Great for active families. Take good walking shoes and allow some extra time to explore the beaches.
| Start | Monarch Drive layby, Ngaio Point subdivision |
| Finish | Same as starting point |
| Distance | 2 km |
| Time | 1 hour return |
| Dogs | Must be on a leash |
| Toilets | Akaroa |
| Accessibility | Not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies |
| Description |
The walk starts at a gate near the layby in Monarch Drive, just off the main Christchurch–Akaroa highway. Go through the wire gate and follow the track carefully downhill, watching for slippery clay patches. A fork to the left will take you to Archdalls beach (15 minutes return), which is sandy at low tide and good for swimming. The main track continues around the Ngaio Point headland through native bush with great views of Onawe Peninsula. The track will take you down to Bayview Beach, which can be under water up to two hours either side of high tide. You can continue by scrambling over the rocks or return the same way. If you continue, cross the beach and take the wooden steps up to the track, which climbs steeply up to Bayview Crescent. Turn left and follow the road to Upper Bayview Reserve. From here the track leads you through the reserve to SH 75. Cross the wooden stile and walk carefully along the roadside a short distance back to Monarch Drive. Get ready for this track using Plan My Walk(external link)(external link) by the NZ Mountain Safety Council. You can find track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list, so you are set for your adventure. |
Walking tracks
Shared use
Connecting tracks
Closed
Parking
Bus stop
Toilets
Water fountains
Accessible tracks
Challenging feature
Entry and exit point
Point of interest