En route to Akaroa! 4-day tour for Francophiles

Overview

Multi-Day

Guided

10 People

Easy

French

Say au revoir to your office and come relax with us in beautiful Akaroa, where nature and culture combine. It might be déjà vu for some of you, but we’ll make it new again with a bit of French panache. You can refine your palate, work on your penguin imitation, and practice your French (if you wish!) – all in the span of 4 days. We have the savoir-faire and the expert guide, all that’s missing is you!

3 nights at the 4-star French Farm Winery Lodge
Wine tastings & gourmet meals
Private, hands-on French cooking class
Penguin encounter at dusk
Knowledgeable bilingual driver-guide (English-French)

What our expert says
“This tour combines the best of Akaroa with the best of France – nature, wine, language, history, good food. If you like any of those, this tour will be perfect for you! Let us take the wheel, so you can pick up your wine glass.”

More Information

Itinerary

Day 1: | Christchurch to Akaroa

Arrival in Christchurch before 11am, by your own means, where you will be welcomed by your expert guide before being transferred to Akaroa. (Pre-tour is possible, contact us).
Enjoy a visit to French Peak Wines, an organic vineyard on the Banks Peninsula managed by a French winemaker. Wine tasting and lunch included.
Over a cheese tasting and a short talk with a cheesemaker (talk on weekdays only) you’ll be introduced to Barrys Bay Cheeses, traditionally made with locally sourced milk since 1895.
Finally, you’ll be transferred to the French Farm Winery, your home away from home for the next 3 nights. Game of petanque upon arrival.
In the evening take a stroll around Akaroa village before sitting down for a convivial dinner.

Day 2: | Akaroa

Enjoy a continental breakfast to kickstart your day before the tour starts again.
This morning you’ll learn more about Akaroa’s history whilst visiting the Akaroa Museum. Dive into the French roots of the settlement!
Have lunch in Akaroa village, at your expense.
After lunch, explore the Giants House, a unique, vibrant sculpture and mosaic garden of international significance.
Savour an early dinner at a well-known restaurant in the village.
In the evening, experience a guided tour at Pohatu Penguins, a family-run business with a long standing history of protection the Korora (Little Penguin). You will be able to view blue penguins in their natural habitat.

Day 3: | Akaroa

Get your day going with a nice French breakfast (croissants, pains au chocolat… mmm!)
Your first activity for the day will be a cruise in Akaroa Harbour, where you’ll get close to marine wildlife and rendezvous with some Hector’s dolphins.
Grab a light lunch at the bakery or deli in the village (at your own expense), where some French products are available.
This afternoon over the course of 4 hours, you’ll learn how to craft a delicious French dinner during a hands-on private cooking class. At the end of the session you’ll be seated at the large dining table to savour your fabulous, handmade, French inspired meal

Day 4: | Akaroa – Christchurch

Take your time over a continental breakfast, then set out to make the most of your last moments in beautiful Akaroa with a leisurely walk in the village with your guide.
Return to Christchurch (airport or CBD) by midday where our tour will conclude.