Akaroa sits at the head of a volcanic harbour on Banks Peninsula, 85 kilometres east of Christchurch on a winding mountain road. The harbour is the drowned crater of an ancient volcano — one of two that built the peninsula — and the cliffs that rise around it are dramatic. The town is small, pretty, and aggressively charming, with wooden colonial buildings, a handful of excellent restaurants, and a pace of life significantly slower than Christchurch.
The main activities are on the water. Akaroa Dolphins runs wildlife cruises that offer some of the best chances anywhere to see Hector's dolphins, the world's smallest and rarest marine dolphin, which are endemic to New Zealand and found in good numbers in the harbour. Kayaking is excellent here. The walk from the township along the harbourside track to the lighthouse and beyond gives good views back over the water. The drive from Christchurch over the Summit Road along the rim of the old volcanic crater, with views down to the harbour on one side and out to the Pacific on the other, is itself worth making — allow 90 minutes each way with stops.