Duvauchelle: Amphibious Park System - Ellen George

Duvauchelle is a small settlement located at the head of Akaroa Harbour in Banks Peninsula. One hours drive from Christchurch and 15 minutes drive to Akaroa on State Highway 75 (Christchurch Akaroa Road), the pull of Akaroa brings people momentarily onto Duvauchelle’s doorstep. Duvauchelle’s sense of place and character culminate in the presence of the water. Access to, and views of the water are highly valued, but the expanse of under-appreciated mudflats detracts from this asset. Banks Peninsula as a whole is a destination for walkers and trampers. There are many small tracks within the bays as well as larger ones that circle the Heads and follow the Summit Road, offering glimpses of the bays below. These are just as significant as New Zealand’s more famous ‘Great Walks’. This ‘network’ of existing walks combined with the network of road access forms what this project refersto as the ‘wider network of Banks Peninsula’. Duvauchelle is perfectlylocated to be a key part of this‘network’.