Lovely villages and more wildlife then we saw in most other parts of NZ. Scary road to some of the bays though....We loved Akaroa, classy spot to relax.

The circular drive (on the Summit Road and through Little River) to Akaroa prepares you for the South Island's vistas. The views are stupendous.

My husband loves to drive and this was the perfect solution for a Saturday outing. The views are breathtaking and the sweet drive to Akora for lunch simply great. Would have loved more time to explore this area. We took tons of photos. Akora is a French village that is fun to walk around, have lunch, shop, or just simply... More

So many places to walk & so much to see, you can drive to so many different areas and walk from there. Or just drive and look around. Day or night, its beautiful.

The township of Akaroa is very picturesque, and many of the restaurants and eating houses have a view of the Akaroa harbour

If you arrive in Akaroa on a cruise ship, don't stay in Akaroa you you have explored the entire township within an hour, get out on a tour Banks Peninsula has absolutely the most stunning scenery you can imagine.

We really enjoyed the Banks Peninsula. Stayed two nights at Double Dutch, in Okains Bay, and really enjoyed a hike out to the lighthouse, through the bush at the Hinewai Reserve, and going through the museum in Okains Bay.

We absolutely loved the scenery on our drive to Akaroa. It was an hour and a half out of Christchurch through some spectacular landscape. The drive down towards the harbour is especially picturesque.

This is a spectacular day trip! A must-do. Akaroa is charming, but most of all we enjoyed the drive to and from it through rolling hills and absolutely wonderful vistas. The roads are narrow and winding, so driving them was a challenge, but well worth it. Do not miss spending time here!