Akaroa and Banks Peninsula

FULL DAY TOUR (AK01 & AK02)

Banks Peninsula was formed following the violent eruptions of two volcanoes. A crater nurses the picturesque harbour of Akaroa with many smaller bays indenting the coastline. Sighted by Captain Cook in 1770, the Peninsula was then inhabited by Maori. In 1840 French settlers arrived at Akaroa, which had just been claimed under the Treaty of Waitangi by the English. To this day Akaroa remains unique the site of the only attempted settlement by the French in New Zealand. Many streets have French names and there are descendants of the original French families still living in Akaroa. The charm of this old French town with the incredible scenery encountered on the way have assured Akaroa’s popularity as a unique destination.

Travel to Akaroa over the beautiful Banks Peninsula, formed following violent eruptions of two ancient volcanoes. The high summit route gives glorious views of Akaroa Harbour, the Canterbury Plains and the distant Southern Alps and the remote bays and farmlands. The Akaroa crater nurses the picturesque harbour and Akaroa village, the only French settlement established in New Zealand.

Visit the Barry's Bay Cheese Factory for a cheese tasting of locally made cheeses, the only remaining cheese factory on the peninsula from a bygone era.

Enjoy the quaint colonial style architecture and wander around the charming 150 year old French harbourside village of Akaroa with it's museum of settlers' history, art and craft shops and studios, cafes and wine bars.

Tour options…

AK01 with Eco-marine Harbour Cruise Nature & harbour cruise on the Canterbury Cat

AK02 with "Swim with the dolphins" Swim with the Hector’s Dolphins – an eco-marine adventure

Tour inclusions…

• Travel by deluxe minicoach
• High scenic drive with spectacular views
• Cheese factory visit
• Delicious picnic morning and afternoon teas
• Cafe lunch in Akaroa
• Courtesy city hotel / homestay pickup and drop-off.
• Fully escorted with informative commentary.
• Depart Christchurch at 8.30am and return approximately 5.45pm.