The ‘most French town in New Zealand’, Akaroa is a quaint seaside village. It boasts beautiful historic buildings, a magnificent harbour, and a passion for fine food, reflecting its French flavour.

The charming township, gracing the southeast side of the deep Akaroa Harbour, was the only French settlement in New Zealand. It still retains much of this influence. It is a popular destination for foodies and nature lovers who come to swim with local sea life, including the rare Hector’s dolphin.

An easy drive from Christchurch, Akaroa is located on Banks Peninsula, which 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. It was named for botanist Joseph Banks, who sailed with Captain James Cook on the Endeavour.