BANKS PENINSULA:

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Banks Peninsula is a spectacular extinct volcano which lies on the outskirts of Christchurch City, the major entry point to the South Island of New Zealand. Named after Joseph Banks the botanist on Captain Cook's discovery vessel the Endeavour, it was initially an island, and Cook believed this was still the case when he circumnavigated the South Island in 1769. Millions of years of erosion from the Southern Alps has resulted in the gap between the island and the mainland being bridged, and the volcano which is Banks Peninsula is now an amazing outdoor playground for everybody visiting Christchurch.

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It is home to some of the most spectacular walks and scenery as anywhere in the country, with many only known to locals.  Whilst the Akaroa walkway at the south end of the peninsula is world renowned, this requires a commitment of several days for walkers, and in many cases bookings well in advance.

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The Grand Crater Rim Walkway is located at the Northern end of the Peninsula with starting points no more than an easy 30 minute ride from the center of Christchurch city. The scenery and walkways are the equal of anywhere on Banks Peninsula but have the enormous advantage of being split into single day walking modules easily accessed each day from your accommodation in Christchurch City. Each walk takes you to the Crater Rim surrounding the caldera of the ancient volcano. This affords amazing views of the rugged Pacific coastline stretching across Pegasus Bay to the often snow covered Southern Alps as well as the picturesque Lyttelton harbour and wide expanses of the Pacific Ocean.

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Whilst there are four fantastic interconnecting daily walks, each offering something completely different, the walker has the choice of walking each walk individually without committing to more than a single day for each. This provides an ideal opportunity for visitors with limited time in Christchurch to experience a fantastic walk for a single day with the flexibility of extending up to 4 individual days.

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Blow out the cobwebs on your arrival, or leave the city at the end of your visit to the South Island with glorious memories and photos of any one of our fantastic daily walks.