Banks Peninnsula
The PackHorse Hut
The beginning of the walk to the Packhorse hut is situated a short distance from the homestead. It's an easy walk to the hut where you can see stunning views of the valley and surrounding countryside. The track passes through farm paddocks, then along farm tracks up a bush-clad valley. Be prepared to get wet feet on some small stream crossings. The track eventually emerges steeply onto a ridge. Follow this for some distance before reaching a farm track past Parkinsons Bush Reserve. Follow the track to the historic stone Sign of the Packhorse Hut, well situated for the views.
For more information, click here.
The Little River Rail Trail
We have bicycles available if you are interested in doing this lovely ride or you can walk it if biking isn't your thing. Sharon can drop you off at Motukarara or pick you up as required. The Rail Trail is made up of 6 sections, ranging in length from 4km to 13km each. It takes you through a changing landscape that has seen a thousand years of human history. It passes through rural areas and settlements on the Canterbury Plains, skirts past the massive flanks of the ancient volcanoes which make up the Banks Peninsula, and hugs the shoreline of a vast lagoon, Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, and its smaller twin, Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth.
The lakes and associated rivers and wetlands are rich in wildlife and natural vegetation. There are History and Landscape, Flora and Fauna sections with more information.
For more information, click here.
Explore a beautiful piece of New Zealand that brings you history, nature, adventure and more.
Akaroa
The historical French settlement of Akaroa is found on Banks Peninsula, approximately 55 minutes drive from the Homestead. From fish and chips by the ocean, swimming with dolphins, exploring the many gardens and historical locations or just a coffee and some shopping, Akaroa has everything to keep you interested.
For more information, click here.
Akaroa
The historical French settlement of Akaroa is found on Banks Peninsula, approximately 55 minutes drive from the Homestead. From fish and chips by the ocean, swimming with dolphins, exploring the many gardens and historical locations or just a coffee and some shopping, Akaroa has everything to keep you interested.
For more information, click here.
The PackHorse Hut
The beginning of the walk to the Packhorse hut is situated a short distance from the homestead. It's an easy walk to the hut where you can see stunning views of the valley and surrounding countryside. The track passes through farm paddocks, then along farm tracks up a bush-clad valley. Be prepared to get wet feet on some small stream crossings. The track eventually emerges steeply onto a ridge. Follow this for some distance before reaching a farm track past Parkinsons Bush Reserve. Follow the track to the historic stone Sign of the Packhorse Hut, well situated for the views.
For more information, click here.
The Little River Rail Trail
We have bicycles available if you are interested in doing this lovely ride or you can walk it if biking isn't your thing. Sharon can drop you off at Motukarara or pick you up as required. The Rail Trail is made up of 6 sections, ranging in length from 4km to 13km each. It takes you through a changing landscape that has seen a thousand years of human history. It passes through rural areas and settlements on the Canterbury Plains, skirts past the massive flanks of the ancient volcanoes which make up the Banks Peninsula, and hugs the shoreline of a vast lagoon, Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, and its smaller twin, Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth.
The lakes and associated rivers and wetlands are rich in wildlife and natural vegetation. There are History and Landscape, Flora and Fauna sections with more information.
For more information, click here.