9 minute read
ROAD TRIP: A journey to Akaroa
Christchurch to Akaroa via SH 75 - 1hr 20min, 81.2km
Just a short drive from Christchurch, along SH 5, a slice of French-inspired paradise awaits. Say 'Bonjour' to Akaroa.
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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 sure to take full advantage of the myriad sights and flavours along the way.
Akaroa Town Crier © Raquel Smith
HIGHLIGHTS
BIRDLINGS FLAT
Whether you like to fossick for natural treasures or simply want to stroll and take in the stunning flora and fauna, Birdlings Flat – Kaituna in Māori – rises magnificently to the occasion. Forty-five minutes south of Christchurch, the small settlement’s beach reaches far beyond the horizon, with its crashing waves a sight to behold.
Banks Peninsula © Aommy Photography
DUVAUCHELLE BAY
Enjoy your first taste of French flavour at this charming settlement. Swing into action at the scenic 18-hole golf course before dining on local fare at the harbour front. The town’s historical heartbeat is still beating despite its heritage architecture suffering during the Canterbury earthquakes.
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, too. This cooperative sells gorgeous local crafts.
Exhibition at Little River Gallery © Little River Gallery
LITTLE RIVER TRAIL
A 44km cycling path between Little River and Christchurch.
THE PORT HILLS
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 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 Rd, but standard cars can cope provided they stop at the flat marked area.
Akaroa Lighthouse © ChristchurchNZ
CHRISTCHURCH ADVENTURE 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
This is THE place to find locally grown produce, including fresh bread, preserved pickles and sauces. There is even a chorizo-maker in town. All you need now is cheese – also locally produced.
AVON LOOP
A dashing new promenade runs beside the Avon River in Christchurch and boasts a lit-up boardwalk for walkers and cyclists.
BANKS TRACK
One of the 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 waka – Māori canoes.
New Regent St, Christchurch © ChristchurchNZ
WELCOME TO CHRISTCHURCH
The city centre’s lease on life has brought about an edginess and youthful energy as much of Christchurch is rebuilt in the image of a population ready to make its mark on the world stage. It’s being done with courage and creativity.
Christchurch Must-Do's
> 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
Visitors will delight in seeing a city embracing modernity. That involves cuisine with various international accents as Kiwi chefs put their spin on the world’s food bowl – Mexican, Asian fusion, Brazilian, French, Italian – and entertainment from arthouse cinema to live music and Broadway productions. If you want to kitesurf, 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.
GARDEN CITY
CHRISTCHURCH ART & CRAFT
Christchurch has a strong and proud tradition of supporting art and culture in the community. Galleries, public art and sculpture trails are popular and cultural festivals feature regularly on the city’s calendar.
Visit 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.
Universo interior, Christchurch Art Gallery © Nancy Zhou
FABULOUS FAMILY TIME
1. 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.
2. 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 50-metre flying fox. And don’t forget the gift shop! The park also contributes to the release recovery programmes for threatened native wildlife.
Gorilla © Orana Wildlife Park
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. WATER PLAY
Let the kids blow off some steam and make a splash on your holiday with the water activities in Akaroa. From stand-up paddle boarding to kayaking and pedal boats, the sheltered harbour and marine reserve provide the perfect playground for some fun.
6. 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.
Giants House, Akaroa © christchurchnz.org.nz
DIVE INTO AKAROA
From its scenic views to its quaint architecture, the most French town in New Zealand will win your affection. A beguiling mix of French, British and New Zealand cultures, Akaroa is the perfect playground for those who enjoy the finer things in life.
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 Harbour © Destination Akaroa
HIGHLIGHTS
> The Giants House
> Swim with the dolphins
> Akaroa Museum
> French culture/cuIsine
> St Peter’s Anglican Church
> Lava Gallery
A trip to Akaroa often goes hand-inhand 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 diving out of the water, Akaroa House, Akaroa © Black Cat Cruises
INDULGE IN AKAROA
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.
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.
