Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Governors Bay Hotel
PUB $$$
( 03-329 9433;
www.governorsbayhotel.co.nz
; 52 Main Rd; d $110-160, mains $18-33; 11am-
late; )
Dating from 1870, this is one of NZ's oldest still-operating pubs. You couldn't
want for a more inviting deck to knock back an afternoon tipple on, and the food is ex-
cellent too, covering all of the classic pub-grub bases. Upstairs is accommodation in
chicly renovated rooms with shared bathrooms.
She Chocolat
CAFE $$$
( 03-329 9825;
www.shechocolat.com
;
79 Main Rd; mains $13-20; 10am-4pm)
These New
Age chocoholics conjure up excellent food and terrific views. Chocolate has embedded
itself deeply into the menu, infiltrating porridge, kumara cakes and rice-paper rolls, plus
there's a range of truffles to enjoy with your coffee.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Banks Peninsula
POP 3050
Gorgeous Banks Peninsula (Horomaka) was formed by two giant volcanic eruptions
about eight million years ago. Harbours and bays radiate out from the peninsula's centre,
giving it an unusual cogwheel shape. The historic town of
Akaroa
, 80km from Christch-
urch, is a highlight, as is the absurdly beautiful drive along Summit Rd around the edge
of one of the original craters. It's also worth exploring the little bays that dot the penin-
sula's perimeter.
The waters around Banks Peninsula are home to the smallest and one of the rarest dol-
phin species, the Hector's dolphin, found only in NZ waters. A range of tours depart
from Akaroa to spot these and other critters, including white-flippered penguins, orcas
and seals.
Akaroa ('Long Harbour' in Maori) was the site of the country's first French settlement
and descendants of the original French pioneers still reside here. It's a charming town
that strives to re-create the feel of a French provincial village, down to the names of its
streets and houses. Generally it's a sleepy place but the peace is periodically shattered by
hordes descending from gargantuan cruise ships. The ships used to dock in Lyttelton
Harbour but since the earthquakes Akaroa has been a popular substitute. Even when Lyt-
telton's back on its feet, the ships will be reluctant to leave.
