Experience the best of Akaroa

Akaroa lies inside a drowned volcanic crater on Banks Peninsula, south-east of Christchurch, and was settled by French colonists in 1840, soon after Britain had claimed the island. Streets carry French names, such as Rue Lavaud and Rue Jolie, and wooden cottages with verandas line the waterfront. The Akaroa Museum tells the story of Māori, whalers and the French settlers.

Hector's dolphins, among the smallest and rarest dolphins in the world, live in the harbour, which is part of a marine mammal sanctuary, and boat trips look for them, as well as for fur seals and little blue penguins. The Giant's House is a hillside garden of mosaic sculptures. The Hinewai Reserve protects regenerating native bush on the peninsula, and the road from Christchurch winds over the rim of the crater.

Seafood chowder, blue cod, salmon and crayfish are served at the waterfront, and the French influence shows in bakeries and small cafés. Summer is busy, autumn is mild, and winter is calm and clear, with a dusting of snow on the crater rim.