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Akaroa
“Village Walk”
Series
Explore Akaroa’s
Bush Backdrop
Time:
from ½ to 2 hours
variety of circular routes
Suitability: Walkers of all ages
Safety: Children should be supervised.
Some parts slippery or steep. All walks
undertaken at own risk
Description: The bush slopes of Stanley
Park and L’Aube Hill give Akaroa its
green backdrop and are criss-crossed with
walking tracks as shown on the map
overleaf. All of the tracks provide
delightful walks, most alternating dense
bush with wonderful vistas through open
clearings. The main route described in
this brochure combines the two reserves
with a chance to get off the beaten track,
along some lovely back streets. The town
centre is never far away, so the route can
be adapted to suit your requirements.
Although some short sections are steep,
the variety of views and terrain,
combined with the freedom to run and
play make the walks ideal for families as
well as adults and many pleasant picnic
and rest spots can be found en route.
Stanley Park: The Beach Road entrance to Stanley
Park is in the trees on the front corner of the
Akaroa Fire station grounds. The main route starts
up a short flight of steps beside the historic fire
bell tower leading to the higher of two tracks
running parallel to Beach road. After a few minutes,
there is a right turn up some steps to a ladder stile.
Over the stile, a steep track goes up through the
trees. When the ground levels off, turn left into the
open grassland. Ahead is the modern fire siren, which
summons the Akaroa volunteer brigade. Be warned, if
this goes off it is very loud indeed! Now carry on up
to the fence bordering Penlington Place and admire
the wonderful view.
(Shortcut 1: You can avoid the next hill by crossing
the stile into Penlington Place.)
The main route turns right, and follows the fence
around the back of the attractive “French Village”
cottages.
(Shortcut 2: For a half hour walk, return to
Akaroa via Walnut Ave. Go over the stile, down the
bush track and back along the little lane.)
The main route carries straight on across a little
bridge in the bush and climbs past an old stump
heading uphill, but still keeping the houses on the
left. An occasional red marker confirms the track.
Don’t cross the first ladder stile, instead turn right,
and cross the higher stile leading to Watson Street.
Follow this pleasant street down to Rue Balguerie.
(Shortcut 3: Return back to the town centre by
taking any of the charming little lanes to the left. ½
to ¾ hour depending on route taken.)
L’Aube Hill: Walkers can enter the L’Aube Hill
Reserve from Rue Brittan, Libeau Lane or, coming
from Stanley Park, via the Settler’s Hill Road.
The route described here is via the Settler’s
Hill Road. You can either stay on the road the
whole way up, or branch off left at the first break
in the fence, to take a short diversion through the
bush.
Once around the big corner on the road and
amongst houses again, look for the steep set of
steps past house #17. Climb these and after
crossing the stile you will find a bench, which is
the best place to stop and admire the view while
you catch your breath.
At the Access Road, turn left and follow the
road down the hill. (There is a tempting looking
track ahead here, but at present, as the other side
of the hill has been recently logged, this track is a
short dead end.) Follow the road down to the
French Cemetery, burial place of Akaroa’s first
settlers. Historical information about the
Cemetery is available in a separate “Village Walk”
leaflet.
Depart the French Cemetery at the opposite
corner, and follow the track to either Rue Lavaud
or Libeau Lane.
(Shortcut 4: Return direct to the town centre
on the track to Rue Lavaud.)
The main route continues through the reserve to
Libeau Lane. Climb over the stile and turn left to
Rue Grehan.
Waeckerle’s Green: From Rue Grehan you can
complete your exploration with a visit to this
peaceful little reserve. It is named after Christian
Jacob Waeckerle, an original Akaroa settler who
arrived in 1840, and dammed the Grehan stream to
power the town’s first flour mill. Exit the Green
via a tiny track between the houses onto Woodills
road, and then turn left onto Rue Lavaud to return
to the town centre.
Copyright: Suky Thompson Financial Assistance: Banks
Peninsula District Council, Akaroa Resource Collective Trust
Akaroa’s Bush Backdrop
Walks
Stanley
Park
Steps back
to road
Waeckerle’s
Green
Firestation
Start
Main route
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Tracks