On the Misty Peaks Track, you’re not in it for the track itself, which mostly runs along farm tracks and backcountry roads on this 17-kilometre, 5-6-hour loop walk. It’s the magnificent views of Misty Peaks and Hinewai reserves, Akaroa Harbour, and the ocean that make this hike worthwhile.

To walk the full loop, start in Akaroa, at the bottom of Rue Balguerie and follow the road to the top, where it turns into Stony Bay Road. This road runs across the peninsula to Stony Bay, but to follow the loop trail, turn right at the turnoff signposted Misty Peaks Reserve just before the summit ridgeline.

The trail follows a farm track curving around the harbour-side of Mt Berard and Flag Peak then enters pine plantation forest as it goes around and behind Brasenose summit with great views down the eastern side of Banks Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean.

The section that skirts around Brasenose, dropping more than a hundred metres in elevation and climbing back to the summit ridgeline is the only time the trail follows a proper hiking track and not a farm track or road. Where the trail spills onto Flea Bay Road, turn right, follow the road uphill to an intersection, and turn right again.

It’s a 6-kilometre walk on Lighthouse Road into Akaroa from here, but all of it is gradually downhill and the views compensate well for the long on-road section.