28 Dec 2016

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Having a 'staycation' in Christchurch over the festive season? It doesn’t mean you have to go without an adventure and beach time.

Take a drive to Akaroa, soak in the beauty of Banks Peninsula – and take a detour off the beaten track to discover the Ngaio Point Coastal Track.

Christchurch City Council Ranger Project Manager for Banks Peninsula Nick Singleton says the Ngaio Point track is a hidden gem – a one hour walk through a slice of paradise, taking in two swimming beaches and native forest.

Ngaio Point Coastal Track - view down the harbour

“I love this track because you get a little bit of exercise as you walk through some stunning, undulating classic Banks Peninsula landscape. It’s a lovely walk with two beaches along the way for a swim if the weather is right.

“The walk goes around Ngaio Point and is mostly in forest, so you are under shade on a summer day. You also get phenomenal views of Akaroa’s inner harbour.”

If you are taking a drive to the Peninsula, pull into the Monarch Drive layby at the Ngaio Point subdivision near Robinson’s Bay. The walk starts at a gate near the layby in Monarch Drive, just off the main Christchurch-Akaroa highway. Go through the wire gate and follow the track carefully downhill, watching for slippery clay patches.

A fork to the left will take you to Archdalls beach (15 minutes return) which is sandy at low tide and good for swimming.

The main track continues around the Ngaio Point headland through native bush with great views of Onawe Peninsula. The track will take you down to Bayview beach which can be under water up to two hours either side of high tide. You can continue by scrambling over the rocks or return the same way.

If you continue, cross the beach and take the wooden steps up to the track which climbs steeply up to Bayview Crescent. Turn left and follow the road to Marshall Reserve. From here the track leads you through the reserve to State Highway 75. Cross the wooden stile and walk carefully along the roadside a short distance back to Monarch Drive.

Find out more on walks and reserves around Banks Peninsula.