[Lee-Ann Mitchell]

Please find attached a story and background file about developments along the Banks Peninsula Summit Walkway.
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“Harry Ell’s historic vision of a tourist route across the summit ridge of the Banks Peninsula has recently been given a new boost.

A new private trampers hut, situated high above Little River, now offers overnight accommodation for walkers seeking to traverse the scenic summit route. Trampers can now undertake this spectacular sub-alpine tramp from Lyttelton Harbour to the Hilltop, Akaroa, with comfortable mountain hut accommodation. The Sign of the Kukupa Hut(Private) now combines with the historic Sign of the Packhorse Hut(D.o.C) to offer either two or three day walking options.

The Banks Peninsula Summit Walkway is part of an historic scenic road that was proposed to link Christchurch and Akaroa along the summit ridges of the extinct peninsula volcanoes. The unformed section of that surveyed route is now a multi-day pedestrian walkway through the rugged heart of the Banks Peninsula and provides spectacular views of its isolated bays and valleys as well as access to some of the areas largest and most significant remaining forest reserves.

Between the pockets of forest remaining today evidence of past forest clearance is revealed by vast areas of Totara stumps and felled trunks which have weathered on the exposed ridge tops for more than a century, a sight which at the same time is both appalling and beautiful. On fine days the views also extend to the Canterbury plains and the Southern Alps beyond, making for a magnificent walking experience.

The walk is rated moderate with some strenuous sections. As the route is entirely along sub-alpine open ridge tops with very little natural shelter, weather conditions can be extreme at anytime of the year. A good weather forecast is essential to the enjoyment of this route. Trampers should be fit, experienced and equipped to handle low visibility, strong winds, low temperatures, rain and snow.

The 6 bunk ‘Sign of the Kukupa’ hut is privately owned and is locked at all times. It is available only by advance booking. It sits on private land adjacent to the walkway which is being managed for conservation purposes. Only authorised visitors are permitted to enter the property.

Enquiries and bookings to (03)3493607″.

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