The Volcanic Peninsula & Bays Tour

The Volcanic Peninsula & Bays Tour includes a scenic journey travelling over the long extinct volcanic areas of Banks Peninsula, taking in the sights of Akaroa Harbour and other picturesque bays from the 475m (1500 feet) high volcano crater rim scenic road. With this tour remaining within the peninsula area we are able to include many of the local features such as, visiting a number of the smaller bays by descending from the crater rim to sea level, travelling through spectacular rural hill country farm land and various seaside communities and townships with their features that include craft shop, cafes, historic displays and a local Maori Museum. Farm visit. When requested, we include a visit to a Peninsula area farm where NZ sheep dogs abilities are demonstrated along with the shearing of sheep. The farm does have days when the facility is unavailable, and we would ascertain if your tour day is a working day. The farm visit includes morning tea and taste of some local farmhouse style cooking. Wine tasting and lunch: To that end we recommend the wine tasting at French Peak Winery and a pleasurable stop for lunch at a restaurant located across the harbour from Akaroa and away from the crowds that are ever present in Akaroa on cruise ship days.  Cheese Factory, a visit to a local boutique cheese factory is always a very popular stop for an opportunity to taste a range of cheeses and if so desired to purchase some of their New Zealand high quality cheese that may be complimented with a bottle of local Peninsula wine that is also available.