Children’s Bay Walkway, Akaroa

by

Last Updated on December 26, 2019 by Jon Algie

If you’re looking for a nice short walk in Akaroa with great views and something a little odd at the end, consider hiking the Children’s Bay Walkway. It’s fairly easy (although, ironically, children may struggle with the uphill nature of the track) and you can easily walk there from town.

Children’s Bay Walkway

This short track (it took me under an hour there and back) starts off at the car park on Children’s Bay Road. You can drive there or walk from town (it’ll take around 15 minutes from the middle of town to the start of the track). It heads up through farmland and soon opens out to some awesome views back towards Akaroa. It’s steep in parts and it gets muddy — wear good shoes if you can! Close to the top you’ll see those aforementioned views but keep going and you’ll encounter some interesting animals.

Giraffes and a Rhino

If you look right as you head up the hill, you’ll soon see some giraffes relaxing in the grass. They obviously aren’t real, but they look cool and give the track a unique selling point. A lot of work has gone into these sculptures and the kids will be impressed. Actually, most people would be (who doesn’t love animals!?).

Keep going and you’ll see a massive rhino standing proud at the top of the hill. Again, it’s a great piece of art and something you wouldn’t expect to see on a walk like this. There are more views to be had from this spot, both back towards Akaroa and of the bays to the other side. It’s important to note that the Children’s Bay Walkway crosses private land which needs to be respected. After seeing the rhino head back down the way you came. It was slippery in parts when I did it so take care.

Other Akaroa Walks

I recommend checking out Newton’s Waterfall, which is also walkable from town. Some of the other walks nearby, including Onawe Pa and Hinewai Reserve will require transport. There are some great views from most of these tracks and they are all short and (fairly) easy.

Are you (or someone you know) planning a trip to Akaroa? Check out some of my other posts to help in planning your trip!

The following two tabs change content below.
My Twitter profileMy Facebook profileMy Instagram profile

Jon Algie

I'm a South Island local -- born in Timaru and raised in Dunedin. I left the island in 2006 and returned 10 years later. Having seen a good chunk of the world I realised how special this place is -- the most beautiful island in the world! Seven years (and almost 400 posts) later I'm still helping locals and tourists alike plan their trips around the South Island.
My Twitter profileMy Facebook profileMy Instagram profile

Latest posts by Jon Algie (see all)