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Akaroa, it's more than a town.

Sunday 20 November 2011, 1:28PM

By A Classic Ride & Matua Gardens Retreat

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BANKS PENINSULA

Akaroa township is a pictureque seaside village on Akaroa Harbour. It is Canterbury's only seaside resort & well known for the French history & influence. It is a thriving centre of cafes, galleries & accommodation & the base for a vast number of tour exeriences & activities. It even has a boutique movie theatre. 

While none can deny the charm of this delightful town which is home to some exclusive experiences, the inner Akaroa Harbour  & Outer Bays also offer exquisite accommodation options, tours & experiences that can't be found anywhere else  with some only available to those who look for that extra something that not everyone else can find. Sometimes going past the first page of the search engine results yields hidden treasures.

Ranging from an exclusive 5 star retreat to camping grounds,  there is accommodation for all budgets and occasions. Whether it is a luxurious romantic geteaway or camping at the beach there are delightful facilities & hosts ready & willing to share their piece of paradise. This is heartland New Zealand at its best. 

The resourceful folk of Banks Peninsula offer some of the best nature & sightseeing experiences in the world across the steep and winding peninsula roads & in the spectacularly beautiful waters surrounding the peninsula. The extinct volcanic craters steep sides have geographical & geological features that created breathtaking scenery. Native bush reserves, be they regenerating or remnants of the original forests are traveresed by public & private walking tracks .

While the range of accommodation, tours & experiences on offer is vast the personalities who operate them are an equally intriguing bunch. From descendants of  the original French settlers taking the Akaroa Seal Colony Safari to the new comers at Shamarra Alpacas people have come from all corners of the globe to this eclectic community. They have in common a passion for life, a love of their particular activity & delight in sharing with anyone lucky enough to do so. Many of these activities are unique to the area which is a destination in itself. It isn't en route to anywhere.

Pohatu Penguin colony is the largest colony of small penguins on mainland New Zealand, A Classic Ride Honda Goldwing & Sidecar Tours is the only Honda Goldwing & sidecar tour in New Zealand. The famous Barrys Bay Cheese factory & shop just can't be found anywhere else. One of the smallest dolphins in the world frequents the waters around the peninsula.

For those prepared to look further than the enchanting village of Akaroa & age one of the search engines, Banks Peninsula is a place where surprises abound & expectations are exceeded.