When severe weather in mid February forced the postponement of the 2026 Banks Peninsula Walking Festival, there was no shortage of challenges. Fortunately, thanks to the goodwill and flexibility of our guides, landowners, volunteers and partner organisations, the festival was able to go ahead in May and it all proved to be well worth the wait.
This year’s programme reflected everything that makes the festival unique. Participants enjoyed a wonderful mix of walks, from conservation covenants and restoration projects to historic sites, family adventures, private land access and some of the Peninsula’s most spectacular landscapes.
A number of walks were particularly popular, including: Sneak Peaks new track exploration; Hinewai Magical Mystery Tour; Fishermans Bay Covenant Walk to Red Bay; Oashore Covenant Walk; Then and Now: 30 Years of Conservation at French Farm; and Grunts, Dykes and Dogs at Panama Rock Reserve. Each offered something a little different, whether it was conservation, history, scenery, storytelling or the opportunity to visit places that are not normally open to the public.
One of the things that really makes the festival special is the generosity of the people involved. Landowners open their gates, guides generously share their knowledge, and organisations across the Peninsula work together to create unique experiences.
The Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust is incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s festival happen. We thank the landowners and guides who were prepared to rearrange plans and host events later than originally scheduled. Thanks also to the Little River Wairewa Community Trust, who partner with us. We acknowledge Christchurch City Council for its grant for the festival that helped to make the festival possible.
Thanks to our participants for turning out to make this a truly special festival. There were a large number of you who were first-timers and we hope to see you back!
