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The rugged hills of Banks Peninsula stand in dramatic contrast to the flat plains surrounding Christchurch. These hills are, in fact, the heavily-eroded flanks of two offshore volcanoes that formed
millions of years ago and were eventually linked to the mainland by an accumulation of shingle that was washed down from the Alps. Around 15,000 years ago, the huge twin craters filled with seawater to form the natural bays at Lyttelton and Akaroa.
Getting there
The quickest way to get to the peninsula, as well as Christchurch's port at Lyttelton, is to take Ferry and then Tunnel Road through the road tunnel. An alternative is to go south on Colombo Street and over Dyers Pass. This route offers excellent views and allows the possibility of a stop at the Sign of the Takahe, an impressive medieval-looking stone building that houses a good restaurant. Those without their own transport can take advantage of the Akaroa Shuttle, a minibus that runs between Akaroa and Christchurch (03) 304 8600 or 0800 500 929.
Destinations in Banks Peninsula
Akaroa
Probably the most interesting thing to do in Lyttelton is to take one of the cruises that start from here. Apart from that there is not much else to engage one's interest except for a small museum and the Timeball Station. For many years, the lowering of a timeball at precisely 1pm enabled mariners in the bay to adjust their chronometers.
The road from Lyttelton to Akaroa is narrow, winding and very picturesque. After passing Governors Bay and Allandale you can choose between two routes for the onward journey. The easiest to drive is the one over Gebbies Pass Road which then links with SH75 to Akaroa. The other road is less busy but partly unsealed and goes via Port Levy and Pigeon Bay.
Walks and Beaches
Many of the little bays and inlets on Banks Peninsula can be reached by car, including lovely Okains Bay where there is an excellent Maori and Colonial Museum. However, the really secluded places are only accessible on foot. One of the peninsula's most interesting walks is the four day Banks Peninsula Track. It begins and ends in Akaroa and covers 18 1/2 miles (30km) of remote coastline. The track offers spectacular coastal scenery, safe swimming beaches and the chance to see penguins, seals and rare Hector's dolphins. For more information about the track and hut bookings (03) 304-7612. The tourist office in Akaroa should also have a few useful pamphlets about this and other walks.
From Akaroa, SH75 winds its way back to Christchurch past Lake Forsyth and Lake Ellesmere. Both lakes serve as breeding grounds for hundreds of black swans and provide a habitat for around 150
other species of bird as well. |
