Banks Peninsula — Akaroa Summit Road fromChristchurch.
Distance
165 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
1,400 m
Banks Peninsula — Akaroa Summit Road from Christchurch.
A day loop from Christchurch onto the Banks Peninsula — twin volcanic craters that erupted 8 million years ago and now form a harbour-pocked outcrop on Canterbury's coast. Cross the Hilltop Saddle, descend the switchbacks to the French-founded village of Akaroa on its drowned-crater harbour, then return via the Summit Road clinging to the crater rim with 360° views of harbours, peninsulas, and the Southern Alps.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance165 km
Days1
Total climb1,400 m
DifficultyModerate
Loading map...
The route.
Christchurch Cathedral SquareStart · Start in central Christchurch. Take SH75 southeast across the Canterbury plains toward the peninsula. 80km one-way to Akaroa.
Little RiverScenic Point · Old railway town and craft gallery at the base of the climb. Last fuel before the saddle. Good coffee at the Little River Café.
Hilltop Tavern SaddleRestaurant · The pass at 460m. Iconic 1930s pub overlooking Akaroa Harbour from above — classic photo stop before the switchback descent.
Akaroa Harbour LookoutPhoto Spot · Switchback descent — the drowned volcanic crater of Akaroa Harbour stretches 16km below. Hector's dolphins often visible in the bay.
Akaroa VillageRestaurant · French-founded 1840 — street signs in French, croissants in the bakery, swim with Hector's dolphins from the wharf. Long lunch on the harbour front.
Summit Road RidgeScenic Point · Return via the high Summit Road clinging to the crater rim. 360° views — Southern Alps west, Pegasus Bay north, harbours below east and south.
Christchurch ReturnEnd · Return to Christchurch via Gebbies Pass and Lyttelton. The harbour tunnel through the crater rim adds adventure to the finish.
More routes in New Zealand
Whangarei Heads & the Tutukaka Coast — Northland's Coastal LoopNZ NTL · 130 kmSouthern Scenic Route — Invercargill to Te Anau via TuatapereNZ STL · 205 kmWaitomo & the Marokopa Road — King Country Caves to CoastNZ WKO · 52 kmPunakaiki & the Paparoa Coast — Greymouth to Westport (SH6)NZ WTC · 101 kmPort Hills Summit Road — Christchurch's Skyline LoopNZ CAN · 55 kmLindis Pass SH8 — Cromwell to OmaramaNZ OTA · 110 km
Save this ride. Open the app.
Clone it to your planner, customize dates and stops, then ride. All free.
Open in MotoVault
Navigate this route with GPS