More NZ Wander Thing
Banks Peninsula Track (Sth Island, NZ)
The Banks Peninsula Track is a privately owned and operated track near Akaroa. The track largely crosses farmland and tracks around the coastline with odd pieces of native bush encountered on the way. It is a track that is best taken at leisure over four days but can be easily done in two if the need to be elsewhere is pressing. The start is a short walk into the first hut (1) on the first evening then a hike up and over the hill then down through some native bush to Flea bay for the second night. The next day climbs out to the coastal route passing a small seal colony during the day and ending at Stoney Bay for the night. Lodgings for the night are in picturesque wee cabins in a fairytale like setting with the convenience of a wee supplies shoppe (including vital stuff like wine, etc). Amenities include a swing, pool table and an open air bath with wood fire heating. This is also the stop for the folk doing the walk in two days. The next day is along the coast again to the final stop at Otanerito Bay. The last day climbs out from the coast up through native bush and over the hill to Akaroa.
Onuku Farm Hut.
The first night is spent here.
Outside the Onuku Farm hut.
Looking out over the Akaroa harbour.
The highest point on the wee trek.
Flea Bay.
Approaching the cottage.
Flea Bay cottage.
This is set back 200 or so metres from the beach.
Flea Bay.
Small stream near beach.
Flea Bay.
Climbing out of Flea Bay toward the coast and Dyke Head.
Stile en route.
The sign warns of windy conditions at times which can be quite severe.
Coastal view.
Looking out to the Pacific Ocean.
Yellow maritime sign.
Used for coastal shipping.
Coastal edge.
Some of the drops were amazing and led straight down ...
Dry creek bed.
Seagull
Always make an appearance when lunch is out - probably related to gannets!!!!
Seaweed
Found this stuff moved more than the seals on the rocks ...
Seal colony
Well, some seals anyway - they are on the rocks but didn't move about much.
Seagull
This guy lurked right through lunch.
Passing ship ahoy!!!!
The mower
It is easy to see why it was abandoned - the lawn is rather large in these parts ...
A typical coastal dunny
Fairly well set up with a good view whilst contemplating ...
The dunny again
It was noted that a few trees had been planted in the
vicinity so presumably the dunny will be sheltered soon
Dunny with a view
The sea breeze whistling in the nether regions presumably
warns other folk of the 'in use' nature of the facility ...
Stoney Bay
The path tracks down through the vegetation shown.
Creek at Stoney Bay
The accommodation is about 100m or so to the right and off the beach.
C'est moi
'tis the webslave on holiday.
Stoney Bay
The beach was of the stony type rather than sand.
Main bunkhouse
Plenty of room in this one with two levels inside and a great porch in the sun.
Bunkhouse
This one was for the folk doing the 2 day walk option.
The pool table
Not exactly a slatebed so even a hustler could find this one a handful ...
The swing
Jolly good fun to play on in the sun.
The bathing house
Had a good shower and was surprisingly well appointed.
The wee store
Vital provisions like wine and beer plus other general non-essentials such as meat, canned goods, food, etc.
The bathroom
The interior would shame many a household - loaded with character.
Coastal splendour
Lovely sheer faces on the cliffs.
Hole in the rock
Interesting coastal formations here and there.
A big drop
Looking back to the hole in the rock - third day.
Otanerito Bay
The accommodation is just off to the left in an old villa style of house.
Otanerito Bay
View of the beach area.
Top of the hill
On the last day walking out and looking back toward Otanerito Bay.
Across Akaroa harbour
On the descent back to Akaroa.