BANKS PENINSULA WALKING FESTIVAL 2026 – PROGRAMME AVAILABLE NOW
** ticket sales NOW live here
The Banks Peninsula Walking Festival runs over three weeks May 2 – May 17, 2026 (there are also several weekday 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 full program below; select your walks, and then book. Be aware that places are limited to 20 people per walk (apart from the family walks) and walks fill up fast.
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 visit our Humanitix page here on April 18
https://events.humanitix.com/host/banks-peninsula-walking-festival - Humanitix will email you a ticket for each walk you book. About five days 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.
**Last year a few people found their confirmation/ticket and walk information sheet from Humanitix was sent to spam or a junk folder . Please check your spam and junk mail folder before emailing the walking festival about your ticket or followup information. - 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. If you don’t hear anything assume the walk is going ahead.
- We run a wait list through the ticketing website so be sure to put your name on a wait list if the walk is showing sold out.
**IMPORTANT Refund policy: Walks cancelled by the Festival due to weather related incidents or factors beyond our control (road closure/slips) are eligible for a only a 60% refund. Walks cancelled due to guide unavailability are eligible for a full refund (minus the Humanitix credit card fee).
There will be no rescheduling of cancelled walks, refunds will not be available to people who cancel out of a walk and swapping your ticket from one walk to another is not possible.
** 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.
PROGRAMME
Saturday May 2
1) Head of the Harbour
Duration: ~5 hrs | Grade: Easy/MediumFollow the scenic foreshore from Governors Bay to Allandale on a walk that weaves together harbour views, local history, and hidden gems. Along the way, discover stories of community resilience, step inside heritage buildings including the old school and St Cuthbert’s Church (1875), and explore striking volcanic formations that shape Whakaraupō. With a visit to the quirky Allandale jail and the stunning Ōhinetahi Gardens to finish, this is a rich snapshot of life and landscape at the head of the harbour. This walk is being offered for the first time in several years!
Host: Peter Coldicott
2) French Farm – Three Decades of Dedication
Duration:~4 hrs | Grade: Easy/Medium
Come and explore the Brailsford Cook Covenant – A basic level of fitness required, 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 National Trust to record regeneration and recovery. Take a short climb to a lunch spot with views across Akaroa Harbour.
Hosts: Jan Cook and David Brailsford
3. Tūpari Reserve/Kaituna Valley – Stone Steps & Scenic Views – half day
6km | 3 hrs | 240m climb | Tramp
This is the first time this walk has been offered. A newly formed track leads you up Packhorse Hut stream through native bush before looping back on the Tūpari Packhorse hut track which opened at the beginning of the year. The step sections have had multiple flights of stone steps formed to make the climb (nearly) effortless. The tramp will be leisurely and punctuated by many stops to enjoy the views and hear about the conservation efforts in this area. Hosted by Mark Nixon and Megan Reynolds
4. Avoca Valley Grand Traverse
3.8km |2.5 hrs | 100m | Medium-Hard
Hosted by the Summit Road Society’s John Marsh and Paula Jameson. This is an easy ramble downhill into Avoca Valley then climbing back up to the crater rim….mostly gentle uphill sections with a couple of short bursts to raise the heart rate. This is a reserve in the early stages of transition from a production grazing farm to a conservation reserve. From the Summit Road car park we head down Rāpaki Track a short distance, over a stile, into Linda Woods Reserve and off across the paddock. We soon meet up with Jacks Track and head round into the top of Avoca Valley near the upper spring…..there will be prizes here for the first sighting of the common copper butterfly and migratory locust. At the Harakeke Track junction we head down into the upper valley revegetation area where 3 to 4 year old plantings are beginning to change the character from the former pasture to a very young dry podocarp/broadleaf bush. Prizes for spotting all 400 of the totara planted here…..and a very old kaikomako.
Hosted by John Marsh and Paula Jameson from Summit Road Society
Sunday May 3
5.Oashore Covenant Walk – Bossu Ridge to Coast Loop – Full Day
Duration: ~5.5 hours of walking | Grade: Medium Hard
Join us on a guided day trek exploring the impressive new BPCT Oashore covenant now also a Christchurch City Council Reserve, saddling land from Te Roto o Wairewa Lake Forsyth over the Bossu ridge to the eastern coastline between Te Mata Hapuku Birdlings Flat and Hikuraki Bay. An early opportunity to explore this incredible landscape with iconic biodiversity values. Led by BPCT Covenants Officer Marie Neal, BPCT’s Kate Whyte and CCC staff ranger Simon Mangan.
6. Cultivating Native Flora – Millpark Nursery Experience – Half Day (TaiTapu)
Duration: 2.5 hrs | Grade: Easy
Visit a working native nursery and restoration property and gain practical insight into native propagation and planting. A highly informative session for landowners, gardeners and those interested in restoring biodiversity. This event is repeated later in the programme as well and was very popular and inspiring last year.
Hosts: Andrew Millson & Charlotte
7. Landscapes & Ecosystems of Mt Vernon Park – Full Day
Distance: 12km | Duration: 6–6.5 hrs | Climb: 460m | Grade: Hard
A full-day exploration of the volcanic origins and ecological systems of Banks Peninsula, bringing together geology, landform and ecology to tell the story of this ancient landscape. This walk begins on the flat providing an overview of Mt Vernon Park. The walk will journey throughout Mt Vernon Park, exploring the geology (rocks, soils, water) and the natural systems that these have formed. Although today many of these are degraded, efforts are underway to recognise, protect, and rehabilitate these important ecosystems, within a broader vision of recloaking the Port Hills. Climbing from the valley floor to the Crater Rim, and guided by Dr Sam Hampton, this walk seeks to show how this landscape formed, what we have lost, and how we can assist in the restoration of indigenous ecosystems and habitats. Always a great day out with Sam.
Host: Sam Hampton
8.TeWharau Catchment Conservation Tour (Orton Bradley Park) – Full Day
Distance: 6.2km | Duration: ~5.5 hrs | Grade: Medium–Hard
An immersive conservation experience exploring predator control, catchment restoration and landscape-scale environmental management, including some off-track travel. This is a rare chance to spend time with people who have devoted their time to getting this special part of the peninsula into shape and who were deeply affected by the recent weather events!
Hosts: Myles Mackintosh & Vicky Pollard (one of the “super mums” working on the whenua).
Thursday May 7
9.Otahuna Valley High Points – Community Conservation – Full Day
Distance: 10–12km | Duration: 5–6 hrs | Climb: 300–400m | Grade: Medium
Join Banks Peninsula Walking Festival coordinator Wanda Vivequin and Otahuna local Catriona Mckay on a varied walk through wetlands and private plantings before climbing to expansive views over the Canterbury Plains and Te Waihora, underpinned by a strong community conservation story. This is the last time this version of this walk is being offered to get in quick!
Hosts: Wanda Vivequin and Catriona Mackay
Saturday May 9
10. Birdlings Flat –BossuRoad – Little River Loop – Full Day (Cycle)
Distance: 47km | Climb: ~650–700m | Grade: Moderate–Hard
A classic Peninsula ride linking coast, hills and rail trail with sweeping views and a satisfying full-day journey. Sophia is a kind and enthusiastic cyclist and host of the podcast Girl Woman Athlete. This is a classic Banks Peninsula Ride and the first time we have offered the event and are grateful to an experienced and motivated cyclist to host and inspire riding.
Host: Sophia White
11. Grunts, Dykes and Dogs! – Panama Rock Reserve – Full Day
Duration: 4–5 hrs | Grade: Hard
An adventurous exploration through regenerating forest and historic tracks, finishing with expansive views over Le Bons Bay. Hosted by the enthusiastic and charismatic Ollie Rutland-Sims, pest controller extraordinaire and who also works as a volunteer ranger at this reserve. This is an exceptional opportunity to spend time with a real local expert whose knowledge and passion for getting the peninsula into shape is legendary! We don’t often offer dog friendly adventures but here is one for our four-legged friends.
Host: Ollie Rutland-Sims
Well-behaved dogs welcome
12. 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
Sunday May 10
13.TeWhenua Ora Saddle – Views to Little River – Half Day
Duration: 2.5–3.5 hrs | Climb: 450m | Grade: Hard
A steady climb to Te Whenua Ora Saddle with sweeping views and insight into the conservation vision behind this landscape. Hear the story behind Te Whenua Ora, a conservation project near Little River which began in 2021, involving a gradual change from farmland to regenerating indigenous forest. Walk from a point just above Te Roto o Waiwera to the saddle overlooking Little River and surrounding hills. Views to Birdlings Flat and Lake Waiwera provide great photo opportunities too. Bring your lunch to picnic at the saddle. You will be able to engage with shareholders to hear the background, the ongoing mahi and the future plans for this project. The walk involves a consistent uphill climb in the open, on old farm tracks, with short steeper parts, and is uneven underfoot in places.
Hosts: Niki Davidson & Sandra Tuckwell
14. Multi-day Supported Walk – Monument North / Purau to Rod Donald Hut
Duration: 2 days | Grade: Moderate–Challenging
A spectacular ridge-top journey along Te Ara Pātaka with an overnight stay at Rod Donald Hut. A standout festival experience. The ticket price will include the cost of staying at the hut and transport from town to trailhead and back to town. The meeting spot for this walk will be in town and places strictly limited! An exceptional opportunity to travel the trail with former co-chair of the Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust and the perennially community focused Sarah Templeton!
This event has changed to Monument North due to slips on the Monument South Track
Hosts: Richard Suggate & Sara Templeton
15. In the Footsteps of Frank Worsley – Akaroa Skyline Walk – Full Day
Distance: approx. 10km | Duration: 4-5 hrs | Grade: Hard
A dramatic high-country traverse combining Antarctic history with sweeping skyline views. Sure to be an incredible day out with this Antarctic expert only recently returned from back to back trips to the Antarctic Peninsula that included iconic Elephant Island. Come and be wowed by words knowledge and scenery.
Hosts: Graeme & Michele Ayres
16. Tūpari Reserve/Kaituna Valley – River Rock Hop
5km | 3 hrs | 210m climb | Excellent balance and fitness required
For those with a sense of adventure, leap from boulder to boulder as you climb up a flood washed out stream in old growth forest. There is even a couple of waterfalls to navigate. This experience will not be offered again. A fabulous adventure for nimble folk who will enjoy the challenge of keeping your feet dry and not falling while climbing a mountain stream.
Hosted by Mark Nixon and Megan Reynolds
Tuesday May 12
17. Taylors Mistake to Boulder Bay – Bach History Walk – Half Day
Duration: ~3 hrs | Climb: 200m | Grade: Medium–Hard
A coastal walk exploring bach culture, seaside history and dramatic Pacific views along unformed tracks. This walk is being hosted by someone who has written several publications about the history of these baches and owns one of the most iconic ones in Boulder Bay. The trip includes a visit inside the iconic Rosy Morn bach!
Host: Janet Abbott
Wednesday May 13
18. Ahuriri Wetland – Restoration at a Grand Scale – Half Day (TaiTapu)
Distance: 2–3km | Duration: 2–3 hrs | Grade: Easy
Explore a large-scale wetland restoration project focused on habitat recovery and ecological function.Join Te Ara Kakariki’s Jo Fearn and Selwyn District Council’s Senior Biodiversity Officer Denise Ford to walk and learn all about the amazing restoration work going on at this incredible wetland.Te Arakakariki’s has restored a previous grazing block about 1km upstream of the wetland. 20,000 plants have been planted from 2021 – 2024 creating a 3.5ha kahikatea mataī forest. The project was funded by Jobs for Nature – a post covid conservation employment programme.
The area is also home to the Whakaora Te Ahuriri project that aims to make the lagoon healthy again. The project involves constructing a wetland in the area and introducing a wide variety of plants.
Hosts: Te Ara Kākāriki’s Jo Fearn & Selwyn District Council’s Denise Ford
Thursday May 14
19. Cultivating Native Flora – Millpark Nursery Experience (Repeat)
Duration: ~2.5 hrs | Grade: Easy
A second opportunity to explore native propagation and restoration techniques.
Visit a working native nursery and restoration property and gain practical insight into native propagation and planting. A highly informative session for landowners, gardeners and those interested in restoring biodiversity.
Hosts: Andrew Millson & Charlotte
Friday May 15
20. Hinewai Magical Mystery Tour – Full Day
Duration: 4–5 hrs | Grade: Medium–Hard
A guided exploration through Hinewai Reserve, sharing insights into regeneration and recent land acquisition. Hugh has assured us his walk will as always be engaging and energetic with wonderful updates and stories about the amazing mahi happening on the whenua. Always a privilege and a treat to be hosted by Hugh who has recently launched his latest book of drawings featuring Hinewai.
Host: Hugh Wilson
Saturday May 16
21.FishermansBay Covenant Walk to Red Bay – Full Day
Duration: 3–4 hrs | Grade: Medium–Hard
Visit this stunning volcanic bay with a rare cross-section of wildlife all to be experienced in one remote location – spotted shags, pied cormorants, NZ fur seals and sometimes even penguins. Be guided through this Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust protected covenant with intensive predator control by Richard and Jill Simpson. As an added extra, you will have the option to visit the incredible Fishermans Bay Garden.
A wildlife-rich coastal walk with seabirds, fur seals and strong conservation insight.
Hosts: Richard & Jill Simpson
22. Sneak Peaks – New Track Exploration – Full Day
Duration: 5 hrs | Grade: Medium–Hard
Explore a track that is currently being created on Banks Peninsula and hear about its development and future potential. Hosted by the Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust manager Shelley Washington, this walk will be sure to wow and sow the seeds of ideas for future adventures in the hills.
Host: Shelley Washington
23. Akaroa History & Garden of Tāne – Family Walk – Half Day(family/child friendly)
Duration: 1–2 hrs | Grade: Easy
A relaxed walk combining local history, storytelling and native forest exploration. Marie Haley who runsThe Seventh Generation Tours is something of a local legend and has generously offered to host this special walk and share her immense knowledge. Her family connections to Akaroa run deep and anyone who has walked with Marie appreciates how she brings the streets and land of Akaroa to life!
Host: Marie Haley – The Seventh Generation Akaroa
Sunday May 17
24. The Sarahs on TAP –TeAhu Pātiki – Full Day
Distance: 7km | Duration: 4–6 hrs | Climb: 600m | Grade: Medium–Hard
An exploratory walk through Te Ahu Pātiki landscapes, highlighting restoration efforts and recent storm recovery work. This will be an entertaining and enlightening walk that includes the vision for this incredible piece of land and how recent events have impacted them.
Hosts: Sarah Wilson & Sarah Anderson
25. Pete’s Path – A Walk with Jo and Duncan – Easy Walk
Distance: 3–4km | Duration: 2–3 hrs | Grade: Easy
A relaxed and social walk in Diamond Harbour along the gorgeous Pete’s Path sharing stories from the “Rod Donald Challenge – Get up to 20” and inspiring further exploration on Banks Peninsula. The walk will meet at either the Lyttelton Wharf or you can meet at Diamond Harbour Wharf. Jo is inspiring and amazing and knocked out the 20 challenges in record time. Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust trustee Duncan chipped away at the challenge and both he and Jo are excited about sharing their experiences and answering questions about all the amazing walks with others on this walk. This walk is designed to create connections and community and inspire!
Hosts: Jo Mckay & Duncan Bright
26. Choose Your Own Adventure – Gibraltar Rock & Tōtara Grove – Kids Walk
Duration: 30 mins – 2 hrs | Grade: Easy / Family Friendly
A flexible, fun outdoor adventure designed for younger explorers and their whānau. The littlies will finish up their event with a special momento that is sure to inspire the future conservationist within them.
Hosts: Natasha Szczecinski McIntosh & Bill McSweeney