BANKS PENINSULA WALKING FESTIVAL 2025
ticket sales now live

The Banks Peninsula Walking Festival runs over three weeks February 22 – March 14 (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

1. Prior to booking have your credit card ready and contact details plus emergency numbers for yourself and any others you are buying tickets for.
2. To book visit our Humanitix page here
   https://events.humanitix.com/host/banks-peninsula-walking-festival
3. Humanitix will email you a ticket for each walk you book. A week 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.
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. If you don’t hear anything assume the walk is going ahead.
5. 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.

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. It is important you do not overestimate your abilities as our guides are volunteers and it is challenging to manage someone on a walk who has not accurately estimated their abilities.

WALK 1
OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NATURE TRAIL AT ROD DONALD HUT
Feb 22
The Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust is celebrating the opening of our new Nature Trail at the Rod Donald Hut. This is an invitation only event but we encourage members of the public to visit the nature trail as part of a day out on the Banks Peninsula any time during the Walking Festival and beyond. It is a wonderful open air classroom sure to provide a great way to bond with younger members of your whanau and friends. We are so excited to share this wonderful initiative with you and your whanau.

WALK 2 LANDSCAPES AND RESTORATION OF RĀPAKI AND ŌMARU STREAM
FEB 22
Start time: 10 am – 3 pm
Duration: approximately 5 hours
Climbing about 400m
cost: $20
TRAMP
An amazing day out with the highly knowledgeable and ever enthusiastic geologist Sam Hampton from Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula Geopark and Dylan Steeples. Te Rāpaki-o-Te Rakiwhakaputa, Rāpaki, lies within the eroded Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour. A harbour once clad in indigenous vegetation, rich in life on land and in the sea.

Join Sam and Dylan to hear about the origins of the landscape and restoration projects within Whakaraupō and Rāpaki. This walk will explore the shore platform before venturing up hill following the restorative plantings along the Ōmaru Stream. Ascending the valley the walk will examine volcanic sequences and the freshwater springs within, and then venture to the crater rim before returning to the shoreline. This is a rare opportunity to visit an area with limited access.

WALK 3  OTAHUNA VALLEY HIGH POINTS – COMMUNITY CONSERVATION
Feb 22
Duration: 5-6 hours approx. 10-12km.
Walk climbs 300 – 400m approx.
Start time: 10am 
Cost:$20
TRAMP – Both partly formed and unformed tracks
Join Banks Peninsula Walking Festival Coordinator Wanda Vivequin for a ramble through newly planted wetlands, a stunning private native restoration project of over 15,000 plants in the Otahuna Valley followed by a vigorous tramp onto magnificent hill tops with astounding views looking over the Canterbury Plains, the Otahuna Valley and Te Waihora (Ellesmere).

Wanda has secured access to several beautiful viewpoints in the valley and we will walk between these points to learn more about the organic efforts of local landowners to restore native biodiversity.

**This event will be held twice during the festival, once on the weekend and once during the week on March 3

WALK 4 TŪPARI RESERVE VALLEY TRAMP
Feb 22
Start time: 9am
Duration: Walking time 7-8 hours, approximately 10 km with 500m of vertical
Cost: $20
Tramp

Come explore the Tūpari Reserve near the head of the Kaituna Valley. The walking route traces a spring fed tributary of the Kaituna River to its source, and is a repeat of the 2024 walk. 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 Megan Reynolds and Mark Nixon, trustees of Mikimiki Conservation Trust who are the guardians of the 400 ha Tūpari Reserve. 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 bush trails, 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. This walk has steep sections, therefore a good level or fitness and agility is required.

WALK 5 LYTTELTON FORAGING FOR THE FUTURE
Feb 22
With Darren Tatom
Start time: 13:30
grading: easy
duration: about three hours 4 km walking
Cost: $10.00
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

WALK 6 TE PŌHUE KAWENATA COVENANT WALK (PORT LEVY PURAU) – CANCELLED
Feb 23
With Ira Schelp
Start time: 10:30am
Duration: approximately 3-4 hours approximately 4-5km
Cost: $20.00
Tramp
This gorgeous walk hosted by landowner Ira Schelp and ably assisted by New Zealand Nature Fund Board member Graeme Ayres will take visitors through a beautiful QEII 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 7 STEEPHEAD RECONNOITRE – LE BONS BAY
Feb 23
with Hamish Dalglish and QEII Trust Representative Alice Shanks
Start time: 10:30am
Duration: 5 and a half hours approx.
Distance: 7km, walk climbs approx. 300m
Cost: $20
TRAMP – Track mostly unformed with prolonged up and down
An amazing day out on the Banks Peninsula.
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.
**Please note this is the last time this walk will be offered for a while so make the most of it!

WALK 8 LYTTELTON HERITAGE HOMES AND BUILDINGS
Feb 23
With Local Historian Liza Rossie
Start time: 10:30am
Start and finish location: Grubb Cottage
Duration: 2- 3 hours
Cost:$20
**Challenging walk – Partly formed track some steep streets so a good standard of fitness required

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.

This year’s walk is a new one that will include  looking at how some of Lyttelton’s heritage buildings have been beautifully restored since the earthquakes of 2010-11. Although it will not be a rugged track walk, it will include some very steep streets so you will need a relatively good level of physical fitness for this three hour walk. The walk will start and finish at Grubb Cottage but will include walking right up to the higher parts of Lyttelton to include the Timeball Station tower and grounds

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 Lyttelton’s great cafes for lunch when you have finished.

WALK 10 FANTAIL FARM PIGEON BAY

Feb 25
Time: 11 am – 2 pm
Walks between half an hour to 2 hours
Gently graded walks but good walking shoes should be brought.
Cost:$20
Enjoy this rare opportunity to visit Fantail Farm in Pigeon Bay- a 110 acre permaculture farm containing a native tree restoration project, a Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust Covenant, lemon grove, olive grove, extensive nut and fruit orchards, an off grid adobe house with a living roof, and wood-fired sauna and a milk shed converted to an airbnb retreat. Documentary film maker Taggart Siegel bought the land in the 90s, planting 40 000 native trees since, with a vision to continue plantings and establish tracks linking to the existing trail network.

Hosted by long-time local Elena Fabian, living onsite as steward of the land, you will be treated to a leisurely excursion around this visionary place. Bring a lunch to enjoy in this beautiful spot with views over Pigeon Bay and make a day of it on the peninsula.

WALK 11 TE WHENUA ORA – CATONS STREAM – LITTLE RIVER – MID WEEK WALK
Feb 26
Start time: 10am approx (TBC)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Distance: 6 km approx.
400m elevation
Cost: $20
TRAMP
Join shareholders of Te Whenua Ora (part of High Bare Peak) on the Catons Stream Loop Track near Little River. This property is a former farm overlooking Lake Waiwera, which is now being managed to allow natural regeneration.

The walk shows how regenerating land responds after farm management is changed from heavy grazing to little or no grazing, with exciting regeneration evident after only three years.  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 cold drink or coffee & food at the welcoming Little River Inn, where our cars will be parked. This is a stunning property well worth a visit

WALK 9 Manaaki Mai: History, Biodiversity and Forest Bathing- cancelled
Feb 27
Start time: 9am – noon (meet at 8:45am at main house)
Duration: 
Cost:$15
A 3-hour interactive nature experience. Participants will receive knowledge about an active land restoration and biodiversity enhancement project, as well as the many health benefits associated with Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing). This walk will begin with group activities that relax the body and reset the mind, followed by information about the history, plant life, and on-going regenerative action happening at Manaaki Mai. Kawakawa tea will be served in between with a view over Purau Bay.

Bring with you weather-appropriate clothing, solid footwear, a drink bottle, sun hat, snack and a notebook and pen.

WALK 12 TŪPARI RESERVE VALLEY RIDGE WALK
March 1
Start time: 9am
Duration: Walking time 7-8 hours, approximately 12 km with 550m of vertical
Cost: $20
Tramp/Route
**The ridge track is a mixture of stock tracks, farm tracks and bush trail. This is a unique and rare chance to do a true ridge walk with views in all directions. This route has many challenging, steep sections which will require a high level of fitness and agility.

 Come explore the Tūpari Reserve near the head of the Kaituna Valley with Dianne Lang and Max Lang.  This is a brand new walk for 2025 and walks up the ridge of the reserve which is also the southern spur of Mount Bradley. The walk along the ridge is on exposed alpine grassland with occasional windswept scrub fragments and you will see commanding views of Kaituna Valley and eventually Lake Ellesmere/Te Waihora and the Pacific Ocean at the top of our walk at 600 metres above sea level. We will descend down the valley floor, taking in towering stands of kahikatea, mataī and tōtara, regenerating kānuka/mānuka, moss covered boulder lined streams, and tussock grasslands.

Your guides are Dianne and Max Lang, who are keen trampers and regular volunteers at Tūpari Reserve.

WALK 13 TE WHENUA ORA – HIGH BARE PEAK – LITTLE RIVER
March 1
Start time: 9am (TBC)
Duration: 6-7 hours – full day
Distance: 10 km approx. 520 m climbing
Cost:$20
Tramp

Join trustees of Te Whenua Ora (also known as High Bare Peak)on this  full-day walk to the summit of High Bare Peak above Little River. This conservation project 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 756m 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.The views on this walk are amazing and you won’t be disappointed!

WALK 14 KIDS ADVENTURE AT SUGARLOAF
March 1
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 $3
WALK – Partly formed track, some up and down

Join the ever- energetic and positive Natasha Szczecinski McIntosh – Predator Free Port Hills 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.

WALK 15 PURAU SADDLE TO KĀRĀ TRACK / MT. BRADLEY
March 1
Start time: 9:00 am
Duration: 14-16km return
Cost : $20
TRAMP
Join Te Ahu Pātiki’s kaituitui Sarah Anderson and Diamond Harbour champion Graeme Fraser on this scenic walk.  Sarah will regale you with stories of the great work being done on the maunga and Graeme can update you on some of the wonderful work happening in Diamond Harbour.

The walk begins at Purau Saddle and winds through farm land up a long valley where it eventually intersects with the Te Ara Pātaka walkway. We then follow the ridgeline to the summit of Te Ahu Pātiki / Mt. Herbert. We will stop for our first break at the Mt. Herbert Shelter. We will then follow the Te Ara Pātaka Walkway for about 45 minutes in the direction of Packhorse Hut and from there ascend via Kārā Track to Te Ahu Pātiki / Mt. Bradley. Once on the plateau we will follow the track to the outermost promontory, enjoy lunch and the amazing views. We will return via the same route. This walk is a fair weather only event and is determined by the weather on the summits, not the harbour. If Te Ahu Pātiki is wreathed in cloud it will be miserable up there and visibility very poor.

WALK 16 FRENCH FARM VISTAS AND HISTORY
March 2
Start time: 10 am
Duration: 6 hours approx.
Distance: 14km.
Walk climbs: 800m approx.
TRAMP – Mostly formed tracks but decent elevation gain
Cost:$20
Join Rebekah Haycock and Rod Donald Trust’s Kamala Hayman and Shelley Washington for this rare opportunity to climb high into the hills above French Farm towards Pulpit Rock to fantastic viewpoints with remarkable vistas.  The tramp will go on mostly farm tracks but will involve a decent amount of climbing but be rewarded with incredible views of Akaroa Harbour. The tramp will also include visits to sites of incredible historical significance including the Romsley Hill Farm homestead where Stephen Hunt raised 27 children

A good level of fitness is required for this walk.

WALK 17 STENCLIFFE FARM COVENANTS WALK – PIGEON BAY
March 2
Walk time: 3 hours (10:30 am – 1:30 pm incl lunch stop)
Distance: about 3km
Elevation: approximately 300m
Cost:$20
Walk: tramping boots recommended
**This three hour walk over approx 3km is on mostly open farmland along fence lines and tracks, with some steeper up and downhill in places so will require a moderate level of fitness – we will take plenty of time with rest stops as needed.

Join us on a fun walk showcasing three covenants in a working farm landscape near Pigeon Bay. We’d love to show you these diverse projects undertaken by the Eaton family and explain how they fit into the wider ecological picture. Enjoy beautiful views from the top of the first gully covenant bordering Mt Sinclair Reserve back down over the catchment and to the other protected areas. Landowners Jane and Hugh Eaton will be leading the walk along with BPCT Covenants Officer Marie Neal and BPCT staff. We’ll walk up alongside the long bush gully covenant to the Mt Sinclair DOC Reserve boundary and enjoy lunch at the top while taking in the other areas below; a fabulous raupō wetland being restored and a new native tree area about to be fenced off from stock further over. We’ll then loop back to where we started via the wetland to experience this very special ecosystem up close, and the amazing restoration progress made on it in recent years.

WALK 18 THE BIG DAY OUT – ŌTAUTAHI TO TE AHU PĀTIKI WITH SARA TEMPLETON-canceled
March 2
Meet: 7:50 bus exchange
Walk time: 16.1-km out-and-back trail approximately 6-7 hours walking
Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 – 7 hours to complete.
Cost:$20 (plus bus and ferry cost/varies by who is buying and whether you have a metro card or not)
Elevation: 950m

WALK 19 OTAHUNA VALLEY HIGH POINTS COMMUNITY CONSERVATION – MID-WEEK
March 3
Duration: 5-6 hours approx. 10-12km.
Walk climbs 300 – 400m approx.
Start time: 10am 
Cost:$20
TRAMP – Both partly formed and unformed tracks
Join Banks Peninsula Walking Festival Coordinator Wanda Vivequin for a ramble through newly planted wetlands, a stunning private native restoration project of over 15,000 plants in the Otahuna Valley followed by a vigorous tramp onto magnificent hill tops with astounding views looking over the Canterbury Plains, the Otahuna Valley and Te Waihora (Ellesmere).

Wanda has secured access to several beautiful viewpoints in the valley and we will walk between these points to learn more about the organic efforts of local landowners to restore native biodiversity.
**This is a repeat of a walk being offered on February 22^nd

WALK 20 HINEWAI TO THE SEA– MIDWEEK WALK WITH HUGH WILSON
March 5
Start time: 10:30 am
Duration: approx 4 – 5 hours hours of walking
Cost:$20
TRAMP

The incredible Hugh Wilson has generously offered to host a mid-week walk from the visitor centre down to the coastline and back to base . 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.

WALK 21 MATAĪ TRACK TO LACEBARK TCE RETURN – TE AHU PĀTIKI-CANCELED

March 5
Mataī to Lacebark Terrace and back
6-8km
600-700m elevation
4-5 hours
Cost:$20
Tramp
Join Te Ahu Pātiki Kaituhituhi Sarah Anderson on this wonderful walk through the park where she will talk about the incredible progress being made on restoration of this precious maunga.

Starting at the Valley Track Entrance in Orton Bradley Park we follow the track through gently undulating mixed forest until we reach the boundary with Te Ahu Pātiki. From there we start to climb the Mataī Track, quite steeply but through lovely regenerating bush, to Lacebark Terrace.

Lacebark Terrace is a lovely area and an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch break before we descend again to Orton Bradley Park. This walk is a great way to get insight into the regeneration process when farmland is retired, pests are controlled and Papatūānuku / Mother Nature is paramount.

WALK 22 GIANT TŌTARA TRACK AT ŌMAHU BUSH RESERVE
March 8
Get a special preview of the proposed new Giant Tōtara Track at Ōmahu Bush Reserve with Bill McSweeney and Paula Jameson from the Summit Road Society
Start time 10:00am
Walking time 2 ½ – 3 hrs
Elevation gain 200m
Cost: $20

From the Summit Road this walk will take you down through the ancient kōtukutuku (tree fuchsia) forest and into the deer fenced regenerating forest lower in the valley. Explore forest succession as tall kānuka forest is replaced by regenerating podocarps.

This walk will start along established trails before branching off onto the unformed route of the proposed Tōtara Track and a morning tea break beneath the grand tōtara. You will be among the first members of the public to explore this special part of the reserve.  Enjoy the spectacle of regenerating podocarps of different ages and the bird and other life this attracts.

This walk will explore an unformed route rather than an established track so moderate fitness and suitable footwear are required.

WALK 23 TE OKA BIODIVERSITY WALK WITH ALISON EVANS
March 8
Distance: 6.5 km
Duration: 3.5 hours walking
Walk climbs 300 approx.
Cost: $20

This popular walk will provide a great opportunity to be updated on the incredible work happening at Te Oka Reserve. Extending from sea level up to 680m, Te Oka Reserve creates an opportunity for sea to summit ecological restoration and provides the perfect setting for recreation activities.

This event will suit fit people who would like to learn more about the plants, lizards, birds and insects in the reserve from the CCC biodiversity ranger team. The talk will also cover the history of the reserve and how it is being managed to restore the natural values. First aid certified guides.

TRAMP – Both partly formed and unformed tracks.  A good level of fitness and stamina is required.
There are number of small stream crossings so tramping boots are recommended.

WALK 24 ANTARCTIC STORIES OF CONNECTION TO CHRISTCHURCH
March 8
Distance: approximately 8 km return
Grade: Walk well-formed track with some hills
Duration: Approx. 3-4 hours
Cost: $20
What to bring: Sturdy walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, lunch, and water

Join Antarctica Gateway City Ambassador/Tūwhana Graeme Ayres on a captivating Antarctic-themed walk from Taylors Mistake to Godley Head and surrounding area. Fresh from nearly two months of nature and history interpretation within the Antarctic Peninsula, Graeme will share stories that highlight Christchurch’s deep and enduring connections with the frozen continent.

As we walk along the rugged coastline, Graeme will weave together tales of past, present, and future Antarctic exploration. From the legendary expeditions of Adrien De Gerlache, Shackleton and Scott to Sir Edmund Hillary’s pioneering contributions, and the cutting-edge scientific programs that continue today, this walk offers a unique perspective on the vital role Christchurch plays as a gateway city to Antarctica.

At Godley Head, where remnants of World War II defense structures stand sentinel over the Pacific, we will reflect on the region’s strategic and scientific significance in Antarctic history. Along the way, Graeme will bring to life the wonders of Antarctica’s wildlife, landscapes, and human endeavors, offering a rare and insightful look into the icy frontier. A highlight will be spending time at the  small hut on Godley Head which has ties to Robert Falcon Scott’s failed Antarctic Terra Nova expedition of 1910-1913.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a spectacular coastal walk while deepening your understanding of important links between Christchurch and Antarctica with one of the city’s key Antarctic storytellers.

WALK 25 AKAROA HIDDEN BYWAYS AND HERITAGE TREASURES
March 9
Start time: 10am
Duration: approx. 4-5 hours
Distance: Approx 8km, elevation gain about 120m twice
Cost:$20

Walk with local guide Suky Thompson explore Akaroa’s bush back drop on little known tracks and paths,  encountering heritage gems along the way. We will make a circular route with some ups and downs on tracks through the reserves, visit Akaroa’s historic cemeteries and enjoy a picnic lunch at a beauty spot. We will then return through the town to learn more of Akaroa’s fascinating heritage from its beautiful buildings and relax with a coffee when we need a rest!

WALK 26 AHURIRI WETLAND – RESTORATION AT A GRAND SCALE
March 9
Start time: 11 am
EASY WALK – Well formed track, flat walking
DISTANCE about 2-3km
Walking Time – 2-3 hours
Cost: $20

Join Te Ara Kakariki’s Letitia Lum 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 Ara Kakariki’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.

Water will be redirected from the nearby Huritini/Halswell River, pass through the lagoon and then reconnect with the river. This way, water will flow through the new plants. As it passes, the plants will hold on to some of the nutrients and sediments the water is carrying so they can grow better and the water flows cleaner.

In addition to the 80,000 aquatic plants in the water, the Whakaora Te Ahuriri project team have planted 50,000 plants around the lagoon. These plants will provide food and habitats for native birds and wildlife.

With the restoration of this wetland, people will also be able to fish and gather mahinga kai here.

WALK 27 FISHERMANS BAY COVENANT WALK TO RED BAY
March 11
Start time: 10 am
Tramp: good walking shoes are required
Expected walk length: 3-4 hours
Bring your lunch and enjoy a wonderful day out.
Price: $20

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 the option to visit the incredible Fishermans Bay Garden.

EVENT 28 DISCOVER THE LITTLE RIVER RAIL TRAIL – A GUIDED INTERPRETIVE RIDE-CANCELED

What to Expect:
Meet the Visionaries – Andrew and Charlotte will share the story behind Millpark Nursery, their passion for native flora, and their commitment to providing hardy, locally sourced plants for Banks Peninsula restoration projects.

Guided Nursery & Property Tour – Explore the nursery’s thriving collection of native species and embark on a guided tour of the surrounding property. Learn how local seed sourcing strengthens biodiversity and supports natural regeneration in Canterbury.
Local seed source Insights & Planting Demonstration – Understand the importance of selecting regionally adapted plants and witness a hands-on planting demonstration that highlights best practices for ecological restoration.

This excursion is perfect for gardeners, landowners, and conservation enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge of native planting and contribute to the ecological health of Banks Peninsula.

Come and be inspired by the power of native planting—helping to restore and protect Banks Peninsula for generations to come!

WALK 30 CULTIVATING NATIVE FLORA: A GUIDED EXPERIENCE AT MILLPARK NURSERY
This is a repeat of the event on March 13
March 14
Time: 11-2
Join us for a special two-and-a-half-hour excursion at Millpark Nursery, an inspiring native plant nursery nestled in the heart of Banks Peninsula. Hosted by nursery owners Andrew and Charlotte, this event explores their vision for restoring the local landscape through locally sourced native planting.

What to Expect:
Meet the Visionaries – Andrew and Charlotte will share the story behind Millpark Nursery, their passion for native flora, and their commitment to providing hardy, locally sourced plants for Banks Peninsula restoration projects.

Guided Nursery & Property Tour – Explore the nursery’s thriving collection of native species and embark on a guided tour of the surrounding property. Learn how local seed sourcing strengthens biodiversity and supports natural regeneration in Canterbury.
Local seed source Insights & Planting Demonstration – Understand the importance of selecting regionally adapted plants and witness a hands-on planting demonstration that highlights best practices for ecological restoration.

This excursion is perfect for gardeners, landowners, and conservation enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge of native planting and contribute to the ecological health of Banks Peninsula.

Come and be inspired by the power of native planting—helping to restore and protect Banks Peninsula for generations to come!