Akaroa Day Trip
The Banks Peninsula is beautiful volcanic territory and the town of Akaroa is nestled deep in the heart of it to the southeast of Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand.
Akaroa was settled in 1840 by French and German immigrants who arrived just after the Treaty of Waitangi had been signed, thus entering a British colony.
However, it still maintains French flavour today, which makes it a unique place in NZ to visit.
The town is also situated on the edge of the Akaroa Harbour so it has the added benefit of a coastal location, drawing thousands of visitors annually.
We decided to drive our electric car out there for a day trip from Christchurch. There were fast and slow EV chargers (type 2) along the way – at Little River township and more type 2s in Akaroa itself.
Little River
On the way, our first stop was the quaint stop of Little River. It boasts a historic train station with artifacts of yesteryear plus art, craft and produce shops along the road.
Also at Little River is SiloStay accommodation, the first of its kind that we’ve seen to date in New Zealand where the units you stay in are converted silos.
They’re highly rated so if you’re looking to stay somewhere unique, you can check them out online here.
They even have a Tesla charger installed on-site and a clear outside covering on one silo so you can see the inner workings of this unique accommodation.
There are two roads you could follow which both lead to Akaroa.
One is State Highway 75, which is the main road in, or you can branch off and take the 20 km or so longer tourist route.
The tourist route is very scenic and winds up through the hills providing several great views across the valleys and harbour.
On a clear, sunny day the vistas around Banks Peninsula are hard to beat.
We drove in on SH75 and after winding this way and that, the road finally opens up at the top and provides a stunning view down over Akaroa.
Stop and take a picture. There aren’t better views further along the road and you drop down quite quickly from there.
Devauchelle
Further along, Devauchelle Bay boasts some brightly coloured boat sheds – worth a look or photo in my opinion.
Akaroa
Arriving in Akaroa, there’s parking plus charging for EVs at the Jubilee Park end of town, where you’ll enter if travelling from Christchurch.
There’s also a Four Square nearby if you didn’t bring food along or you can visit the bakery or a range of other cafes that offer a variety of culinary choices.
We initially parked on the edge of Jubilee Park. There’s parking for large vehicles like buses and campers there and a designated spot for freedom camping a few hundred metres further around.
The parking area is right on the beach so it makes a great spot for launching a boat, a picnic, wander or play.
Our first stroll was along the main street, spotting evidence of French heritage which can be clearly seen in road names, shops, and the local museum.
Akaroa Museum
Entry to the local museum is free and it’s full of items from early Maori settlements in the area to the area’s unique European historical periods covering whaling to farming.
There’s even an original French-built house where you can see the wooden pit sawn planks on the walls and the river rock foundation it was built on.
Few 1840s buildings remain but some of the town’s older buildings have been restored and can be seen on the historic walk of the town which takes about an hour.
Along the route you’ll see wharves, a lighthouse, a huge pot used for boiling whale fat in the past (a trypot) and a local church.
Akaroa is also home to one of the Blue Pearl bases that cultivates mabe (half round) pearls from paua.
Their shop has a 7-minute informational video on replay that gives a snapshot of the industry. You can also see several jewellery pieces on display that showcase their mabe pearls, which mostly feature blues, purples, pinks, and greens.
Dolphin Cruise
From the main wharf you can also take a ride on one of the dolphin cruise boats. They leave frequently to cruise the harbour and view the dramatic coastline in the hope of seeing a variety of marine life, including the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin – Hector’s dolphin.
Walks
There are also several short to 7 hour walks through the Garden of Tane, bush tracts, and reserves like Stanley Park, which gives a brilliant view from the top of the hill. At just an hour return, it is easy to fit in.
There are two distinct sections in town that are only a few blocks apart so easily accessed on foot. If you follow the main road past the museum and head for the lighthouse, you’ll find yourself passing another set of cafes and tourist shops along the promenade.
If you want to see something unique, head to the Giant’s House Mosaic Garden. It’s a garden of international significance and worth a look.
We finished our day in Akaroa with ice cream on the beach near the wharf as the sun set. Hard to beat!
Tourist Scenic Route
On the way home we took the tourist route back. It was narrow and wound through the hills.
I’m glad we took it in our car but I’d think twice before doing it in our bus or a large motor home, especially if it were windy as well. (The road is one lane each way with few pullovers and steep drop-offs on one side in places.)
As we drove along Summit Road the weather changed, giving us stunning harbour views on one corner of the road but total whiteout on the next, as cloud drifted up from the eastern valley and over the ridge in front of us.
It was quite a sudden and surreal experience.
Our final highlights of the trip were passing Lake Ellesmere (Canterbury’s largest), glistening in the evening sun, and seeing rows of fruit trees in blossom on the roadside as we drove back towards Christchurch.
FrenchFest
P.S. If cultural immersion’s what you’re after, head to Akaroa for the FrenchFest which is held in Akaroa annually showcasing culture, food & wine, landing reenactments, dancing, music, french games and more.
In 2019 it will run from 11 -13th October.
Friday night – 6 to 10pm – Street Party on Beach Road. The road will be closed off for normal traffic.
Saturday morning – 8.30am – The Landing on the main beach followed by a parade, Official Opening and Flag Raising. Market day will be held on the Recreation Ground from 11am – 4.30pm.
Saturday evening there is a not to be missed ticketed Cabaret event.
Sunday – Circotica circus workshop and performance.
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Thanks!
Meagan
