Banks Peninsula
Banks Peninsula
4.5
About
Banks Peninsula near Christchurch, New Zealand is a must see for its stunning views, beautiful bays and quirky campgrounds. Little River is the gateway to the peninsula. The township has a hotel/pub, 2 cafes, a petrol station, art gallery, craft store and small museum. There are B&Bs, plus the Little River Campground in Okuti Valley Road. They have affordable campervan parks with power, cabins and tentsites set beside a river. The southern bays have some of the best surf, if you know the secret spots as well as good, safe swimming beaches, walking tracks and the Little River Rail Trail. It is a a place that is often over looked as tourists head to Akaroa. If you want to experience more than the usual, to get off the beaten track and really explore, ask at the craft station, which has an info centre.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Banks Peninsula and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
17 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,172 reviews
Excellent
893
Very good
253
Average
21
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Jeff1903
King's Lynn, UK1,472 contributions
Mar 2020
A wonderful scenic area with stunning views from the summit ridge. The roads are narrow and twisty so it will take you longer than you might expect, especially if you stop at the small towns and museums and have the odd coffee.
Allow a day and I dont think you will be disappointed.
Allow a day and I dont think you will be disappointed.
Written March 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macpeanuts
Singapore, Singapore67 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
Stunning from start to finish.
This was the third walk I did this month after the Heaphy and Rakiura tracks. All Very different and offering different landscapes and challenges. This was absolutely delightful and charming.
The accomodation was unique, quirky, clean and comfortable with everything you need and options for all types of traveller.
The walk itself offered stunning views, beautiful bush, waterfalls, swimming holes, long comfortable stretches and a few challenges and uphill climbs, all the wildlife and farmlife to satisfy every interest.
Can not recommend this walk highly enough. Perfect for a two or three day hiking option in a stunning part of the country free of crowds and busy walkways.
This was the third walk I did this month after the Heaphy and Rakiura tracks. All Very different and offering different landscapes and challenges. This was absolutely delightful and charming.
The accomodation was unique, quirky, clean and comfortable with everything you need and options for all types of traveller.
The walk itself offered stunning views, beautiful bush, waterfalls, swimming holes, long comfortable stretches and a few challenges and uphill climbs, all the wildlife and farmlife to satisfy every interest.
Can not recommend this walk highly enough. Perfect for a two or three day hiking option in a stunning part of the country free of crowds and busy walkways.
Written April 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul M
Sydney, Australia5 contributions
Feb 2020
From the second you turn the bend and get a look at this place it is stunning. We drove down to the harbour town and it was a gem.
We also took an easy walk up to Newton’s Waterfall.
A highlight of our trip with postcard photos aplenty.
We also took an easy walk up to Newton’s Waterfall.
A highlight of our trip with postcard photos aplenty.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SD2606
Christchurch, New Zealand2,473 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Banks Peninsula
Amazing views.
Great trip to make when in CHC for a few days if you have time for a look.

Would be best to have an over night there to enjoy it that little bit more.
Â
You could camp or stay in an Air B&B etc.

It is a short drive in terms of kilometres to get there but the roads are very winding so takes a bit of time to get there. For example takes about 1.5 hours to go 90km.
The main township there is Akaroa, which is stunning.

There is a dolphin cruise from Akaroa, plus plenty of cafes, day walks, a cheese factory, winery, golf course and animal parks there to enjoy.
Highly recommend.
Amazing views.
Great trip to make when in CHC for a few days if you have time for a look.

Would be best to have an over night there to enjoy it that little bit more.
Â
You could camp or stay in an Air B&B etc.

It is a short drive in terms of kilometres to get there but the roads are very winding so takes a bit of time to get there. For example takes about 1.5 hours to go 90km.
The main township there is Akaroa, which is stunning.

There is a dolphin cruise from Akaroa, plus plenty of cafes, day walks, a cheese factory, winery, golf course and animal parks there to enjoy.
Highly recommend.
Written May 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pd7
Weymouth, UK545 contributions
Dec 2019
I hope I am describing the scenic route to Akaroa via the Banks Peninsula. It is definitely the long way around, with hardly a straight section of road for the entire trip but.....it is really worth taking because there are so many fabulous views en route. You may experience a little disorientation on arrival at Akaroa because you have travelled almost 360º around it and may feel the way out is in entirely the opposite direction - or is that just me? A lovely trip and of course an excellent town to end up in.
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie P
United Kingdom2,013 contributions
Nov 2019
The Banks Peninsula is the large volcano you can see on a map to the South of Christchurch. A series of narrow twisty roads that either follow the coastal inlets or take you on the high road of the crater to far flung, isolated bays with communities such as French Akaroa, Okains Bay with its Maori museum, Little River with an art gallery or Barry's Bay where there is the only cheeemaker left on the peninsula. Beautiful but very busy with coaches, especially when a cruise ship is in. Allow plenty of time and don't rush.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol W
Falmouth, Maine, United States52 contributions
Feb 2020
Drive the rim road and scare the pants off yourself. Dazzling views. Eat in Akaroa after the cruise ship hordes leave. The cruise ships started coming after the earthquake devastated Christchurch. The T shirt shops followed.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HahnTravels
Liverpool, Australia1,290 contributions
Dec 2022
Beautiful bays, walks and wildlife. Highly recommended. Drive carefully please as some of the roads are narrow and up high. This makes for fantastic views of course.
Okains Bay, Little Akaloa down to Akaroa itself, worth the trip - walk or drives!
Okains Bay, Little Akaloa down to Akaroa itself, worth the trip - walk or drives!
Written December 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
azulferro
Bethlehem, PA33 contributions
Feb 2013 • Friends
It took us approximately two and a half hours from Christchurch to reach Akaroa via the winding "tourist" road, route 1. It took us this long because at every turn there was another fantastic view and we just had to stop to admire it. Akaroa is a delightful village filled with charming architecture, many nice shops selling a wide variety of lovely, tasteful articles, many attractive restaurants and cafes and a busy wharf with shops and boats offering all sorts of water activities. Keep your eyes open for Hector dolphins -- we saw many. Don't miss the sculpture of the artist located next to Place de la Poste and by all means, DO VISIT the Giants Garden. (refer to our separate review on Trip Advisorr regarding this venue). The adorable lighthouse is also worth a visit.
We took the more direct, though still winding, route 75 to return to Christchurch. En route back, we stopped at Birdland Flats Beach to look at many varities of water fowl.
TIPS:
1) Since the eathquake badly damaged Littleton harbour, Akaroa is now used as a port-of-call for cruise ships. We knew Akaroa was a rather small place and we did not want to go there when a cuise ship would be there so went on line to check the dates of cruise ship arrivals and planned our visit accordingly. Now after visiting Akaroa and speaking with people there, we certainly did the right thing. They confirmed that the village is "crazy" and over-run when one cruise ship arrives much less two or more of them, which sometimes happens.
2)New Zealand is well known for its jade but it also has two other indigenous items: ruby stone (some times called red ruby, ruby rock or blood ruby) and the blue pearl. Our first time in NZ my "souvenir" was a piece of jewelry with authentic NZ jade; this time I wanted a piece of jewelry with ruby stone or blue pearl so every where we went, I looked in shops for this "souvenir". In Akaroa I found a store selling fantastic blue pearls in gorgeous and unique settings, certainly the very best that I had seen anywhere in NZ. I purchased my blue pearl here and did not have to look any longer for my "souvenir".
Akaroa is definitely worth a day trip.
We took the more direct, though still winding, route 75 to return to Christchurch. En route back, we stopped at Birdland Flats Beach to look at many varities of water fowl.
TIPS:
1) Since the eathquake badly damaged Littleton harbour, Akaroa is now used as a port-of-call for cruise ships. We knew Akaroa was a rather small place and we did not want to go there when a cuise ship would be there so went on line to check the dates of cruise ship arrivals and planned our visit accordingly. Now after visiting Akaroa and speaking with people there, we certainly did the right thing. They confirmed that the village is "crazy" and over-run when one cruise ship arrives much less two or more of them, which sometimes happens.
2)New Zealand is well known for its jade but it also has two other indigenous items: ruby stone (some times called red ruby, ruby rock or blood ruby) and the blue pearl. Our first time in NZ my "souvenir" was a piece of jewelry with authentic NZ jade; this time I wanted a piece of jewelry with ruby stone or blue pearl so every where we went, I looked in shops for this "souvenir". In Akaroa I found a store selling fantastic blue pearls in gorgeous and unique settings, certainly the very best that I had seen anywhere in NZ. I purchased my blue pearl here and did not have to look any longer for my "souvenir".
Akaroa is definitely worth a day trip.
Written March 31, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tammie B
Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand20 contributions
Jan 2012 • Couples
would be the perfect place to go if people in this vicinity weren't so snotty nosed hated it there as they made you feel beneath them
Written July 17, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long will it take to drive from Christchurch to Banks peninsula? Is it possible/ advisable to go there and back in a day....after a long distance flight from U.K.?
Written August 1, 2017
Takes about 1.5hrs driving to get to Akaroa the main town on Banks Peninsula. Much to be seen on the way with the Maori museum at Okains bay well worth the visit. Good to learn some of the history of this spectacular part of NZ. To me booking a nights accommodation would be the go. Plenty of options and you can do the tourist route on the way back next day..
Written August 15, 2017
Hi We plan to do self drive from Admiral Hotel Christchurch to Mount Cook. Total 6 adults n 1 infant.
can we know roughly the KM and also the petrol cost
Written January 9, 2017
Check with google map for exact tme, but this is an easy days drive. One I have often done.
Written January 9, 2017
Speies
Cologne, Germany
Hi, we will arrive in Christchurch April 6th and are looking for a nice camping place for the first night or two and visit the Bank Peninsula. Would you recommend driving to BP with a campervan. We prefer a walk by foot cause first time in nzl and no route experience so far. What about Little River Campground as bivouac? Any other recommendations for a base camp. Cheers
Written January 6, 2017
We had a camper van for six weeks and really enjoyed our travels. We used a site on Banks Peninsular for our last couple of nights - Akaroa Top 10 site. Not cheap but very well catered and in a great position above the town. It is a beautiful area with some good walks along the coast and up in the hills. The drive takes about 2.5 hours and the roads are quite narrow and bendy, but with fantastic views. so probably not great if it's dark for a first drive. If you are into bird watching, the area around Lake Ellesmere was full of wildlife when we were there in Nov.
Written January 9, 2017
Hi,
The distance from the city to Banks Peninsula is less than 100km but it depends on which way you travel. The best I can suggest is using google maps. ie from the City to Little River Campground is only 45mins approx 65kms and is on flat sealed roads. From here (the gateway to Banks Peninsula) it get hilly and the road winds and can be scary if you are not used to NZ roads. Especially if you are in a large campervan and are used to driving on the other side of the road (we drive on the left). I hope this helps you and others. Marcus
Written June 7, 2016
What restaurants are there in Akaroa
Written December 26, 2015
There are plenty of restaurants in Akaroa - we had a simple late lunch at the Brasserie, nothing really fancy but quite ok.
Written December 28, 2015
Hi, there--
I'm traveling to New Zealand in February 2016 for a biking trip that starts in Christchurch. We and another couple arrive a few days early and would like to see Banks Peninsula and other local sites. Trying to avoid renting a car. Anyone know of a tour company that might pick us up from our hotel (not booked yet) and drive us up there? We'd be willing to spend the night in akaroa or kaikora. Perhaps use train as well. Just have to be back in Christchurch three days later. Thank you!
Written July 7, 2015
Hello Mary,
There are two bus companies that travel to Akaroa, via Little River. They are French Connection and Akaroa Shuttles. They cost approx $45 return. (Google Akaroabus)
Kaikoura is 2 hours north of Christchurch, Akaroa 1 hour east.
I hope this helps.
Marcus from Little River Campground.
Written July 8, 2015
If I am to start from Christchurch, riccarton, what would be the route to follow to cover the peninsula bay.
Written May 27, 2015
The easiest drive from Christchurch to Akaroa is on highway 75. From Halswell it is the one main road that leads to Tai tapu and then onto Little River. This is worth at least a stop for coffee and a look at the rt gallery before heading over the hills to Akaroa. At the Hilltop you can either drop down into Barry's Bay, or take the scenic drive around the crater of the old volcano, that is Akaroa Harbour. It is approximately one hour, but take your time as there are plenty o sites and attractions along the way. safe and enjoyable travels, and sorry I did not respond earlier.
Written June 15, 2015
hi marcus, can you let me know if you get this?
Written January 29, 2015
Please tell me if it is worth a trip to Banks Penninsula if I have just half a day's time to visit there.
Written January 19, 2015
Thanks for all the advice on a half day trip to banks Peninsula. As many locals have pointed out there is more to the peninsula than Akaroa. I trust you found the supplied information from people helpful.
Written January 28, 2015
Showing results 1-9 of 9
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing