Unique Topography

5 million years of volcanic activity created an isolated island in the Pacific. A further 6 million weathered out the crater lakes into the twin harbours and crenellated the lava flows into distinct valleys and bays. Finally gravel fanning out from the eroding Southern Alps reached the spectacular island 20,000 years ago to create Banks Peninsula as we know it today.
Treasured Environment

Banks Peninsula people treasure their beautiful natural environment. Communities and landowners are working to restore the forests that once cloaked its land, to bring back its native birds, to improve the vitality of its waters, and to find ways to live and work in harmony with the land and leave a legacy for future generations.
Close Communities

Distinct and close-knit communities dot Banks Peninsula, each one intimately cradled by its own set of hills and looking out to its own stretch of water. Five rūnanga – Rāpaki, Koukourārata, Ōnuku, Wairewa and Taumutu – have their takiwā on Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū.

In 2010, Christchurch City Council launched a new charity – Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust.

The Trust has a vision to develop environmental guardians of the future through improved public walking and biking access, enhancing biodiversity, promoting knowledge and working in partnership with others who share our commitment to Banks Peninsula.

View our stunning FILM to get a taste of the wonderful legacy this Trust has already created for future generations in its first nine years of operating.

Read our Strategic Plan “STRIDING FORWARD” to see our goals for the next decade.

Enjoy our latest newsletter ‘Storehouse Stories’ 2019

Visit our BANKS PENINSULA WALKS website for walking information online.

About the Trust

Our Projects

Rod Donald Memorial Lecture

October 20, 2020

Rod Donald Trust Manager Suky Thompson will be speaking at the upcoming Rod Donald Memorial Lecture on Sunday 1st November. Once a year […] More

Banks Peninsula Walking Festival 2020 now launched!

September 11, 2020

The 2020 Banks Peninsula Walking Festival has now been launched and will be running every Saturday and Sunday from 7th-29th November. Come and […] More

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Unique Topography

Treasured Environment

Close Communities