Banks Peninsula Walking Festival opened with wonderful weather. On the Lyttelton side of the Peninsula, over 100 people took the ferry to Quail Island to Celebrate Ōtamahua Hut, while other groups enjoyed a trip to the newly opened Timeball and the Backyards walk.
Up on the roof of the Peninsula, the first 8 over 800 tramp succeeded in conquering Mt Fitzgerald and Mt Sinclair. “The views were stunning and we could see all 6 peaks to come,” said two participants who intend to conquer all 8 with guides Nick Singleton and John Fitch.
Near Akaroa, the Old Le Bons track proved popular, as did Hinewai Night Walk A. “The boys had such a wonderful time on the night walk last night – they are still buzzing!!!” wrote in a parent
Over at Stony Bay conservationist Marie Haley and Geologist Sam Hampton explored secrets of the covenants on Mark and Sony Armstrong’s farm and the emerging concept of geodiversity.
Many thanks to all who made this first weekend such a success – including the weather!
