CANTERBURY: AKAROA

Akaroa Boat Ramp Carpark is available for self-contained motor caravanners to park overnight in a stunning location on the harbour just a short walk from the town centre.

We arrived late on an autumn afternoon, not having planned where we were going to stay for the night. We had to stock up on some groceries, and noticed that there were a lot of motorhomes parked in the boat ramp parking area as we were driving past.

What a great location to park overnight! We were treated to a really magnificent sunset over dinner, and I have to admit that I went crazy with the camera. I've only included a few of them here, but at least you can see a little of what were were able to enjoy.

The next morning we went for a long walk around the town, stopping at Bully-Hayes for breakfast. Akaroa would have to rate as one of the most photogenic towns that we've visited, and we thoroughlly enjoyed our morning walk.

Chatting to some of the local people, we were told that Akaroa has a dual personality - it can be just unbelieveably beautiful, and then cloud over and blow up a storm. People out on boats are well advised to get back to shore quickly when they see the clouds spillingover the surrounding hills.

We didn't see any of that during our stay, but the weather did deteriorate soon after we left to explore the rest of the Akaroa peninsula.

Sunset over Akaroa town