WITH ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL WALKING FESTIVAL COMPLETED FOR THIS YEAR MAKE SURE YOU ARE ON OUR MAILING LIST TO RECEIVE INFORMATION FOR NEXT YEARS EVENT! Email your contact information to Wanda: bpwalkingfest@gmail.com
BANKS PENINSULA WALKING FESTIVAL 2024 PROGRAMME
**(Get your tickets here)
The Banks Peninsula Walking Festival runs over three weeks February 24 – March 10 (there are also two mid week walks). Get off the beaten track, explore parts of Banks Peninsula not usually open to the public, visit local reserves and appreciate projects in progress. Our incredible volunteer guides will lead, inform, inspire and entertain you along the way! See the FinalBanksPeninsulaWalkingFestivalProgramme2024 below, select your walks, and then book. Be aware that places are limited and walks fill up fast.
We are operating a wait list so just go on to the Humanitix ticketing site and add your name.
ALL WALKS MUST BE BOOKED AND PAID FOR IN ADVANCE
- Prior to booking have your credit card ready and contact details plus emergency numbers for yourself and any others you are buying tickets for.
- To book your ticket visit our Humanitix page here
https://events.humanitix.com/host/banks-peninsula-walking-festival - Humanitix will email you a ticket for each walk you book. Prior to your walk you will receive a separate email from the Festival Co-ordinator via Humanitix with a ‘Walk Information Sheet’giving you details of the meeting point for your walk and what you need to wear and bring.4.
- On the day of your walk please visit www.bpwalks.co.nz to check for any changes. Walks proceed in most weather conditions, but will be cancelled in severe weather.
- We are running a wait list through the ticketing website so be sure to put your name on a wait list if the walk is sold out.
**Refund policy: Walks cancelled by the Festival due to weather related incidents or factors beyond our control (road closure/slips) are eligible for a 60% refund only. Walks cancelled due to guide unavailability are eligible for a full refund (minus the Humanitix credit card fee). Unfortunately there will be no rescheduling of cancelled walks and refunds will not be available to people who cancel out of a walk.
** Be sure you take advantage of this generous special offer – Present your ticket to receive a 10% discount on almost all gear (some exclusions) from Further Faster www.furtherfaster.co.nz Buchan Street Christchurch.
You are responsible for your own safety, equipment, vehicle and food. You must wear sturdy walking shoes or tramping boots and bring warm clothing, water, sun hat, sunscreen and a waterproof layer, plus lunch and snacks and hand sanitiser as stated in the programme. Walking poles are strongly advised.
If you do not have a computer or require assistance, please phone Festival Co-ordinator Wanda on 0277099008 or email at bpwalkingfest@gmail.com
CALLING ALL KEEN PHOTOGRAPHERS:
We are always looking for great photos. If you are a keen photographer and are happy to share some of your photos (especially shots with people in them) please email bpwalkingfest@gmail.com Please be aware that photographs taken during the Walking Festival may be used for promotional purposes.
WALK DIFFICULTY KEY:
EASY – Well-formed track, easy mostly flat walking
WALK – Partly formed track, some up and down
TRAMP – Track mostly unformed with prolonged up and down
ROUTE – unformed and rough surface with prolonged up and down
Recommended for families
Use these key words to check the walk is suitable for your abilities before booking!
SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY
WALK 01 – HINEWAI’S LONG LOOP –
with Hinewai Reserve’s Hugh Wilson
Start time:10 am
Duration: 7- hours Walk climbs approx. 400m
Cost: $17
TRAMP – Track mostly unformed with prolonged up and down
Spend the day with Hinewai’s amazing Hugh Wilson to make a long loop around the reserve taking in the Valley Track, Stones Track, Lisburn Track, Beech Track and West Track back to the base. This will be a wonderful day out with Hugh and his volunteers to hear all about the work continuing at Hinewai after several big weather events over the last few years. Book early as this is sure to be a popular walk!
WALK 02 HEAD OF THE HARBOUR HERITAGE TRAIL AND ŌHINETAHI GARDEN TOUR
with Peter Coldicott
Start time: 10am
Cost: $37 (includes entry into Ōhinetahi Gardens)
Duration: Duration:5-6 hours.
EASY WALK – Well formed track, easy mostly flat walking
One of the highlights of this walk will be a visit to the enchanting Ōhinetahi Gardens – our very own local ‘national treasure,’ with its elegant architecture, elaborate sculptures and award winning gardens. You will catch up on local history as you explore from Governors Bay to Allendale along the picturesque Foreshore Track, the location of Banks Peninsula’s first Geotrail, soon to be completed. Admire the harbour views and savour the seascapes passing the Margaret Mahey Plaque, Governors Bay Jetty, volcanic rock formations and Sage Reserve. Intrepid explorer Peter Coldicott promises this will not be a route march as he guides you around some of his favourite local spots. There will be time to stop and savour some eye beholding properties full of interest and history, visiting some not usually accessible to the public. Enjoy the beautiful Waitahuna property, the first European house in the Bay (1852). Browse in the fully restored School House to see how things were done a century ago!
WALK 03 – FORAGING FOR THE FUTURE – AN URBAN WALKING TOUR OF LYTTELTON
with Darren Tatom
start time: 13:30
grading: easy
duration: about three hours 4 km walking
Cost: $12.50
EASY WALK
This walk is an introduction to foraging. It will be a wonderful opportunity to share information about our natural environment. Darren will discuss ethics, sharing and safety. We examine the foraging mindset, pattern recognition, online tools and timing. Please be aware that due to the date of this walk we will be looking at what will be available to forage as we move towards late summer and autumn
SUNDAY 25TH FEBRUARY
WALK 04 VOLCANIC SEQUENCES OF TE AHU PĀTIKI
Orton Bradley Park
start time: 9
duration: all day
distance: approximately 12 km and 600m elevation
cost: $17
TRAMP
An amazing day out with the highly knowledgeable and ever enthusiastic geologist Sam Hampton. A crash course in the volcanology of central Banks Peninsula. Walk through geological time as you are guided through the exposures and outcrops within Charteris Bay Valley. Learn how eruption styles changed with the development of waterbodies, the formational process of the lava flows atop Te Ahu Pātiki, and how the landscape has evolved to form what we see today. Your guide Sam Hampton is a field volcanologist and local expert on the volcanism of Banks Peninsula. Always a hugely informative and amazing day out.
WALK 05 TE AHU PĀTIKI -MAGNIFICENT GULLY/WATERFALL GULLY LOOP with Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust Manager Shelley Washington and Te Ahu Pātiki’s Sarah Anderson
Start time: 8:30am
Duration: 4 -5 hours
Distance: 14 km approx. 350 m
Cost : $17
TRAMP
Meeting at the upper end of Orton Bradley Park camping area this will be a lovely walk through beautiful stands of regenerating indigenous forest, walkers will be able to enjoy birdsong and the sounds of flowing water as we climb up through Magnificent Gully alongside the stream. From the junction below Lookout Point we will head across open slopes towards Waterfall Gully, this section of the walk offers wonderful views of Te Ahu Pātiki across the valley. We descend through more vibrant regenerating bush towards the first of two waterfalls. The track follows the stream back into the valley where we re-cross the Te Wharau Stream and return to the Orton Bradley carpark. Steep in places but generally a well maintained track suitable for most walkers of moderate fitness.
WALK 06 LAVA FLOW TO LEISURE RESORT
with Graeme Fraser, Diamond Harbour Reserve Management Committee
Start time: 10 am
Duration: 5 Km approx. 3-4 hours
Cost: $17
WALK
A morning walk exploring the scenic reserves of Diamond Harbour, discovering the geology, history and changing environment of this area. Starting from the new jetty, we’ll wander through Stoddart Point Reserve, then round along the cliff track with views across Purau Bay to Mount Evans. Then we’ll climb a little to Bayview Road, the original road between Christchurch and Purau, before exploring Morgan’s and Sam’s Gullies which are newer reserves being turned into native forests by local volunteers. Finally, we’ll drop down to the Coastal Reserve and back along to the jetty. Graeme is a wonderful host and a treasure trove of local information. A great day out!
WEDNESDAY 28TH FEBRUARY
**This walk is going ahead. There is low cloud and some rain in the forecast and it is wet underfoot but the walk will take place. Please txt Wanda on 0277099008 if you do not plan to attend.
WALK 07 – TE WHENUA ORA – HIGH BARE PEAK WALK – LITTLE RIVER
MID– WEEK
Start time: 10am (TBC)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Distance: 6 km approx. 400m elevation
Cost: $17
TRAMP
Join trustees of Te Whenua Ora (also known as High Bare Peak)on this beautiful energising walk to a viewpoint overlooking Little River.
This property is a former farm overlooking Lake Waiwera, which is now being managed to allow natural regeneration. The walk takes us to a viewing point above Little River with fantastic views towards The Hilltop to the east and towards Kaitorete Spit to the west. We will pass through grassland and regenerating bush, partly on farm tracks and partly on narrow, rocky and uneven walking tracks. There are some reasonably steep ascents and descents so a good level of hill fitness is required. Shareholders in the property will talk about the regeneration project and happily answer questions. Finish the day with a cup of tea or coffee at the Little River. This is a stunning property well worth a visit.
SATURDAY MARCH 2
WALK 08 PURAU HIDDEN VALLEYS EXPLORING HISTORY AND NATURE Long Walk – Cancelled (please note the short walk is still on Sunday March 3
Start time: 10am
Duration: 6 hours, 7-9km approx, 500-700m climb (route may vary slightly subject to weather conditions on the day)
Cost: $17
ROUTE – unformed and rough surface with prolonged up and down
This adventure commences from the foreshore of Purau Bay and follows the historic Māori and European routes up the valley floors to below the rocky crags on the southern slopes of Mt Evans overlooking Whakaraupō/Lyttelton harbour.
We will explore the changes in land use and vegetation over the last few hundred years, identifying resulting effects and impacts. We will share and invite discussion on the options for the future of the Valleys, Harbour and Peninsula. This is a great chance for an informative and fascinating day out – with expansive and extremely stunning views to enjoy along the way.
**Not suitable for children
WALK 09 – Te Pōhue Kawenata covenant walk (Port Levy Purau)
With Ira Schelp and QEII’S Alice Shanks
Start time: 10:30am
Duration: approximately 3-4 hours approximately 4-5km
Cost: $17.00
Tramp
This gorgeous brand new half day walk will take visitors through a beautiful covenant in the Purau Port Levy area along streams, through bush and renaturing pastures on unformed tracks. The approximately 47 hectare covenant includes retired paddock/bush-land with streams, some gorges, cliffs and even some established bush areas. We are so excited to be offering this walk as part of the festival this year and grateful to Ira for offering us this opportunity to explore.
WALK 10 VISTAS OF TE KĀKAHU KAHUKURA – OTAHUNA VALLEY
with Maury Penno
Start time: 10am
Duration: 6 hours approx. 10-11km approx. climbs 300-400m approx.
TRAMP – Track, includes unformed sections with prolonged up and down
Cost: $17
Join Te Kākahu Kahukura co-chair Maury Penno for a stunning tramp through their outstanding property high above the Otahuna Valley. Extensive plantings, wetland restoration, trapping work and fencing upgrades are all part of their efforts to support the vision of Te Kākahu Kahukura that by 2050 the Southern Port Hills has a thriving and resilient indigenous forest supporting an abundance of native birds and invertebrates; it is a taonga for the Ōtautahi / Greater Christchurch community to value, protect and engage with.
The property affords expansive views towards the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps as well as to Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora so this tramp is sure not to disappoint photographers, trampers and conservationists. This will be an opportunity to learn about the work of local landowners to protect, conserve and enhance what is so special about this part of the Port Hills.
SUNDAY MARCH 3
WALK 11 – HIGH BARE PEAK SUMMIT -TE WHENUA ORA – WITH RENNIE DAVIDSON
LITTLE RIVER
Start time: 9am (TBC)
Duration: 6-7 hours – full day
Distance: 10 km approx. 520 m climbing
Cost:$17
Tramp
This walk to the summit of High Bare Peak is on a former farm which is now being managed to allow regeneration of indigenous forest and wildlife. Gifted the name Te Whenua Ora recently, the property rises 500m from near Lake Wairewa up to a rocky peak with amazing views in all directions. It is a steep and constant climb and therefore requires a high level of fitness. Your guides will be shareholders of the property and will chat about the regeneration project as you go and as you enjoy lunch at the top.
WALK 12 – KAITUNA VALLEY HERITAGE WALK
With Rosemary Baird from Heritage New Zealand
Start time: 10am
Duration: 5-6 hours
Distance: 10 km and approximately 350m elevation
Cost: $30 (includes afternoon tea at Kowhai Hills Homestead)
Walk
Kaituna Valley Road is the gateway to native bush reserves and wonderful walking tracks. It was used by Māori as a travel and trading route, and was settled by Europeans after it was purchased by the Rhodes brothers in the 1850s. This guided walk led by Heritage New Zealand focuses on the homes, schools and sites of these early European settler families. Starting at Glenrowan Homestead the walk heads along Kaituna Valley Road passing various historic homes. We will look at some of the old buildings at Rockwood Farm, and then continue up the farm track from Tophouse. The destination and lunch stop is a historic stand of tōtara trees. The return walk includes afternoon tea at Kowhai Hills Homestead (cost included in ticket price).
WALK 13 – ROBINSONS BAY WALK – HISTORY, HILLS, AND HOME GROUND Akaroa
With Suky Thompson
Start time: 12 pm
Duration: approx. 4-5 hours
Distance: Approx 6km, elevation gain about 300m
Cost: $17
Tramp (mostly unformed track with prolonged up & down)
Walk with local guides Suky Thompson and Sue Church on their home turf. Start with a visit to one of the oldest cottages in Canterbury and the site of its first water powered sawmill – the place where industrial scale deforestation of Banks Peninsula began. Discover little known Robinsons Bay Reserve with its interesting heritage trail and enjoy a stop for lunch at the old school memorial. Work off lunch with a good uphill tramp giving wonderful views over Akaroa Harbour and then loop back down to the valley for afternoon tea at Suky’s home. Return via her regenerating native bush block to see the land naturally recovering back to its original forested state.
WALK 14 PURAU MANAAKI MAI HIDDEN VALLEYS EXPLORING HISTORY AND REGENERATION OF OLD FOREST – SHORT WALK
with Paul and Andrea Dahl
*This is a shorter version of Walk 8 that also appears on March 2 in the festival programme
Start time: 10am
Duration: approx. 4 hours, 5 km and elevation gain of about 500m
Cost:$17
Tramp (mostly unformed track with prolonged up and down)
**not suitable for children
The adventure commences from the Juntion of the Purau Port Levy Rd and the Old Purau Port Levy Rd (letter box number 65) and will follow the historic Māori and European routes up the valley floor of the Waituturi Stream (Kereru Stm on some maps) below southern slopes of Mt Evans. We will explore the changes in land use and vegetation over the last few hundred years identifying resulting effects and impacts. We will observe the regeneration management options and invite discussion on the options for the future of the valleys, harbour catchment.
WALK 15 THEN AND NOW 30 YEARS OF CONSERVATION AT FRENCH FARM
Brailsford Cook Covenant – French Farm
with QEII’S Alice Shanks, David Brailsford and Jan Cook
Start time:10 am
Duration: approx 4 hours Approximately 3km
Cost: $17
Walk. A basic level of fitness, but includes narrow tracks and numerous stiles so must have good agility.
A botanical walk and talk through 11 hectares of diverse native forest, following old logging tracks and the ‘Chemin des Lacs’ path constructed by French sailors in 1843. Visit ancient Kahikatea and check out the photo-points put in place 30 years ago by QEII Trust to record regeneration and recovery. Take a short climb to a lunch spot with views across Akaroa Harbour.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 6
WALK 16 HINEWAI – MIDWEEK WALK WITH HUGH WILSON
The incredible Hugh Wilson has generously offered to host two walks at this year’s festival and this one will be a slightly shorter walk taking people from the Visitors’ Centre along the Kereru Track, Valley Track, South Track, West Track and back to the start. Hugh will update walkers on work happening at Hinewai since the major weather events of the last couple of years and be his usual entertaining self. A great mid-week excursion to Hinewai and Akaroa has all the makings of a great day out with wonderful company.
Start time: 10:30 am
Duration: approx 4 – 5 hours hours of walking
Cost:$17
TRAMP
SATURDAY MARCH 9
WALK 17 TŪPARI – A NEW CONSERVATION PROJECT
Start time: 9am
Duration: Walking time 8 hours, approximately 7 km with 500m of vertical
Cost: $17
Tramp
A brand new walk! Come and explore amazing Tūpari Reserve near the head of the Kaituna Valley. The walking route traces a spring fed tributary of the Kaituna River to its source. The 500 m climb up the southern slopes of Mt Bradley and Mt Herbert/Te Ahu Pātiki covers diverse habitat: towering stands of kahikatea, mataī and tōtara, regenerating kānuka/mānuka, moss covered boulder lined streams, and tussock grasslands.
Your guides are the ever-energetic and committed Mark Nixon and Megan Reynolds, trustees of Mikimiki Conservation Trust which has had ownership of the 400 ha Tūpari Reserve for the last 18 months. They will regale tales of their pest trapping and weeding efforts and the natural and human history of the area. The walking track is a mixture of farm tracks and newly cut bush trail, which starts beside the Kaituna River before climbing up the valley floor. There is a steep climb to a vantage point at 560 metres with spectacular vistas before a farm track leads us back downhill. It is no accident that this reserve is called Tūpari, meaning steep, therefore a good level or fitness and agility is required.
This will be an amazing day out!
WALK 18 FROM THE VALLEY FLOOR CHANGES AT OMAHU BUSH
with Bill McSweeney and Ian Johnston from the Summit Road Society
Start time:10am
Duration: Walking time: 3-4 hours, Elevation gain: 300m
Cost:$17
Walk (partly formed track, some up & down)This is a rare opportunity to access the bush from Tai Tapu. From Otahuna Road, we will walk up through
private property to connect with Omahu Bush. We will stop for a morning tea break at the picturesque Anne’s
Falls then continue uphill to a giant kahikatea tree. The bush is a magical place, renowned for its podocarps,
ferns, native fuchsias and birdlife. The walk involves some steep uphill walking.
WALK 19 – IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF FRANK WORSLEY – THE AKAROA SKYLINE WALK
with Christchurch City Council’s John Fitch and Nick Singleton – Akaroa
Start time: 10 am
Duration: 7-8 hours, 16km. Walk climbs to 800m
Cost: $17
TRAMP – Track mostly unformed with prolonged up and down
WALKERS WANTED: to walk in the footsteps of Frank Worsley, seven hour journey, steep hills, historic sites, new tracks, amazing views, stories of adventure, tired legs and guaranteed no icebergs.
Starting with a visit to Frank Worsely’s birthplace you will then head up the Woodills South and North to Curry’s Tracks to visit the Frank Worsely house site and then on up over Browntop Saddle, Purple Peak Saddle, traverse below Stony Bay Peak on the track on the Akaroa side through to Stony Bay Rd, and the Misty Peaks Track . This will then link up with CCC’s newly created track, connecting Mt Brasenose to Aylmer’s Valleys Newton Waterfall Track, and then head back down to Akaroa to view Frank’s memorial bust by the main Akaroa Wharf. This walk will be a good workout, with some steep climbing involved, with amazing views of the Akaroa harbour gained for your efforts!
SUNDAY MARCH 10
WALK 20 KIDS ADVENTURE AT SUGARLOAF
with Natasha Szczecinski McIntosh – Predator Free Port Hills/Summit Road Society Coordinator
Start time: 10 am
Duration: 2 hours, 2.5km. Walk climbs 100m approx.
Cost: Adult $10 Child $2
WALK – Partly formed track, some up and down
Join the ever- energetic and positive Natasha Szczecinski McIntosh – Predator Free Port Hills new coordinator – on this kids adventure. The walk will follow a loop track around Te Heru o Kahukura (Sugarloaf). Kids will have a checklist of tasks and activities to complete along the way. We will start at the Bowenvale carpark and follow Cedrics Track through tussock grasslands. This route offers panoramic views of the Alps and the city. There will be opportunities for snack breaks throughout before returning to the carpark via Mitchells Track on the Lyttelton side. Journey through native bush before emerging onto a rocky spur with amazing views of the harbour.
This area is part of Te Kākahu Kahukura, a landscape scale restoration project that aims to create a 1000ha biodiversity hub on the southern Port Hills, working in collaboration with landowners, residents, organisations and agencies to protect and connect existing bush and restoration plantings. The 2.5km return track is suitable for most children. The terrain is undulating and there is plenty of variety. As we are focused on making the walk fun for the kids, we will take our time, offer plenty of encouragement and stop for breaks and activities as we go. Make sure you pop in some money for an ice-cream!
WALK 21 TE AHU PĀTIKI LOOP WALK WITH SARAH ANDERSON
Start time: 9:30am (TBC)
Duration: 6 km approx 600m climbing
Full day
Cost: $17
TRAMP
Accompanied by representatives of the Te Ahu Pātiki Charitable Trust, enjoy a hosted full day hike
along the Te Ahu Pātiki Loop walk. The walk will commence at the upper carpark in Orton Bradley Park and we will follow the Mt Herbert walkway climbing through Te Ahu Pātiki towards the summit of Mt. Herbert. The ascent is steep and includes a river crossing that requires some clambering over rocks and/or getting wet feet. The rewards are a chance to view the understorey regeneration of the bush since Te Ahu Pātiki was de-stocked in July 2021.
After lunching in Lacebark Terrace we will loop under the summit and return to our starting point via the newly created track which loops down the western flank of Te Ahu Pātiki. This gives the opportunity to view the beautiful limestone gully network that steps down the maunga. We will stop for a refreshment break here before the final descent back to the Orton Bradley carpark.
Te Ahu Pātiki Charitable Trust is the kaitiaki guardian of Te Ahu Pātiki, 500 hectares of whenua on Te Pataka o Rakaihautū Banks Peninsula. Te Ahu Pātiki is a newly created public conservation park in the heart of Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour. It includes the summits of Mt Herbert Te Ahu Patiki and Mt Bradley, the two highest peaks in the wider Christchurch area. The park is protected by a QE11 Covenant and its track network is gazetted with Herenga ā Nuku as part of the Te Ara Pātaka track network.
WALK 22 STEEPHEAD RECONNOITRE – LE BONS BAY
with Hamish Dalglish and QEII Trust Representative Alice Shanks
Start time: 10:30am
Duration: 5 and a half hours approx. 7km, walk climbs approx. 300m
Cost: $17
TRAMP – Track mostly unformed with prolonged up and down
Take the chance to visit this fascinating covenant and surrounding area at the Le Bons Bay headland. Along with the breath-taking views and native bush to explore you will also learn about the history of the community that once lived in the area. This walk will take you out to the lighthouse, passing the remains of a World War II watch station along the way. You will visit the area’s old mill site, seeing the waterwheel and old steam engines that once powered the mill. Pass the remnants of the old railway line that had once enabled goods to be hauled up the steep hill from the wharf far below.
The valley bush hosts a variety of flora and fauna, including Nīkau Palms and regenerating Tōtara and Matai. Enjoy all of the stories Alice and Hamish will share with you along the way! Please note there will be a fence or two you will have to climb over or through en route.
WALK 23 LYTTELTON HERITAGE HOMES AND BUILDINGS
With Local Historian Liza Rossie
Start time: 10am
Duration: 3 hours, 1.5km
Cost:$17
WALK – Partly formed track, some up and down
An ever popular walk that sells out quickly is this historical excursion through Lyttelton and we are so grateful for Liza’s expertise and enthusiasm in this space.
Liza has carried out extensive research for the Lyttelton Historic area and has a great knowledge of all of the local buildings, including those that were lost in the 2011 earthquakes. Starting with the oldest home, Grubb Cottage, walk through layers of history looking at different eras of historic homes in Lyttelton and the stories linked to these. Be prepared for some steep streets and to be surprised by the quirky charms of Lyttelton. Have a snack along the way or make the most of one of Lytteltons great cafes for lunch when you have finished.