Akaroa Head Scenic Reserve walk
Banks Peninsula
10 Rankers Reviews
10 Face-to-Face
8 Banks Peninsula
Online Maps
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Information
From the car-park wander down the road, entering the reserve through a gate. The road descends past the foundations of the lighthouse keeper’s house and other buildings, to the site of the old lighthouse.
From here, follow the old supply road, constructed 1878 -79, which ends at an iron ladder descending to a rock shelf in Little Haylocks Bay.
The original Akaroa lighthouse was replaced in 1977 by an automated light and in 1980 the lighthouse was relocated at Akaroa.
Botanical significance of this reserve is low because of a long history of grazing, but there is plenty of wildlife.
Fur seals/kekeno are seen in the bay, with local colonies of white-fronted terns/tara, black-backed gulls/karoro and white-flippered penguins/kororā.
There are excellent coastal views of towering cliffs.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Banks Peninsula |
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Reviews
Corbin Hure
Ranking: 10/10
Rough drive up and down on a steep gravel drive. Lovely to see seals playing around.
Sammy Kerrod
Ranking: 8/10
Incredible lookout. Lots of seals and wildlife.
Guilhem
Ranking: 10/10
A small walk that offers the best view of the surrounding area. I really enjoyed it!
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Laura Schratt
Ranking: 10/10
It is an easy walk and really beautiful! You have a nice view and you meet a lot of sheep on your way.
Chris Spratt
Ranking: 7/10
Peaceful town with a good, easy walk around the waters edge. The lighthouse and whaling ports along the way are interesting to read about.
Munne
Ranking: 7/10
Landscapes are very beautiful but there are less activities and they are expensive.
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MichaelS1
Ranking: 7/10
One of the best walks along the ridge of craters. Little publicised but equals Tongariro Crossing. Not well marked and at the end at Hill Top, should more clearly specify exit of walk.
Hans de Rijk
Ranking: 9/10
Location on the lake very beautiful, Hill Top view point marvellous, lighthouse open only on Sundays. (Tip: in peak season more days).
Brenda Brelinski
Ranking: 8/10
Beautiful view once you reach the 803m top of Stony Bay Peek, a rough climb
susanl
Ranking: 8/10
Loved it, despite a lengthy section on the road.
DOC Managed
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍
