New Zealand Travel: Visit Akaroa Harbour Near Christchurch

The "Lord of the Rings" movies made New Zealand an "in" travel destination. But even before Elijah Wood's Frodo Baggins began his travels, New Zealand was a great destination. New Zealand has some of the world's most amazing scenery and wildlife. Akaroa Harbour, 50 miles from Christchurch, will be the focus of this article.

Akaroa, a popular travel destination, is a 150 year old French town on the shores of picturesque Akaroa Harbour, on New Zealand's Banks Peninsula. Ringed by mountains, with waterside cafes and restaurants, multicolored homes and boats, Akaroa is worth an extended visit.

Travel to Akaroa Harbour

Recently, we were delayed in New Zealand on our way to McMurdo Station. Taking the opportunity, a colleague and I drove to Akaroa Harbour. If this does not impress you, recall that in New Zealand people drive on the wrong, er, left side of the road.

In New Zealand, as in England, the driver sits on the right, with the gear shift to his/her left and more importantly, the signal lever on the right. Mysteriously, our windshield wipers kept turning on as we neared each turn. Driving reflexes honed by decades driving on the right side spell trouble in New Zealand if you are not conscious of your driving at all times.

Traveling from Christchurch to Akaroa Harbour on New Zealand's Highway 75, we stopped at Birdling Flats to watch enormous waves breaking on a rock-strewn beach. Then, it was on to Akaroa Harbour. This miles-long bay was formed after an ancient eruption blew the top off a volcano leaving behind a 5000' tall caldera. When the ocean broke through, it created a high-walled natural harbor with only a small island marking the volcano's center.

One must-do in Akaroa Harbour is the 2 hour "Black Cat" harbor cruise. This catamaran carries visitors out from Akaroa to where bay meets ocean. Pods of New Zealand Hector's dolphins play tag with the boat, and the rare White-Flippered Blue Penguins makes guest appearances swimming and diving, oblivious to the excitement it causes.

New Zealand Fur Seals may be seen playing in the water while others rest among the rocks on wild beaches. The lazy ones are quite difficult to see as their fur color matches the rocks. Numerous cormorants and gulls fly overhead and alongside the boat making the trip a birder's paradise.

"By Jove" is a small restaurant in Akaroa, overlooking the water of Akaroa Harbour. Our meal there included the most amazing seafood chowder ever, Akaroa farm-raised salmon on risotto and a special greens and sprouts salad, all accompanied by a nice bottle of New Zealand Pinot Gris. A long leisurely walk along the water proved a great complement to our meal.

Traveling back from Akaroa Harbour to Christchurch, we chose a less-traveled road via Pigeon Bay and Port Levy. Soon the road turned into a gravel-covered track, only slightly wider than the car, winding around bays where water and mountains reach into each other like interlaced fingers.

Luckily the only other car we saw in 25 miles swept by on our right just before the track narrowed or we'd have had to reverse a long way.

Christchurch and its environs

Founded in the 1850's by English settlers, Christchurch's English roots are clear in the architecture of such grand buildings as the Arts Centre and Christchurch Cathedral. For a sense of old England, go "punting" - ride in a shallow-bottomed boat as the punter poles you along the placid Avon River, or stroll the beautiful botanical gardens.

Maori influences are evident in statues, galleries, gift shops, and venues such as the Canterbury Museum. The Maori Experience, a short ride from Christchurch, evokes the history and culture of New Zealand's native people. The Antarctic Center, a premier experiential museum dedicated to all things Antarctic is within walking distance of Christchurch Airport.

Besides Akaroa Harbour many famous New Zealand travel destinations are within a few hours drive from Christchurch - whale watching off Kaikoura, Mt. Cook in the Southern Alps, Hamner Springs, and many others. Christchurch's nightlife is also lively, with countless pubs, restaurants, and clubs. If you get tired, a sign outside a local café proclaims "sleep is a poor substitute for a good cup of coffee."