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The Banks Peninsula immediately South of Christchurch was thought by Captain Cook to be an Island which he named Banks Island after Joseph Banks the Endeavour's botanist. It consists of the remains of two volcanos, is the biggest volcanic structure in South Island, and sports a number of sea inlets of which Akaroa harbour is much the biggest
The Banks peninsulaUnllike in the UK there is no "right to roam" in New Zealand. Farmland is private although as long as you don't have a dog with you, you can often get permission to walk over it. The 2 day (you can take3) 30km Banks Peninsula track, which opened in 1989 was the first privately owned track in New Zealand. It features superb coastal scenery, and quirky overnight accommodation, as well as diverse woodland and culminates at the 809m peak of Taraterehu (Stony Bay peak). You have to ring up and book and there is a charge - but I don't remember it being excessive
Banks Peninsula trackAfter a tough week around Arthur's pass we all agreed that something a bit easier was in order and particularly as it was close to Steve and Tams bach at -''Rangitata''it seemed an ideal choice.
The walk starts and finishes at Akaroa, heads out to Flea Bay and follows the coast with an overnight stop at Stony Bay.
I don't remember a lot except that it was pleasantly easy with superb views - so I have used the original photograph titles that I put on at the time.
Descending on the road to Akaroa harbour Flea Bay The Little Blue Penguin (Library photo) - just 13-15" high - is the world smallest and breeds on the steep slopes above Flea Bay. Sadly we saw only a solitary dead one on the beach 
- I guess we were there at the wrong time of yearA pair of Paradise Sheld Ducks at Flea Bay - The size of a small goose, they make a great deal of noise 
Pine trees at Flea bayLooking back as we climb out of the bayWalking above Flea Bay - the penguins nest on the slopes belowOn the way to Stony Bay - looking along the sea cliifs and to the islandacross to Dykes HeadDown to the IslandAnother view down from the cliffsThe coast pathView from Albatross pointOur accomodation at Stony BayThe shower room at Stony BaySea arch at Sleepy BayNgaio trees at OtaneritoSingle Ngaio tree at Otanerito lodgeLarge Kanuka trees at Otanerito - Kanuka has white blossom and is very similar to the much better known Manuka (tea tree)Large Kowhai tree by the track - Kowhai has yellow blossomYoung Totara at Brocheries Flat - Otanerito Bay behindPurple Peak Saddle from Brocheries FlatView from TaraterehuAkaroa from Purple Peak Saddle