Akaroa, nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano in Canterbury’s Banks Peninsula, is unique in being the only attempted French settlement in New Zealand, and it still retains an authentic French atmosphere. Many streets have French names, and descendants of the original settlers still live there. Time is well spent walking around Akaroa’s streets, viewing the historic buildings.

Situated on the shores of Akaroa harbour, home of the famous Akaroa Salmon, blue pearls and rare Hector’s dolphins, Akaroa village is only a spectacular 85 kilometre scenic drive from Christchurch city and International Airport.

The Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park with it’s lovely views of the village, harbour and surrounding hills is the perfect location to enable you to relax and enjoy the cultural heritage of the village. It’s just a 15 minute walk from the campsite into Akaroa, along a night-lit country walking track. Making Akaroa Top 10 Holiday Park the ideal place to escape to, but still be close to restaurants, cafes and activities.

For more information on what to do whilst in Akaroa see our “Fun things to do” page.