Banks Peninsula
Banks Peninsula - scenic, charming, relaxing, beautiful. Find out more at the Akaroa Information Centre : Email or Ph: +64 3 304-8600 and the Lyttelton Information Centre: Email or Ph: +64 3 328-9093
Lyttelton is a 20 minute drive east of Christchurch, through the Lyttelton Tunnel. The No. 28 bus also runs regularly to Lyttelton from the Bus Exchange in Colombo St., Christchurch city.
Lyttelton Itinerary Features
| Must See! | |
| Timeball Station - built in 1876 as a timekeeper for 19th Century shipping off the coast at Lyttelton | |
| Historic buildings - restored colonial Edwardian and Victorian cottages, typically housing craft and antique retail outlets | |
| Private and public gardens - enquire at the Lyttelton Information Centre | |
| Must Do! | |
| Historic Walks - enquire at the Lyttelton Information Centre | |
|
Christchurch Wildlife Cruise - daily to view Hectors Dolphins- see video | |
| Bridle Path Walkway - walk the original route used by settlers travelling from Lyttelton, over the Port Hills, to Christchurch | |
| Off The Beaten Track | |
| Quail Island - safe swimming, excellent walks, and superb picnic spots. Launches leave Lyttelton regularly | |
| Orton Bradley Park - a large reserve of forested hillsides and valleys, excellent for scenic walks and mountain-biking | |
| Eat, Drink and Be Merry | |
| The Volcano | |
Akaroa is a ninety minute drive on State Highway 75 south-east of Christchurch through Little River, over an extinct volcano crater rim and around the scenic coves and bays of Banks Peninsula. Akaroa is known for its French heritage and for street names like Rue Lavaud and Rue Jolie
Akaroa Itinerary Features
| Must See on the way! | |
|
Lake Ellesmere, Lake Forsyth, Birdlings Flat - view the abundant bird life, especially at dawn or in the early evening | |
| Little River Craft Shop and Gallery | |
| Birdlands Sanctuary - 27 acres of natural New Zealand. View and feed native and imported birdlife | |
| Amazing views of Akaroa Harbour from the Summit Road and Hilltop | |
| Takamatua Lavender Farm | |
| Local art galleries and craft shops | |
| Okains Bay Museum | |
| Linton - avant garde, surprising, fun and very different - but is it art? - you decide | |
| Must Do! | |
| Numerous scenic walks - Visit the Akaroa Visitor Centre for maps | |
| Cruise on Akaroa Harbour and see or swim with Hectors Dolphins, the world's smallest species of dolphin | |
| Take a half day Country Garden Tour | |
| Tramp (hike) the many trails or go sea-kayaking to remote coves | |
| Eat, Drink and Be Merry | |
| Delectable fare at any one of the many cafes, bistros or restaurants, including the world's best fish and chip shop | |
| Barrys Bay Cheese Factory | |
| French Farm Winery | |
