Banks Track / Banks Peninsula, NZ — Attraction in Banks Peninsula Community

This was one of our favourite hikes in New Zealand. The track and flora are really diverse, and the accommodation each night reflects the personality of each land owner. The first night seems very luxurious, the bird life is stunning, and the first day as you set of seems to go straight up. But someone else meanwhile is carrying your pack, so slow and steady as the terrain and plant life changes gradually. As you go over the other side you enter forest and drop into your second night which you share with penguins. The free penguin tour was great, and it is heart warning to see a farmer caring so well for marine life. The second day was a real surprise. We thought it might be dull walking through farm paddocks, but the scenery was stunning. The shelter that is neighbour to a seal colony is a great place to rest. The 3rd huts are so quirky. We had the pleasure of being visited by 4 seal pups in the river. The third day is probably the toughest with some steep sections, but once again the forests and flora are quite distinctive including totara and tree fuschia. All up, highly recommended. Not carrying packs and getting resupplied along the way = win. The huts are a win too - this isn't like DOC huts where you could be on racks next to some epic snorer. There is also the private...

The Banks Peninsula Track is a magical place. Each of the three days of hiking is filled with spectacular vistas, well-cared for and well marked trails, and each overnight hut experience has such a unique flavor. There’s an ambiance on the trails and in the huts that arises out of a warm and thankful experience: amazing views, interesting trails, well cared-for resting places each night. Not carrying our packs was itself fantastic! One was free to appreciate it all without backpack struggles. The trails were a mix across all levels of difficulty but all well marked and looked after It is clear that this unique group of people who run and care for this wonderful 3-day hike cherish the place and make sure we all notice its specialness and splendor. A highlight at Flea Bay was, of course, the amazing and interesting penguin walk with Joey Helps and other scientists. Wow! We learned so much and her enthusiasm, knowledge and love of these beautiful birds was inspiring. We hiked around lots of places on the South Island over a month. The Banks Peninsula was beyond all, our favorite. Make sure you sign up early, well before you plan to go. Worth...

My husband and I walked the Banks Track in early February 2019. We were grateful for fantastic summer weather and starry nights. We live locally but it really did feel like a world away. No cell phone coverage was a real bonus for a busy person like me, to get away from it all. We feel very privileged to have this on our back doorstep and we loved every moment of it soaking in the magic of the sun and the incredible diversity of wildlife, scenery and experiences. The Banks Track offers a top rate experience for any one that loves nature and the outdoors with the added bonus of comfortable accommodation for relaxing in the evenings. It was great that we didn't have to carry our packs and a double bed was waiting which we booked prior. This is eco-tourism at its very best. It’s more than a track. It’s a journey that reveals the Peninsula’s natural history, its extraordinary scenery and abundant wildlife. It’s a showcase of the people who love the Peninsula and their tireless work to keep it preserved for future generations, at the same time sharing it...