Escorted Hike and Picnic Adventure on Banks Peninsula

Excursion Highlights:
  • Embark on a breathtaking guided hike around the dormant Banks Peninsula volcano, just a half-hour from Christchurch, for unforgettable Canterbury views.
  • Begin with a warm drink in Sumner, setting the tone for a day of exploration starting at Taylors Mistake Beach.
  • Discover Scott’s Hutt, offering a unique historical perspective tied to Robert Falcon Scott's Terra Nova expedition.
  • Explore the significant WWII coastal defense site at Godley Head, featuring gun emplacements, military buildings, and educational panels.
  • Conclude your adventure with a picturesque picnic at Boulder Bay, an oasis accessible solely on foot, for a serene dining experience.
Price: $351.00
Choose Options My Cruise Itinerary
?
Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Small
Shore Excursion Type Hiking
Shore Excursion Duration 5 Hours
Activity Level ? Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? An approximate 5-minute free shuttle is required to reach your departure location. Full details will be provided in your electronic ticket upon confirmation.
Food/Beverage Provided Enjoy a light snack including seasonal fruit, trail-mix or muesli bar, and a stainless steel water bottle. Lunch will feature a salad, roast vegetable frittata, and delicious local chocolates.
Recommended Dress We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and sensible walking shoes or hiking boots. A jacket, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also suggested.
Restrictions Guests must have no major mobility issues. Due to the physical activity on this tour, it is the guest's responsibility to determine that they are physically and mentally able to participate on this tour. Not recommended for guests with medical conditions, such as heart disease, back problems or bad feet/knees or any type of restriction or limitation, that may introduce a challenge on this trip. This tour can not accommodate folding strollers, walkers or wheelchairs.

Escorted Hike and Picnic Adventure on Banks Peninsula

Explore the Crater Rim by taking part in our premier guided one-day hike on New Zealand's Banks Peninsula. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of this dormant volcano, situated a mere half-hour from Christchurch. Witness the mesmerizing vistas of Canterbury while relishing a full day of walking led by our seasoned local guides.

With your guide, you will hop on a small van for a ride to the seaside suburb of Sumner. Before embarking on your hike, enjoy a provided warm drink in a cafe.

Set off to Taylors Mistake Beach, where you will get ready for a walk around Godley Head on the northern edge of the Banks Peninsula.

Visit Scott's Hutt, Antarctic Cabin, with ties to Robert Falcon Scott's failed Antarctic Terra Nova expedition of 1910-1913. Originally intended for meteorological observations and research at Granite Harbour, the cabin never made it to Antarctica. Returned to Clifton Hill where it stayed for many years, the cabin was moved to its current spot on Godley Head in 2013. Visitors may not enter, but they can look inside and see the teak floor, Baltic pine cladding, and the rimu fireplace.

Nearby, Godley head is home to a 1939 coastal defense battery, ranked as one of the top 10 New Zealand coastal defense heritage sites. Three large gun emplacements, 7 military buildings, and a complete WW2 anti-aircraft gun are at the site, as well as several interpretation panels that explain the site's significance and history.

Move on to Boulder Bay, a pristine beach accessible only by foot, and marvel at the views as you enjoy the salt-laden fresh air. Enjoy lunch here, and then make the walk back along Taylors Mistake for the return to Lyttelton.