Last weekend we decided to take a little road trip to Akaroa — that is a charming “French village” tucked away on the Banks Peninsula. The town is just 75 km away from Christchurch, so you can easily drive there in about an hour and half along Highway 75. Before hitting the road, we made a stop at Hagley Park, and honestly, it felt like stepping right into a dream. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and the whole avenue was carpeted with delicate pink petals. Of course, we couldn’t just walk past without snapping a few photos — it was a simple breath.
The drive itself turned into a little adventure. We passed through Little River, stretched our legs at the old train station, wandered around a historic diesel locomotive, and popped into a local store. It was packed with handmade treasures — bags, jewelry, little crafty bits and pieces. You know that feeling when you stumble upon a place and think, “Now this is a real hidden gem”? That’s exactly how it felt.
The weather couldn’t have been better — warm sunshine, clear skies, and a gentle spring breeze. Every twist and turn of the road revealed another picture-postcard view of Banks Peninsula, and of course, our cameras were working overtime. Akaroa is situated in a valley between hills, hence, it usually calm wind and clear skies there.
By the time we finally reached Akaroa, we were more than ready for some food. We popped into a café called The Common, and what a find that was! The atmosphere was wonderfully cozy, the menu full of delicious options, and the design… simply amazing. They even have this adorable tradition of taking photos of customers’ dogs and putting them up on the wall. As dog lovers, our hearts just melted. And the bathroom door? It looked like a bookshelf with real books — such a quirky and clever touch. We honestly didn’t realize it was a door at first, and it gave us a good laugh.
After refueling, we set off to explore the town. Alex pulled out his guitar down at the pier, and for a while, it felt like something out of a movie — sea breeze, live music, people strolling by with smiles on their faces. The acoustic guitar added its own magic, and somehow the views looked even more majestic with the music floating through the air.
We then wandered up to the old lighthouse, which is now a museum. It’s a unique slice of history, and even if you’re not usually into museums, it’s worth the walk just for the location alone.
To wrap up the day, our friend Sophie stepped into a local jewelry shop and treated herself to a beautiful jade pendant. If you’re curious about the story behind the shop (and the stone itself), definitely check out Sophie’s blog — she wrote about it in such a lovely way, and honestly, it’s the kind of detail you’d struggle to find anywhere else online.
Every time we return to Akaroa, it feels like we’re seeing for the very first time again and again. It’s one of those rare places that never loses its charm, no matter how many times you visit it. And, honestly, New Zealand never ceases to amaze me — it’s as if nature here is quietly showing off.
So if you ever find yourself in Christchurch with a free day, hop in a car and head to Akaroa. Trust me, it’s one of those spots where you can’t help but think: “This is exactly why I love New Zealand.” 🌊✨
Thank you for reading.
Best regards, Sofia.
EventsHub team.