The historic French village of Akaroa, perched on the edge of a deep volcanic harbour, is just over an hours drive from Christchurch. Surrounded by tussock lined hills sweeping down to beautiful bays and inlets this picturesque seaside town, with its colonial architecture and French street names, is a wonderful place to explore at your leisure.
The foreshore is lined with art galleries, boutique shops, and plenty of cafés and restaurants boasting some of the finest dining in Canterbury. Take time out at one of the trendy harbourside restaurants and enjoy a glass of wine and fabulous local food (salmon, crayfish, beef, venison & lamb), browse through the many art galleries and shops, or simply sit and sip a coffee and watch the world go by in this timeless paradise.
Take a harbour cruise and view a variety of stunning sea and bird life, or swim with the endangered Hector's Dolphins, the world's smallest and rarest dolphins. Get out on the harbour and enjoy a days fishing from a charter boat, take an eco friendly sailing cruise, hire a kayak or find a secluded beach and soak up the sun.
You can spend the day strolling through the art galleries, craft shops and boutique shops for a bit of retail therapy, walk the Banks Peninsula Track (which includes 35km of spectacular volcanic coastline, native bush, waterfalls and sandy beaches), or enjoy lunch at a local winery.
Wherever you venture on Banks Peninsula you will discover an abundance of sheltered isolated beaches and bays, stunning views from the summit, walking tracks, and beautiful gardens. Spend a day, a weekend or a week exploring this unique and stunning part of Canterbury.
