It's a pleasant 15-minute walk along a winding road to reach Akaroa's most famous landmark, Akaroa Lighthouse. Although completed in 1879, it has only been at its current location for 40 years. It originally stood 10km away on the Akaroa Heads, at the entrance to the harbour, until it was retired and moved to its present location for ornamental purposes.

Okains Bay Beach is only a 15 minute drive from Ridgecliff. This is one of the many beautiful secluded bays in Banks Peninsula with a campground located behind the beach. The drive down from the hills is simply stunning!

Fishermans Bay Garden is a haven in the rugged and dramatic landscape of the Banks Peninsula coastline. The structure and texture of New Zealand native plants combined with a diverse array of non-native plants are used to create a truly New Zealand ambience.

Winding paths and a varied landscape have inspired a garden with many parts, including a traditional flower border, herb garden, farm garden, fern garden, a shaded streamside valley and pond and a wild, exposed rock garden.

For the more adventurous, the highest point on Banks Peninsula, Mt. Herbert, can be summited fairly easily. There are various trails ranging in difficulty and length that reward you with the most incredible 360 degree views over the peninsula, Lyttleton Harbour, Christchurch and the Southern Alps. This breath-taking view is a must see!

Experience the best of New Zealand’s wildlife, scenery and hospitality on an Akaroa Dolphins tour. Our passionate, family-led team will take you on an epic adventure that treats you to everything our region has to offer.

French Peak Vineyard, a family-owned business since 1989, specialises in hand-harvested, premium quality wines as Banks Peninsula's oldest vineyard. Nestled in an extinct volcano near Akaroa, this picturesque vineyard provides wine tastings, light bites, refreshments, and stunning photo opportunities.

The garden is a seriously playful, extraordinary wonderland, with a fully integrated combination of art works and gardens.

The Giant’s House has featured on top television programmes and in numerous house/art/garden magazines.

The Giants House has been awarded for its recognition as a Garden of International Significance since 2018, and National Significance since 2012. It has also been recognized as a must-see in Akaroa on Tripadvisors for many years.

Fancy dinner with one of the best views in town? Ma Maison’s dining area has been designed for just this purpose. The restaurant’s ample bifold doors provide uninterrupted views of the harbour, so there’s no need for the usual ‘inside/outside’ conversation. Here, it really doesn’t matter. The menu focuses on seasonal local ingredients, with a French twist. There’s something for everyone, but the seafood dishes are the rock stars of the menu.

In a 100-year-old villa at the end of a long lavender-lined pathway is The Brasserie Kitchen and Bar. Dine here for a modern European- and Asian-inspired menu, served in a relaxed, old-world setting. Order Normandy-style mussels cooked in apple cider, crème fraiche, shallots, and lemon. Or prawns served with Marie rose sauce and fresh lemon. Then grab a seat outside to enjoy the age-old pleasures of sunshine and an English-style country garden.