A World Away Just Down The Road!

Journey with Akaroa Scenic Tours and Shuttle from Christchurch city around the foothills of the Banks Peninsula to the historic French settlement of Akaroa.

Akaroa was first settled by Maori probably around 700 - 800 years ago. The first Europeans to sight Banks Peninsula included English explorer James Cook in the 1700s, and European and American sealers and whalers.

French whaling captain Jean Francois Langlois returned to France after a visit in the early 1800s with a land deed signed by local Maori. The Comte de Paris brought about 60 mainly French settlers to Akaroa in 1840 (there were a smattering of Germans on board too). Although New Zealand had already been claimed by Britain, Akaroa was the only French settlement in the country and descendants of the original settlers still live locally.

Many of the original homes also still exist - wander up some side streets and see them side by side with contemporary kiwi baches (holiday homes).

Travel with the Akaroa Shuttle to visit this picturesque harbour village:

Akaroa Scenic Coach Trip

$60 per person return

Akaroa Direct Shuttle Service

$50 per person return

(Note: Prices are valid from 17 January 2011)

To book your excursion to Akaroa, phone free 0800 500 929 (NZ only) or fill out our booking form.

Akaroa Scenic Coach Trip

Christchurch city is nestled on the seafront of the Canterbury Plains. Leaving the city and skirting around the base of the Port Hills, we travel through leafy outlying suburbs, prime farmland and past Lakes Ellesmere and Forsyth with their thriving birdlife.

We briefly stop along the coast bordering the Pacific Ocean at Birdlings Flat/Kaitorete Spit - look out for beautiful agate stones on the beach. The next stop is at the historic railway station in Little River. This provides travelers with a chance to look at local arts and crafts before we resume the journey through the Wairewa Valley to the Hilltop, 480m above sea level on the rim of an extinct volcano.

We'll stop for photographs at some great vantage points on the extinct crater rim looking into the lovely Akaroa Harbour.

Descending through Duvauchelle Valley we pass a few small settlements before reaching the charming Akaroa. There's plenty of time for wandering around the quaint streets, enjoying the many shops and cafes or taking a harbour cruise to see dolphins.

We call into the Barry's Bay Cheese Factory on the return journey, so you can sample some award-winning local fare. Then sit back and relax as we return to the city in the late afternoon.