Long Weekend Trip Itinerary: Onuku & Akaroa

Some like to go far to make the most of a long weekend, but we’ve found our own slice of paradise at Onuku Farm Hostel, just outside of Akaroa. The perfect place to find the right balance between relaxation and exertion, we’ll be nipping back to this gem on the Banks Peninsula every chance we get. 

Nestled into a secluded spot on the Peninsula, Onuku Farm Hostel offers a unique experience for the traditional backpacker. With a heavy emphasis on enjoying the scenery around you, Onuku maximises every opportunity to relax and enjoy their property, all while soaking up incredible views. With no frills but certainly not lacking in charm, the little hostel offers the perfect getaway for tourists and locals alike, with options from private huts to van sites.

Friday Night: Head to Onuku

The drive from Christchurch is pretty straight forward, as State Highway 75 is the only route that’ll take you into Akaroa. We suggest leaving after work on Friday because the drive is only an hour and a half, so you’ll have plenty of time to stop and dip your toes in the sand. If you get away early, you might be able to squeeze in a pit-stop at Barry’s Bay cheese for some platter additions. 

Once you’ve hit Akaroa, follow signs for 6km for the Onuku Farm Hostel. It’s best to book ahead, to ensure you have plenty of space in their VanPark. Check-in closes at 8:30pm, which will give you just enough time to set up and stargaze before crawling into bed.

Saturday: Day of Activities

Start the morning with a hot cup of coffee made right in your van and take in the view of Akaroa Harbour from the VanPark. This is where the decisions get tough - do you grab a blanket and a book to lie at the beach or take part in the hostel’s various activities?

If activities are your jam, Onuku is full of them. For varying fees, you can swim with dolphins, rent kayaks, or walk the 5-7 hour Skytrack along the Akaroa hills. We recommend the walk around the hills, which affords great views of the Harbour and a steep incline or two - just enough for you to earn your dinner! 

After a big day of activities, we suggest taking a fresh dip in Onuku’s private beach. That final lap in the salt will be just what you need before you settle into cooking dinner, probably with a glass of wine. After all, Akaroa is the settlement of the French, right?

Sunday: Day of Rest

Sunday is a day of rest - you’re on holiday after all. Take your morning coffee down for a stroll along the secluded beach to take in the scenery. Now’s a good time to say hello to the locals, who come in the form of dogs, sheep, goats, and chickens, you just might get a friendly nuzzle back. 

If you’re up for some low-energy exploring, hop back in the van and check out some more of Banks Peninsula’s famous bays. Many scenic marine reserves sit at the head of the Akaroa bay, where dolphins, little blue penguins, and the like are known to hang out. Be warned - you’ll have to backtrack through Akaroa to nip into more bays and some of the roads and pretty gnarl - proceed with caution or opt for a relaxing day at the campsite if you’re not a confident driver.

Back at the hostel, you’ll be ready for another big dinner. Take advantage of the on-site sheltered cooking, complete with a barbeque. Burn off the dinner with a good slackline session.

Monday: Head Back Home, With a Few Stops Along the Way

Sadly, it’s Monday, and you’ll need to head off. After relishing your last morning coffee by the bay, say goodbye to the lovely team at Onuku (and the dogs, obviously) and head into Akaroa for a wander around. If you’re keen on some more views, we suggest the scenic one hour return walk at the Stanley Park Reserve. 

Make your way back down State Highway 75 to Little River, where no drive out to the Peninsula is complete without a stop at the Cafe. Pop in here for a delicious homemade lunch and coffee on their back patio, and don’t forget to add a slice! While you’re here, have a little wander around the gallery for some great local art. Finally, hop back into the van and head back to Christchurch.

Whether you’re a Christchurch local looking for a fresh getaway or a tourist who has never experienced the Banks Peninsula, Onuku Farm Hostel and its surrounds is the place for you.

With plenty of activities and loads of good views for those who want to take it easy, the hostel’s laid back approach can appeal to all. We highly recommend this little gem and look forward to hearing your own trip tales about it!

To book a van for your next Banks Peninsula adventure, click here.

Photos by Julie Gursha. Words by Ashlyn Oswalt.

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