This charming French settlement village of Akaroa is enchanting with  its historic buildings, magnificent harbour and passion for French cuisine

An easy drive south-east of Christchurch, Banks Peninsula is the South Island’s most interesting volcanic feature. Originally an island formed by two volcanic cones, the peninsula has two dominant craters which form Lyttelton and Akaroa Harbours. The peninsula was named for botanist Joseph Banks, who sailed with Captain James Cook on the Endeavour.

Explore Akaroa on foot starting at information centre on the corner of Rue Lavaud and Rue Balguerie. You’ll find brochures and maps that will help you to decide where to walk.

Barrys Bay Cheese, where they’ve persevered with original methods for over a century. During milking season, every second day, you can watch their award-winning cheeses being made through the gallery window. 

Take a self-guided walk to see historic cottages. Be sure to visit the museum – it tells the story of Akaroa with displays and an audio visual presentation. If you have time, take a harbour cruise to view dolphins, penguins and fur seals.

Akaroa beach is quiet, secluded, and sheltered, with a mixture of sand and small rocks abutting the water. Akaroa Harbour is also home to pods of rare Hector’s dolphins, which lucky swimmers may be able to spy further out from shore.