Akaroa ... Dolphins

About an hours drive from the city of Christchurch on Banks Peninsula... just 75 kilometres , Akaroa is an historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. We stayed here for a few days and did the swim with the Hector dolphins. Tomorrow we will head back to Christchurch and then probably on up to Kaikoura ... a few hours north on the east coast of the South Island.

In Akaroa explore the village with its colonial architecture, craft stores, and cafés. Relax in the sun at French Bay, or find a secluded beach of your own in one of the neighbouring bays. Go cruising on the beautiful Akaroa harbour, you can choose from a variety of cruises including sailing around the harbour. View the stunning wildife including the Hectors dolphins. Enjoy Akaroa and the harbour for the week, your weekend, or just one day there's an Akaroa Escape to suit your mood.
The beautiful harbour dominates the landscape and is home to a variety of sea and bird life including the worlds smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hectors Dolphin. There are activities for everyone including wildlife cruises, sailing, swimming with the dolphins , boat hire and sea kayaking.
For those in search of relaxation there is nothing more satisfying than lazing on the sand as the family enjoy paddling at the safe beach.
The harbour's edge is home to plenty of activities for those who prefer to stay on dry land. Enjoy farm, outer bay or seal and penguin colony tours or visit one of the neighbouring surf beaches.

















Tree Crop Farm ... cafe and romantic little houses with outside baths