Banks Peninsula
In older times Banks Peninsula was a volcanic island. Because of changes in New Zealand's landscape Peninsula Banks became part of the southern island. Its impressive hilly and mountainous landscape with its coastlines, form a sharp contrast with the flat area the Banks Peninsula grew onto. Besides its beautiful landscape Banks Peninsula has a wonderful town: Akaroa. For more information about this town look at Urban Settlements of Interest, Akaroa.
Outdoor
Beaches
There are several nice quite Beaches at Banks Peninsula. For example Okains Bay.
Kayaking (sea kayaking)
There are several options to rent kayaks in Akaroa and at other places on Banks Peninsula. You can just rent a kayak or book a kayak tour. Paddling through the nature of this area of New Zealand is a very nice Outdoor activity for exploring Banks Peninsula.
Marine mammal watching (and bird watching)
You can spot seals, Hector dolphins, and penguins on Banks Peninsula. In Akaroa you will find some companies offering tours to those beautiful and interesting mammals and penguins. It is also possible to book tours wherein you will swim with dolphins; this is a wonderful experience.
Scenic driving routes
There are some excellent driving routes on Banks Peninsula. For more information on this please visit the tourist center in Christchurch or another near or on the Banks Peninsula.
Tramping
Banks Peninsula offers some great tramping options. The most famous walk on the Banks is the Banks Peninsula Track. This track will take 4 days and is easy to moderate. It can best be walked from October till April. This tramp will take you to wonderful seascapes and wildlife. The track goes through private land.
There are plenty short walks on Banks Peninsula. Examples are: Summit Road Walkway, Pigeon Bay Walkway and a walk departing from Onuku Village.
Another option is to book a walk at an operator. There is for example a tour operator offering a multiple day tour walk from Christchurch to Akaroa.
For more tramp information please visit a DOC or tourist information nearby or on Banks Peninsula.
Culture and Entertainment
Museums
Maori and Colonial Museum
There is a museum which houses a significant collection of Maori and early European artifacts and buildings in Okains Bay. The museum houses an extensive collection of Maroi historical features, including war canoes and a meeting house.