Walking Banks Peninsula Trivia Quiz

Answer: The Banks Peninsula Track

You can book this walk from the Akaroa Visitor Centre and is not available to the public in any other way. Wonderful scenery and good accommodation with baths under the stars. On cloudless nights the Southern Cross is easily seen - but it is not a name for a walkway. Mount Difficulty is actually in Otago and more known for its wine. Puff 'n' Puff is just made up

Answer: Mt Herbert

Mt Herbert (Te Ahu Patiki) 919m is the highest point on Banks Peninsula and affords stunning views of the Canterbury Plain, Southern Alps (including Mt Cook/Aoraki) and the Pacific Ocean. Mt Ruapehu is in the North Island, French Hill is on the peninsula but nowhere near Orton Bradly Park and Mt Wilson is probably somewhere - but not on Banks Peninsula.

Answer: volcanoes

Two huge volcanoes erupted for 8 million years and after they became dormant about 11 million years ago, more of natures forces eroded the crater rims until about a half of their original size today. Rising seas broke through in two places and formed the now scenic harbours of Lyttetlon and Akaroa.

This volcanic landscape, now tempered with native bush is the wonderful walking playground for many trampers (walkers). The views from the Summit roads are just stunning.

Answer: Furthest point south that Nikau Palms grow

The little valley that the Nikau Palms reside in has a small microclimate that protects them from the worst weather in the winter. Warm weather and wind don't really affect these palms, but frost certainly does, so the further South you go in New Zealand, the chances of frost strike increase. This gully is southernmost point that these trees grow.

Answer: The Russians in the 1900's

The Russian threat in the early 1900's motivated New Zealand to build many defensive fortresses around her coastline. Across the harbour from Godley Heads is Ripaka Island that housed four "disappearing" guns (another quiz). these defences were improved for both WWI and WWII. We love the Aussies, so defence is needed!

Answer: Native bush and trees

All answers can be experienced on Banks Peninsula, but Hinewai is a magical walk through native bush and towering podocarps. This area is how Banks Peninsula used to look before the timber was taken to develop nearby Christchurch in the late 1800's. Fortunately, the "greening" of Banks Peninsula is underway and many groups are active in bush restoration. Visitors to Banks Peninsula can get native trees planted to neutralise their carbon footprint.

Answer: Motukarara

The Rail Trail follows the old railway line from Hornby (Christchurch) to Little River, but not all sections are open yet. From Motukarara (great race day in January) to Little River is just 30 kms and is a good cycle toute as well as a walking route that skirts Lake Ellesmere. Akaroa is a place to visit after doing the trail and Kaiapoi is north of Christchurch

Answer: Hay Scenic Reserve

One of the early settler families, the Hays, recognised the loss of trees for the development of the Canterbury province would have detrimental effects long term. This family purchased large areas in Pigeon Bay and resisted all offers for their trees. Early conservationalists? Just a 20 min walk and you get to see lots of kereru (native pigeons)

Answer: Kaitorete

The crashing waves of the beach and the lure of finding gem stones bring many walkers to the Kaitorete Spit. Lake Ellesmere is on the other side of the beach and Lake Forsyth/Wairewa is the lake blocked by the spit. DO NOT swim at this beach, the undertow is too powerful, even on calm days.

Answer: All of these

Ngai Tahu, the South Island's largest tribe, lost many people when a strong northern force came down to do battle in 1832. The story is a sad tale of the influence the early Europeans had in the tribal wars of the time, with the provision of muskets, sailing vessels and iron changing the battle tactics of the Maori. Visits to Onawe need to be undertaken when the tides are right and the visitor should always wash their hands in the sea before and after entering the site for cultural reasons. The spirits are powerful here and many visitors are awed by the experience of history and geography joining forces.