A weekend tour of Banks Peninsula
Travel Info > Roadtrips in New Zealand > “A weekend tour of Banks Peninsula”
One of our favourite weekend motorbike trips away is around the Banks Peninsula. It provides diverse riding, breathtaking scenery, and an interesting combination of sealed or shingle surfaces, best of all: it’s close to Christchurch.
Banks Peninsula features Akaroa, which holds a unique history as a site of early French and British colonization. In 1840, the French established a short-lived settlement, which later became part of British territory, leaving a lasting French influence evident in the town's architecture and culture.
To ride a loop circuit, you must ride on shingle roads, but if you’re happy to grit your teeth through the tedious 80 kph and 60 kph zones, then you can still have fun without getting dirty, dusty or muddy.
Motorcycling shingle and sealed roads of Banks Peninsula
A full loop can be compressed into a day trip for the ambitious rider, however you miss the quirky elements of this secluded corner of NZ if you’re rushing too much. That, plus the occasional sheep on the road encourages sensible riding.
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90 kilometers (55 miles) via State Highway 75.
The road to Little River is sealed and well-maintained, offering smooth riding conditions.
Stops along the Way:
Little River: Make a stop at Little River, about halfway to Akaroa. There are quaint cafes and art galleries to explore.
Onawe Peninsula: Learn about some of New Zealand’s history, visiting the site of a Māori pā.
Stay in Akaroa: Explore Akaroa's French-inspired charm, dine at local restaurants, and perhaps take a harbor cruise to see dolphins and other marine life.
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The loop from Akaroa to Pigeon Bay and back is approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles).
The road surfaces vary but are generally sealed. Some stretches may be narrow and winding with occasional gravel sections.
Stops along the Way:
Akaroa to Pigeon Bay: Enjoy scenic coastal roads as you head towards Pigeon Bay. The road offers stunning views of the rugged coastline and picturesque bays.
Pigeon Bay: Stop at Pigeon Bay for a peaceful retreat. Enjoy a picnic by the bay, take in the serene surroundings, and perhaps even dip your toes in the water.
Scenic Overlooks: Along the route, there are several scenic overlooks where you can pull over and take in panoramic views of Banks Peninsula and the surrounding landscape.
Stay where you’re comfortable: For this night, you can return to Akaroa for another night, alternatively, there is a pleasant tavern in Duvauchelle. If you want, you could find an AirBnB, or camp in one of the bays along the way. We can supply a gas cooker and camping equipment if you elect to camp.
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Approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Akaroa.
The roads are mostly sealed, but some sections may have gravel patches, particularly around Port Levy.
Along the Way:
Akaroa to Lyttelton: Continue your journey towards Lyttelton, passing through picturesque landscapes and coastal vistas, stopping in quite townships as you see fit.
Lyttelton: Explore the historic port town of Lyttelton. Take a stroll along the waterfront, visit local cafes, and soak in the maritime atmosphere.
Sumner: Stop in Sumner to stretch your legs and enjoy the beachside ambiance. Sumner offers cafes, restaurants, and a lovely beach for relaxation.
Return to Christchurch: After exploring Sumner, head back to Christchurch. The road from Sumner to Christchurch offers beautiful views of the Port Hills and the city, as well as hints of the Earthquake damage experienced by the area.
Motorcycling Banks Peninsula on-road only
As long as you don’t mind back-tracking some sections, this is still an awesome ride.
The daily itineraries and highlights remain much the same, with the bonus option to stop at the hill top cafe on the first day.
The general strategy for this ride is to string together each of the bays using the summit road.
Just be mindful that the roads can get very narrow, and it’s common to encounter all number of livestock, as well as oncoming traffic (the locals that know these roads travel at speeds that would make Marquez blush)
