Local Attractions
Duvauchelle Holiday Park is an ideal base for exploring all the beautiful bays on the peninsula and doing some of the wonderful activities listed below.
The nearby scenic 18 hole golf course is set on undulating country at the the head of the Akaroa Harbour. There are stunning views all around the golf course. It has long been considered one of the most scenic, challenging and beautiful courses in Canterbury. A true hidden gem.
More information is available on their website.
Banks Peninsula was one of the first areas in New Zealand to commercially produce and export cheese and by the late 1890’s, there were at least 9 cheese factories producing butter, cheddar and other cheeses including Okains Bay. Today Barry's Bay Cheese is the only one that remains. Along with the cheeses, they offer a wide range of wines, local preserves, honeys, oils, antipasto items and gifts to compliment their cheeses. The Cheese and Wine Shop is open 7 days 9a.m to 5p.m. During cheese making season between the months of October to May you can view cheese making every second day through the gallery window in the shop. Well worth a visit while staying on the Peninsula.
More info here
Banks Peninsula was once a rich mosaic of plant and bird species, which human interference all but destroyed. The few pockets which survive as public reserves give some idea of the diversity that once typified Banks Peninsula. Many of these reserves are easily accessible, being close to the Summit Road. All are worth visiting as most have short walks and great picnic spots.
Full information on Department of Conservation walks is available on their website.
Banks Peninsula has beautiful parks and reserves, offering many recreational opportunities. Explore this giant ancient volcanic remnant with its deeply indented bays, wild beaches, striking mountains and intriguing geological and human history.
More information is available on the Christchurch City Council website.
Sacred/Tapu Māori site – please walk with respect and refrain from eating. Beautiful views. Avoid at high tide.
Enjoy this little taste of France in this historic French town. Plenty of shops to explore, cafes, galleries, a great museums, boating trips of all kinds, swim with the dolphins, an original lighthouse from the Akaroa Harbour heads right on the foreshore - Akaroa has it all. Plan to spend at least half a day in Akaroa.
Looking for somewhere for a meal in Akaroa? - check out some of the dining here
Cruise around an extinct volcanic crater and experience majestic scenery and stunning wildlife on daily harbour cruises with Black Cat Cruises. See the rare NZ native dolphin - the Hector's Dolphin, as well as penguins and other sea birds. You'll catch glimpses of the White Flippered Blue Penguin, the smallest penguin in the world and there are many different bird species in the harbour, including five different cormorant (shag) species and the endangered yellow-eyed penguin. You'll see giant volcanic sea cliffs and hear about Akaroa's fascinating past. If you are very lucky, you may see Hector's dolphins with their calves which can be seen between October and March The tour also stops at Lucas Bay to look at a salmon farm where thousands of salmon from fingerlings to adult fish are farmed in a series of cages.
Cruises depart every day, weather permitting.
More info here
Looking for other things to do? The Akaroa Information Centre in the old Post Office in Akaroa may be able to help you with further ideas of things to do while in Okains Bay. Contact them here
Sail with the dolphins in the crater of an extinct volcano on New Zealand’s oldest gaffed rigged ketch Fox II and enjoy the wildlife of Akaroa Harbour up close. Relax and soak up the sun, sea and hills or take part as one of the crew. See Hectors dolphins, yellow-eyed and blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals, albatross and other sea birds. Be surrounded by giant volcanic sea cliffs, caves and rock formations along the journey. A guaranteed highlight of your trip that you will remember for the rest of your life.
• See ALL the wildlife of Akaroa Harbour • Crew or just relax • Learn about local history • Tour the harbour the eco-friendly way • Enjoy real Pacific Ocean sailing (not just Akaroa Harbour)
Find out more here
The best way to see the area and find out a little of the history and fauna and flora of this area is to take the Eastern Bays Scenic Mail Run. Experience the magnificent natural beauty and isolation of the Eastern bays, valleys and coastline. Travel 120km, weaving in and out of 10 bays from sea level to the crater rim delivering mail to farms and settlements. The Mail run operates 6 days a week (Mon- Sat) and takes four and a half hours travelling amongst some of the most stunning scenery you’ll ever see! The tour includes a beachfront homemade morning tea, a visit to an historic Church and a short walk on beautiful Le Bons Bay beach. Plenty of photo opportunities and comfort stops. 9am departure from Akaroa. Tours operate all year round. Check out more information here.
If you are looking for something more adventurous, try an unforgettable jet boating experience on the 20 seat, Twin V8, 600 Horsepower "PHAT TIME" . This 7.5 metre Cobra jet is the latest design, combining power and speed with built in comfort and exceptional safety features operating from October to April. Check it out here
Looking for other things to do? The Akaroa Information Centre in the old Post Office in Akaroa may be able to help you with further ideas of things to do while in Okains Bay. Contact them here
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Contact Us
Office Hours: 9am - 6pm
Address: 19 Seafield Road, Banks Peninsula, New Zealand
