This Coastal New Zealand Town Is A Scenic Gem Offering Historical French Charm, Wildlife, And Harbor Views

Lending much of its fantastical landscapes to the backdrops of films like "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Chronicles of Narnia," the sweeping valleys and mountain ridges of New Zealand are truly otherworldly. Add to that the quaint villages and fascinating Māori culture, and this island nation is a destination you just can't miss. Head over to Koekohe Beach, known for its mysterious spherical boulders, or take a road trip to snap photos of the iconic, Instagram-famous Wānaka Tree with breathtaking year-round views. If you're a fan of Middle-earth, then stop by the active volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park on the North Island, made famous by the scenes of Sam and Frodo struggling through Mordor. But if you're looking for a fairytale village retreat, make your way to Akaroa, tucked along the Banks Peninsula on the South Island.

Akaroa is a historic town offering visitors delightful European charm backed by breathtaking coastal scenery. Established in the 1840s by French settlers, Akaroa's scenic harbor hugs the coastline of an ancient volcanic crater, guarded to the west by an impressive white lighthouse overlooking spectacular views of the turquoise bays, with emerald green hills rising on the horizon. Take a stroll down the breezy boulevards (a few bearing French names) to soak up the charming architecture, or hop on a harbor cruise to spot the rare Hector's dolphins that make their home in the bay, plus other local wildlife like seals and seabirds.

You can also find a quaint eatery like The Little Bistro to enjoy a good meal, and spend the night in the lovely French Bay House Bed and Breakfast for an extra touch of magic. If you're traveling from the United States, you'll likely fly into Christchurch, the South Island's largest city. From there, it's just a scenic 1.5-hour drive or a two-hour bus ride to reach Akaroa.

Your first sightseeing stop in Akaroa should be the Main Wharf, where a long pier stretches into the bay for fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. Enchanting cafés and inns line the Beach Road along the harbor front, and it's only a 10-minute walk from the wharf to the Garden of Tane, a nature reserve situated on a verdant bluff overlooking the bay. Stroll through the winding paths of the lush garden and you'll come to the Akaroa Lookout Point, offering spectacular panoramas of the Banks Peninsula landscape. Then, from the Garden of Tane, it's just another short walk to reach the Akaroa Lighthouse, built in 1878 and moved to its current site in the 1980s. Head inside to take a tour of the tower, and climb to the deck for unforgettable views of the harbor.

Looking for more incredible scenery? Put on your walking shoes and set off on the Children's Bay Walkway, a hiking path circling the cove to the east of town. Though steep at certain parts, the trail is relatively easy as it meanders through rolling meadowlands with sweeping views of the mountains rising up over the water, and it's sure to be a memorable day out for all the family.

On the picturesque Rue Lavaud is the Akaroa Museum, a must-visit if you want to learn about the area's history. Various exhibition rooms and galleries tell the past stories of both the indigenous and European peoples who made their lives on the Banks Peninsula and helped to shape Akaroa as a French settlement. Explore the displays of naval artifacts, memorabilia, and fascinating dioramas,  all for free.

You can't visit Akaroa without taking a boat cruise through the bays. Akaroa Dolphins, departing from the Main Wharf, offers catamaran tours in which you'll likely spot the local Hector's dolphins frolicking in the surf. The dolphins are curious by nature and will usually breach the water to greet the boats. In charge of sniffing out a dolphin sighting are the adorable "dolphin dogs," a team of canine crew members. Equipped with life vests and encouraged by pats, the dogs will alert everyone on board when dolphins are nearby. Knowledgeable guides will narrate the local history as the boat journeys through the harbor's spectacular volcanic landscape. You might even see penguins and fur seals along the way.

If you're hankering to join the Hector's dolphins in the water, then book a tour with Black Cat Cruises, also situated on the Main Wharf. On their exciting swimming tours, you'll get to jump in and frolic with the dolphins in their natural habitat, but remember to be respectful of these wild creatures. In the rare scenario that no dolphins appear, you will be offered a complimentary nature cruise for another chance to see some of Akaroa's wild inhabitants.

For the chance to spot more of Akaroa's resident kororā, or "little penguins," head out on an excursion with Pōhatu Penguins, a family-run eco-tourism business committed to protecting the local penguin colonies. You'll drive through the backcountry roads to visit the sheltered coves and sweeping ridges of the Banks Peninsula coastline, where the penguin colonies make their home. From wildlife encounters to the charming French atmosphere, add Akaroa in New Zealand to your bucket list.