Cogwheel shaped Banks Peninsula as formed by two giant volcanic eruptions about eight million years ago. Banks Peninsula has two magnificent harbours and has beautiful beaches. Two of these - Okains Bay and Le Bons Bay - are amongst New Zealand's best and safest swimming beaches and camping areas. Okains Bay houses a wonderful museum consisting collection of a rich Maori heritage and restored European village. 

Akaroa is a small town on Banks Peninsula in the Canterbury region. 80km from Christchurch, this town is a highlight and is a beautiful drive along Summit Rd around the edge of one of the original craters.There are bunch of activities to do around this beautiful village, including sailing, fish charters, sea kayaking and many other water activities, and golf, bike riding, horse trekking and hiking on the land.