10 minute read
TRIP 13 A JOURNEY TO AKAROA
Christchurch to Akaroa
Christchurch to Akaroa via SH75 - 1hr 20min, 81.2km
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© AA Traveller 2021
Just a short drive from Christchurch, along SH5, a slice of French-inspired paradise awaits. Say 'Bonjour' to Akaroa.
Located in Banks Peninsula, Akaroa means Long Harbour in Māori, and is nestled against a stunning harbour backdrop where wildlife gathers and plays. Its serene nature certainly belies its explosive beginning. Banks Peninsula was formed following violent eruptions of two volcanoes, which formed the twin sisters of Akaroa and Lyttelton harbours. French settlers officially founded the town in 1840.
Fast-forward to today, and Akaroa has a calm and peaceful demeanour. You’ll enjoy a sedate drive along a country road to get there. Discover natural gems along the way like sparkling Lake Ellesmere, a significant New Zealand wetland, and culturally-treasured Lake Forsyth, a coastal lake near Little River.
Akin to the relaxing ambience of Akaroa, the journey there deserves a mellow pace, so be sureto take full advantage of the myriad sights and flavours along the way.
CHRISTCHURCH - GARDEN CITY
Visitors will delight in seeing a city embracing modernity. The cuisine scene boasts new, international accents as Kiwi chefs put their spin on the world’s food bowl – Mexican, Asian fusion, Brazilian, French, Italian – and entertainment includes everything from art house cinema to live music and Broadway productions. If you want to kite surf, ride the gondola or hike a stunning trail, you’ll find an opportunity to fill every minute of your time here. And the famous Christchurch Art Gallery, Arts Centre, museum and libraries are all wonderful and free to enter.
Riverside Market, Christchurch
© ChristchurchNZ
CHRISTCHURCH HIGHLIGHTS
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Antarctic Centre
Christchurch Art Gallery
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Canterbury Museum
Orana Wildlife Park
Christchurch Gondola
Punting on the Avon
Christchurch Public Library
Airforce Museum
City tram
CHRISTCHURCH BOTANIC GARDENS
Welcome to a 21 hectare oasis with a beautiful lake and fanciful pathways. The Visitor Centre is a stunning, architecturally beautiful building with a dedicated gallery detailing Christchurch’s world of plants. Entrance to the gardens is free and in spring the daffodils and cherry blossom carry an air of new season optimism.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
© Welcome Aboard Christchurch
ART & CRAFT
CHRISTCHURCH ART GALLERY TE PUNA O WAIWHETŪ Home to one of the country’s most important permanent collections and host to exciting contemporary artists.
THE ARTS CENTRE TE MATATIKI TOI ORA is a cultural treasure held in trust for Christchurch residents and visitors. Its mission is to foster interest and involvement in art, culture, creativity,the creative industries and education.
ART MĀKETE Every Sunday morning, local artisans congregate at The Arts Centre to sell their wares and edibles.
COCA (The Centre of Contemporary Art) As slick as the name suggests andunmissable if you’re a modern art fan.
Christchurch carver
© ChristchurchNZ
THINGS TO DO
DUVAUCHELLE BAY Enjoy your first taste of French flavour at this charming, waterfront settlement. Swing into action at the scenic 18-hole golf course before dining on local fare at the harbour front. Sleepy and old-world, it’s perfect for R&R.
LITTLE RIVER The beautiful gateway to Banks Peninsula. Its great looks are accompanied by an endearing personality, all thanks to a smorgasbord of cultural and recreational activities. Art aficionados make a beeline for the gallery which has a great café attached, complete with an outdoor eating area, often occupied by cyclists – Little River is on the national cycle trail network. Wander over to the Little River Craft Station for gorgeous local crafts housed in an historic railway station.
LITTLE RIVER TRAIL A 46km cycling path between Little River and Christchurch.
Little River Cycle Trail
© ChristchurchNZ
LOCAL ACQUAINTANCES
A trip to Akaroa often goes hand in hand with the extraordinary privilege of wildlife encounters. Many venture to this idyllic location to experience the magical energy of one of the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins – the Hector’s dolphin. Jump aboard a harbour cruise and sail the turquoise waters as a spectator or share the water with charismatic dolphins.
Dolphin cruise, Akaroa
© Black Cat Cruises
HIGHLIGHTS ON THIS ROAD TRIP
THE PORT HILLS boast an unforgettable vista including panoramic views of Christchurch city, Lyttelton Harbour and the Christchurch Plains. If the weather is feeling very generous, you may even see the Southern Alps.
AKAROA HEADS While the iconic Akaroa Lighthouse established in 1880 was relocated to Akaroa town in 1980, there is still a feeling of historical importance to the site. Once you’ve conquered the steep ascent up to the foundations of the former lighthouse, those who are game can climb down (with care) an old iron ladder. It’s a gateway to Haylocks Bay where seals like to sun themselves. A four-wheel drive is recommended for the drive from Akaroa to Lighthouse Road, but standard cars can cope provided they stop at the flat marked area.
CHRISTCHURCHADVENTURE PARK Take the chairlift to the top of the Port Hills. Here you’ll find stunning views, mountain bike trails and both the highest and longest ziplines in New Zealand.
AKAROA FARMERS’ MARKET Gorge on locally grown produce, including fresh bread, preserved pickles and sauces. There is even a chorizo-maker and cheese artisan in town.Operating October to April.
AVON LOOP A dashing promenade runs beside the Avon River in Christchurch,with a lit-up boardwalk for both walkers and cyclists.
BANKS TRACK One ofthe country’s finest walking tracks, and private, too, with only 16 walkers on the trail each day. Start in Akaroa and discover waterfalls,open pastures, native bushes, pristine beaches and crisp ocean air.
OKAINS BAY MĀORI & COLONIAL MUSEUM Okains Bay is a short, picturesque drive from Akaroa and the local museum is ready to educate. More than 20,000 items are on display, including a beautiful collection of Māori waka.
TAI TAPU SCULPTURE GARDEN Every year the sculptures grow in number and the flora grows even more gorgeous. Exceptional grounds sprinkled with contemporary sculptures of all sizes and subject matter. Entry is by appointment only so it’s wise to call ahead.
Enjoying the view of Akaroa
© Aommy Photography
ORANA WILDLIFE PARK See New Zealand’s only gorillas, hand-feed majestic giraffe, meet mighty rhino and travel through the Lion Habitat. There are scheduled daily presentations, a Safari Shuttle, a guided walkabout,adventure playground and a 50m flying fox. And don’t forget the gift shop! The park also contributes to the release recovery programmes for threatened native wildlife.
Kakariki chick
@ Orana Wildlife Park
INTERNATIONAL ANTARCTIC CENTRE Another great one for families,this award-winning, interactive,fully immersive experience –complete with penguins – will transport you to another world. A very cold world.
BEACHCOMBING Forage for shells and other sandy treasures at Akaroa Beach, Okains Bay or Le Bons Bay. When it’s time to cool down,dip your toes in the waves.
THE GIANTS HOUSE, AKAROA This showpiece is the home of colour and creativity. The artworks,sculptures, mosaics and terrace gardens will delight. Built in 1880 for the town’s bank manager, The Giants House is now an International Garden of Significance.
PŌHATU BAY PENGUIN SLEEPOVERS Book an overnight farm stay in Pōhatu Bay and you’ll be sleeping next door to a penguin colony. Overnight stays include an evening penguin tour which are always a big hit with guests.
At SiloStay in Little River, eight grain silos have been remodelled into elegant accommodation, decked out with all the mod cons.
INDULGE
This will come as no surprise: Banks Peninsula is very good at food. From fresh seafood, cuisine with a hint of France and an impressive range of exceptional eateries to experience, it’s a slice of foodie heaven.
BARRYS BAY CHEESE one of nine original dairies populating the peninsula that is now the last of its kind. Stop here for delicious traditional cheeses, picnic-ready cracker packs and wine.
Swing by FRENCH PEAK WINES and sample their pinot noir, pinot gris, chardonnay and rosé before selecting a bottle or two to take home with you. Don’t want to leave? Spend the night in the renovated wooden barn.
Akaroa’s weekend FARMERS’ MARKET is the ideal place to grab picnic supplies. You’ll find every type of locally grown produce imaginable. Operating every Saturday from October to April from 9.30am to 1pm.
AKAROA DINING The Little Bistro serves a mean ratatouille and the Sweet As bakery, albeit Kiwi in name, is a French-inspired bakery renowned for its croissants. The Brasserie boasts a sun-filled garden complete with pétanque, and for classic Kiwi ‘fish and chips’ head to Murphy’s on the Corner.
MEET THE PENGUINS
The whole family will be in awe of these sweet little characters. Discover wild white-flippered penguins which are endemic to Canterbury with the Banks Peninsula just one of two breeding locations in New Zealand.
White-flippered little blue penguin, Akaroa
© Black Cat Group
AKAROA
Spend your days wining and dining; enjoying art; foreign, classic and new films at the boutique cinema, and letting the shopping options tempt your purse strings. Akaroa Harbour is a dynamic playground for wildlife and invites you to swim with the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin – the Hector’s dolphin – on an unforgettable harbour cruise. Unspoiled nature is ubiquitous; stroll barefoot along the sandy beach, visit the large mainland penguin colony, stretch your legs on a hike or bike ride, and explore the extinct volcano.
AKAROA MUST-DO’S
The Giants House
Meet the dolphins
Akaroa Museum
French culture/cuisine
St Peter’s Anglican Church
Lava Gallery
Akaroa Lighthouse
© ChristchurchNZ
TOP WALKS
BRITOMART MONUMENT TRACK Start this walk at the historical Akaroa Lighthouse and expect to see wonderful views over Akaroa Harbour. 1 hour circuit
LITTLE RIVER TRAIL This walkway and cycleway starts in Christchurch but from Hornby to Little River the track follows much of the Little River Branch railway line which operated from 1875 until 1967. Easy grades makes this suitable for young children. 46km, 2 days
AKAROA SKYLINE CIRCUIT Climb Stony Bay Peak in fine weather or use Paripai shortcut for a gentler less exposed walk, route also provides access on foot from Akaroa to Hinewai Reserve,features native bush and summit. 5-7 hours return
BANKS PENINSULA TRACK This point-to-point trail located near Akaroa features a waterfall and is rated moderate. Best walked from October until April. 31.4km, 2-3 days
ROUND THE MOUNTAIN VIA CURRY TRACK Climb from Akaroa village to the summit ridgeline for the ultimate day walk. Visit Heritage Park and Purple Peak Curry Reserve en route,and picnic on the top before looping back down on the Purple Peak Track. 11km, 4hours circular
RICCARTON BUSH WALK On a hot day, take a cool walk through the only area of podocarp forest remaining in Christchurch. Deans Cottage,the restored early settlers’cottage is worth a visit. 30min
Akaroa Harbour
© Adobe Stock
Make the short walk from the centre of Akaroa to find the fetching Akaroa Lighthouse. Small but handsome with lovely harbour views.
Akaroa Lighthouse
© Adobe Stock
CHILDREN’S BAY WALKWAY
You needn’t travel all the way to Africa to spy giraffe and rhinoceros grazing in the long grass. This easy (but mostly steep and uphill) one-hour walk is flecked with unexpected ‘wild animals’, an easy 15-minute walk from the centre of Akaroa township. Are we having you on? You’ll have to go and see...
Kids out walking
© Getty Images
AQUATIC AKAROA
As a protected marine sanctuary, dolphins, seals and penguins all reside in Akaroa. Rent a kayak and set off to meet them all. Glow in the dark stand-up paddle boarding is also a thing here, and giant stand-up paddle boards (accommodating up to eight people at once) are all the rage.
Hector’s dolphins, Akaroa
© Chalita Aommy Klumjui
