Banks Peninsula

I have spent a day wandering on the Banks Peninsula. I went to the start of the BP track, but as it is over private land I was not able to follow its course as I had planned. Instead, I walked to the Nikau Palm Gully reserve.

Engaging the farmer who owns the land in conversation gave me permission also to return by climbing up to the BP track and returning via that route. The terrain was basically easy, with long and winding grass tracks. The views and scenery were spectacular. The Nikau Palm Gully was extraordinary. Dropping from merino inhabited pasture, I found myself in a temperate rain forest of palms and twisted branches.



Dropping below the gully, I found a perch with a view. A great place to sample NZ blue ewes milk cheese, washed down by Rabbit Ranch pinot noir! Although a southerly change has just swept through, the day has been sunny and hot.

Tonight I am again camping at Akaroa. Tomorrow I head to Picton where I shall catch the Cougar Lines 10.00 boat to Ship Cove, the start of the Queen Charlotte Track...

I am toying with the idea of renting a kayak tomorrow morning before leaving Akaroa, but will decide when I know what the weather is like.

My short stay at Akaroa has been great. It has persuaded me that Sophia and I should soon walk the BP track followed by a day or so "chilling" in the area.

I may find internet access on the Queen Charlotte track (on which I shall spend Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights). If not my next posting is likely to be from Auckland.