylors Mistake to Godley Head exploring Christchurch’s deep Antarctic ties — from heroic-era explorers to modern science — set against dramatic WWII and coastal heritage.
Hosted by Peter McCarthy – last season’s Scott Base winter base leader.

Sunday March 1

5) Oashore Covenant Walk – Bossu ridge coast loop – Little River full day
7 hrs | Medium/Hard

A Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust-hosted walk exploring the impressive new Oashore covenant recently purchased by the Christchurch City Council.
Hosted by covenants Officer Marie Neal, BPCTs Kate Whyte and CCC staff.

6) Birdlings Flat – Bossu Road – Little River Loop – full day
47km | ~650–700m climb | Gravel road bike ride classic
A classic Banks Peninsula loop linking coast, hills and rail trail. Starting at Birdlings Flat, this guided ride climbs Bossu Road for expansive views across Te Waihora and the Canterbury Plains, rolls through the Southern Bays, and descends Reynolds Road into Little River.
Hosted by Sophia White, environmentalist/cyclist/story teller and author of podcast Girl.Woman.Athlete

7) Cultivating Native Flora – Millpark Nursery Experience – half day, Tai Tapu
2.5 hrs easy walking and information sharing
A guided nursery and property tour focused on regenerative practices and practical restoration techniques. Ideal for gardeners and conservation-minded landowners.
Hosted by Andrew Millson and Charlotte.

8) Kaitangata/Governors Bay – half day
Approx 1-2 hours of walking
Kaitangata/Mansons Peninsula has been restored over the last 30 years by Penny Mahy and her family after taking over the property from her mother Margaret. Learn about the work they have done and also hear about the inspiration this whenua provided one of New Zealand’s most well-loved authors. A rare and special opportunity.
Hosted by Penny Mahy

9) Grunts, Dykes and Dogs! – Panama Rock Reserve Le Bons Bay – full day
4–5 hrs | Tramp | Dog Friendly
A lively and adventurous day exploring the hidden gems of Panama Reserve at Le Bons Bay. Climb through regenerating native forest and along historic and more recently formed tracks with the reserve’s volunteer ranger Ollie Rutland-Sims. The reward? Sweeping summit views across Le Bons Bay and the surrounding coastline.
Hosted by the amazing and charismatic Ollie Rutland Sims from Pest Free Banks Peninsula
*well-behaved dogs welcome

Tuesday March 3

10) Taylors Mistake to Boulder Bay – Bach History Walk – half day
3 hrs return | 200m climb | Medium–Hard
A coastal journey exploring the unique bach culture of Taylors Mistake and Boulder Bay. Unformed tracks, seaside history and big Pacific views. A rare chance to be guided by a real local with deep ties to the area.
Hosted by Janet Abbot, author of several publications about the baches in the area.

Friday Saturday 6/7 March

11) Multi-day Supported Walk Monument South/Kaituna Valley to Rod Donald Hut
2 days | Overnight Hut Walk | Moderate–Challenging
A special point-to-point journey along the spectacular ridgelines of Te Ara Pātaka / Summit Walkway, this two-day guided walk explores the heart of Banks Peninsula’s high country and includes an overnight stay at the iconic Rod Donald Hut. Hosted by Richard Suggate – former Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust co-chair and community leader Sara Templeton.
*Numbers strictly limited to nine people and shuttle back to cars included
**We are grateful to Adventure South for supporting us with a shuttle to get trampers back to their cars in the Kaituna Valley

Saturday March 7

12) Kennedy’s Bush & Ōhinetahi Reserve – full day
7km | 3.5–4 hrs | 200m climb | Medium–Hard
A varied link-up through forested reserves and hill tracks with steady climbs and harbour views. A classic Port Hills outing with natural and cultural layers. The walk will be led by Paula Jameson (Harry Ell’s great granddaughter) and short talks along the way will focus on Harry Ell and the Summit Road Society’s efforts to protect the Port Hills. The walk offers spectacular views and includes old remnant and regenerating native bush.
Hosted by Paula Jameson from the Summit Road Society

13) The Sarahs on TAP – full day Te Ahu Pātiki
7km | 4–6 hrs | 600m climb | Medium–Hard
An exploratory walk through Te Ahu Pātiki landscapes from Orton Bradley Park, combining steep sections, wide views and conversation about restoration vision and mahi on the Peninsula. A guaranteed amazing and informative day out as momentum builds for this important project on the peninsula.
Hosted by Sarah Wilson and Sarah Anderson from Te Ahu Pātiki Trust

14) Celebrating a Lasting Legacy – The Faulkner Brothers and Banks Peninsula Tracks
Faulkners Track Walk – Governors Bay – half to three quarter day
3-4 hrs 400m climb Medium/hard
Stories of the legacy of the Faulkner brothers is etched into the hills of Banks Peninsula, where hand-built tracks curve along ridgelines, dip through regenerating bush and open up to breathtaking harbour views. A walk up the Governors Bay Faulkners Track with their former neighbours and helper Stephen McLeod and Michele Ayres (traveling all the way from Tasman District to host this walk). Tea and scones provided.
Hosted by Stephen McLeod, Michele Ayres and Shelley Washington

Sunday March 8

15) Diamond Harbour Reserves– Old and New – three quarter day
5km | 3–4 hrs | 120m climb | Medium
A walk around the scenic tracks of Diamond Harbour’s new and old reserves, discovering its volcanic past, its early pioneers, its links with local Māori and its place in the history of Banks Peninsula and Canterbury. We will climb gradually, gaining spectacular views of the harbour while learning about recent attempts to regenerate native forests and promote the resurgence of indigenous birds and other precious Kiwi creatures.
Hosted by Graeme Fraser chairperson of the Diamond Harbour Community Association

16) Landscapes & Ecosystems of Mt Vernon Park (Sam Hampton – Urban Geography)- full day
12km | 6–6.5 hrs | 460m climb | Hard
A full-day exploration beginning on gentler terrain before climbing into the hill country of Mt Vernon Park. Along the way, discover the geological story of Banks Peninsula, the shaping of the Port Hills landscape, and the ecosystems that define this distinctive environment.
Hosted by Sam Hampton, field educator, Director of VolcanicKED and Director at Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū / Banks Peninsula Geopark

17) Choose Your Own Adventure – Gibraltar Rock & Tōtara Grove – half day for kids!
30 mins – 2 hrs | Family Friendly
A flexible Junior Ranger-style outing with options to explore Gibraltar Rock or Tōtara Grove. A fun, hands-on adventure suitable for children and families.
Hosted by Natasha Szczecinski McIntosh and Bill McSweeney from the Summit Road Society.

18) In the Footsteps of Frank Worsley – The Akaroa Skyline Walk – full day
6-7 hrs | Tramp | 14km | 800m climb
A full-day, high-country traverse tracing the remarkable story of Antarctic explorer Frank Worsley across the Akaroa skyline.
Hosted by Antarctic history experts Graeme (recently returned from Antarctica) and Michele Ayres his sister.

19) Te Wharau Catchment Conservation Tour ( Orton Bradley) – full day
2km | 5.5 hrs (3 hrs walking) | 200m climb | Medium–Hard
An in-depth look at predator control and catchment restoration within Orton Bradley Park. Includes some off-track travel and hands-on conservation insight.
Hosted by Myles Mackintosh and one of the “supermums” Vicky Pollard.

Wednesday March 11

20) Otahuna Valley High Points – Community Conservation – full day
10–12km | 5–6 hrs | 300–400m climb | Medium
A valley-to-hilltop ramble through wetlands and significant private native plantings before climbing to superb viewpoints over the Canterbury Plains and Te Waihora.
Hosted by Banks Peninsula Walking Festival Coordinator Wanda Vivequin

Thursday March 12

21) Cultivating Native Flora – Millpark Nursery Experience – half day
*repeat of event on March 1
2.5 hrs easy walking and information sharing
A guided nursery and property tour focused on regenerative practices and practical restoration techniques. Ideal for gardeners and conservation-minded landowners.
Hosted by Andrew Millson and Charlotte.

Friday March 13

22) Hinewai Magical Mystery Tour – full day
4–5 hrs of walking | Tramp
A special walk from the Hinewai Visitor Centre on a magical mystery tour that will end up overlooking the reserve’s new land acquisition, sharing updates on regeneration work and the evolving story of this remarkable reserve.
Hosted by Hugh Wilson and his helpers.

Saturday March 14

23) Pete’s Path A Walk with Jo and Duncan (Rod Donald Get to 20 Challenges Winner)
2–3 hrs | Easy Walk | Diamond Harbour
Meet at the Diamond Harbour Ferry and join Jo McKay, winner of the Rod Donald Get to 20 Challenge, and Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust trustee Duncan Bright for an easy 3–4km walk along School Track – Pete’s Path.
As they walk, Jo and Duncan will share stories from the challenge and the remarkable places they discovered across Banks Peninsula, inspiring others to explore more of their own backyard.
The walk finishes at a local café for coffee and conversation about future adventures.

24) Steephead Reconnoitre – Le Bons Bay – full day
7km | 5.5 hrs | 300m climb | Hard tramp– Mostly unformed
An adventurous headland tramp visiting a lighthouse, WWII watch station remains, historic mill site and old railway remnants. Native bush, sweeping views and rich local history — with a few fences to negotiate.
Hosted by Alice Shanks and Hamish Dalglish
**Last time this walk will be offered.

25) Fishermans Bay Covenant Walk to Red Bay – full day
3–4 hrs walking | Tramp
A wildlife-rich volcanic bay experience within a protected covenant. Expect seabirds, fur seals and intensive predator-control insight, with an optional visit to the famed Fishermans Bay Garden.
Hosted by Richard and Jill Simpson

26) Seed Collection & Propagation Workshop – full day
1–2km of walking | Easy
A practical, slow-paced workshop at Motukarara DOC Nursery focusing on native seed collection and propagation. Ideal for landowners and restoration enthusiasts. The seed collection will happen on the peninsula and the workshop at Motukarara.
Hosted by Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust

Sunday March 15

27) Tūpari Reserve/Kaituna Valley – Stone Steps & Scenic Views – half day
5km | 3 hrs | 220m climb | Tramp
Climb stone steps and explore open hill country within Tūpari Reserve. Moderate gradients, expansive views and insight into ongoing conservation work.
Hosted by Mark Nixon and Megan Reynolds

28) Garden of Tāne – Family Forest Walk – Akaroa
1-2 hours | Easy | Child Friendly
Join Akaroa historian Marie Haley of Seventh Generation Tours for a relaxed, story-filled wander through the Garden of Tāne. Discover native forest, local history and the cultural significance of this special reserve in a way that engages both children and adults. A lovely way to explore with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable local guide.
Hosted by Marie Haley

29) Te Oka Espresso – Little River – full day
14km | 6–8 hrs | 1000m+ climb | Hard
A challenging full-day tramp through Te Oka Reserve, including off-track sections and sustained climbs. Big views, rugged terrain and a strong sense of achievement – with barista made coffee halfway round.
Hosted by John Fitch and Nick Singleton

30) Ahuriri Wetland – Restoration at a Grand Scale – Tai Tapu half day
2–3km | 2–3 hrs | Easy
A guided exploration of large-scale wetland restoration, including tens of thousands of plantings and water redirection designed to restore lagoon health and native habitat.
Hosted by Te Ara Kakariki and Selwyn District Council