Upcoming events.
Panama Reserve Open Weekend
All Weekend – Geopark Interpretation Panels
Self-guided experience within the amazing Panama Reserve – explore the diverse living systems within the Reserve and learn about its connection to the geology, climate, and people. New interpretation panels will be in place for the entirety of the weekend. Enter via the lower carpark (Panama Rd) or the upper carpark (Lavericks Ridge Rd).
Saturday 9th December
Free guided walk: An overview of Panama Reserve (Meet 10 Top Carpark Lavericks Ridge Road, 10am – 1pm)
Join Sam Hampton, local volcanologist, for a climb to the top of Panama Rock. Hear about the volcanic formation of the area, the formation of Panama Dome and its feeding dyke (connection to the magma system beneath).
Limited Numbers - Sign up required – please email bankspeninsulageopark@gmail.com
Geoparks? A Vision for the Peninsula (2pm Josef Langer Lodge)
Meet Trustees of the Geopark Trust at the Langer Lodge for afternoon tea and join in a Q and A on the vision of a Geopark on the Peninsula. Part of the Geopark Trust AGM.
Sunday 10th December
Free guided walk: A complete tour of Panama Reserves Geology (Meet 10 am Lower Carpark Panama Road, 930am – 2pm finish at Langer Lodge)
Join Sam Hampton, local volcanologist, for a day tour of the reserve. Explore the volcanic history of the area, the formation of Panama Dome and its feeding dyke (connection to the magma system beneath), and the relationships of the volcanic exposures to the biodiversity within the reserve.
Limited Numbers - Sign up required – please email bankspeninsulageopark@gmail.com
Pest Free Session (12.30 – 2 Langer Lodge)
Meet the crew from Predator Free Banks Peninsula, hear about current eradication and control programs. See what tools the team are using and how you can get involved in making Banks Peninsula Pest Free.
History and Vision of the Reserve (2pm Langer Lodge)
Join Trustees of the Josef Langer Charitable Trust at the Langer Lodge for a cuppa and a cookie and hear about the development of and future plans of the Panama Reserve.
Directions to Panama Reserve
Lower Carpark – Panama Road
Follow Summit Road to Le Bons Bay turnoff. Head down into Le Bons Bay Rd 5.1km. Turn left onto Panama Road – this is a tight turn. Follow Panama Rd 2.1km uphill. Two-wheel drive vehicles are ok up to this location, 4WD is required above this point.
Upper Carpark – Lavericks Ridge Road
From the Summit Road turn onto Camerons Track (south of Okains Bay turnoff). Follow Camerons Track (3.9km) to the intersection with Lavericks Ridge Rd. Turn right onto Lavericks Ridge Rd and follow for 1.8km to the Upper Carpark.
From Le Bons Bay valley. Connect with Lavericks Rd near the beach. Follow Lavericks Rd up hill 1.9km. Turn left and follow Lavericks Ridge Rd 4.3km to the Upper Carpark.
Langer Lodge
The easiest way to get to the lodge is from the Lower Carpark. Follow signed track network up the valley.
Mt Vernon Guided Walk
Free guided Geopark walk. 2pm Vernon Park, Albert Terrace valley floor.
Join Sam Hampton in a short walk in the Dry Valley and around the ridge in Mt Vernon Park. This event is part of the Otautahi Learning City Christchurch – Learning Days.
Parking available at the Hillsborough Carpark or on Albert Terrace.
Additional learning activities and displays between 12 and 4pm
Explore, Connect, Learn: Mt Vernon Park, Port Hills: Otautahi Learning Days
Discover the park's lava flows, freshwater springs, plant life, landscape changes, and much more in newly developed learning activities created by the students of the Te Kura Aronukurangi / School of Earth and Environment at the University of Canterbury.
Explore the park and connect with the locals in the community who share a passion for the environment. Find out how you can get involved in supporting Mount Vernon Park and learn about updates with the developing Geopark.