Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Shopping
Artisans' Gallery
ARTS & CRAFTS
(45 Rue Lavaud; 11am-4pm)
The output of local artisans working in fabrics, glass, ceram-
ics and wood is showcased in this cute little shop.
Information
Akaroa Information Centre
(
03-304 8600;
www.akaroa.com
; 120 Rue Jolie;
9am-5pm)
Tours, activities, accommodation and postal services.
Getting There & Away
Akaroa French Connection
( 0800 800 575;
www.akaroabus.co.nz
;
one way/return $25/
45)
Daily shuttle service to/from Christchurch.
to/from Christchurch daily, increasing to twice daily from November to April.
NORTH CANTERBURY
Heading south from Kaikoura, SH1 crosses the Hundalee Hills and heads into Hurunui
District, an area known for its wine and the thermal resort of Hanmer Springs. It's also
the start of the Canterbury Plains, a vast, flat, richly agricultural area partitioned by dis-
tinctive braided rivers. The region is bounded to the west by the Southern Alps. If you're
crossing into Canterbury from either Westport or Nelson, the most direct route cuts
through the Alps on the beautiful Lewis Pass Rd (SH7).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Lewis Pass
The northernmost of the three main mountain passes connecting the West Coast to the
east, 907m-high Lewis Pass is not as steep as the others (Arthur's and Haast) and the
forest isn't as dense either. Mainly it's comprised of beech (red and silver) and kowhai
trees growing along river terraces.
