Akaroa

Partially reopened following repair work after the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes. Three heritage buildings - the Langlois-Eteveneaux cottage (early 1840s), the Customs House (early 1850s), and the Court House (1878) - are part of the Akaroa Museum complex. The Long Harbour - a 20-minute DVD - tells of the volcanic origins of Akaroa and its settlement. The permanent collection includes a complete edition of the Akaroa Mail from 1876, 19th- and 20th-century costume, photographic and family history archives.

The façade has Italianate/Classical detailing that is usually executed in stone, but here entirely of wood. It was built in 1879 by the Oddfellows Lodge. By the late 20th century it had become dilapidated, but a group of three local women took the venerable building in hand. The Gaiety Trust raised more than $300,000 to renovate the building. Wonderfully restored and brought back to life, it is once again a popular venue for community events. The Gaiety is closed for earthquake strengthening.

Take Onuku Rd, then Lighthouse Rd, then Flea Bay Rd. The bay is the centre of the Pohatu Marine Reserve, set aside to protect the natural marine environment. The drive takes about 40 minutes, sometimes on steep and exposed shingle roads, and 4WD is recommended. The drive has excellent views back over Akaroa Harbour.

An artist transformed this historic hillside house with a whimsical garden of sculptures and colourful tiles. Interesting oddities around every corner and good views.

Epic clifftop coastal views at the mouth of Akaroa Harbor. Probably the only good place to see Hector's dolphins for free (bring binoculars and a little patience), and good for watching seabirds and (distant) seals as well. Access via an 11km gravel road that goes up and over a mountain - signs say 4WD is officially required, but it's not usually necessary in good weather conditions.

Two-hour cruise to see Hector's dolphins, fur seals, little blue penguins and other wildlife, and sea caves and volcanic cliffs.

Two-hour cruise to see Hector's dolphins, fur seals, little blue penguins and other wildlife, and sea caves and volcanic cliffs.

Two-day or three-day hill country walks over a 31-km circular route around remote bays of Banks Peninsula. Starts and ends in Akaroa. The route goes through Onuku, Flea Bay, Stony Bay and Hinewai Reserve. On the way you may see fur seals from a close distance, and plentiful birdlife including penguins, oystercatchers, paradise ducks, geese, bellbirds and many others. Shared accommodation in huts and cottages. At delightful Stony Bay there are private open-air baths where you light a fire underneath to heat the water, as there is no electricity. Self-catering with fully equipped kitchens. There is a small shop at Stony Bay, where you can buy your food. Options include private rooms, kayaking and pack cartage on some sections.