Akaroa (ex Christchurch)
The most French town in New Zealand, Akaroa will have you entranced with its historic buildings, magnificent harbour and passion for fine food.
An easy 80-minute 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.
Located on the south east side of the deep, sheltered Akaroa Harbour, the charming township of Akaroa has a special point of difference - it was the only French settlement in New Zealand.
In 1838 a French whaler, Captain Langlois, decided that Akaroa was an ideal location for a town that could service the whaling ships. He subsequently acquired the peninsula in a dubious land deal with the local Maori. He then returned to France and arranged for a group of French and German families to sail to New Zealand, with the intention of forming a French colony. However, by the time Langlois and his colonists arrived at Banks Peninsula in August 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi had already been signed (the signatories including two Akaroa chiefs) and New Zealand's first Governor, Hobson, had declared sovereignty over the whole of New Zealand. In spite of this unexpected turn of events, the French settlers decided to stay on. Akaroa's French street names and charming colonial cottages are their legacy.
Highlights:
Visit local restaurants with their focus on French cuisine and head along to 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.
Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise of Akaroa Harbour
Getting a glimpse of rare Hector’s dolphins, penguins and native fur seals in their natural habitat is one of the key things that attract people to Akaroa Harbour. There are quite a few tour options to choose from here. Black Cat Cruises is the oldest operator in the area and offers regular trips around the harbour, as well as dolphin swim experiences; another company to check out is Akaroa Dolphins.
Other options include kayaking, The Giants House, Okains Bay Māori and Colonial Museum and the Akaroa Lighthouse.
GroupExec can follow your itinerary or create the perfect trip based on your requirements. Pick up and drop off is available from your Christchurch accommodation.