Banks Peninsula Loop

A loop from Christchurch along Summit Road and Port Hills to Lyttelton, then to Akaroa with its French heritage, and bays like Okains and Le Bons. Easy as a day or overnight.

The stops

1. Start

   Christchurch

2. Viewpoint

   Summit Road

   Ridge road with harbour views

3. Town

   Lyttelton

   Historic port

4. Viewpoint

   Hilltop

   Lookout over Akaroa Harbour

5. Town

   Akaroa

   French settlement

6. Beach

   Okains Bay

   Beach and museum

7. Beach

   Le Bons Bay

   Quiet beach

8. Back to the start

   Christchurch

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Akaroa

  Akaroa Top 10

When to go

Oct–Apr

On the road

Some roads are unsealed; check after storms.