Linton Mosaic Garden, Akaroa

The grounds of this historic Akaroa Bed and Breakfast is crammed with the creative endeavours of artist Joise. The artists garden is a masterpiece in mosaic, well worth a trip to Akaroa just to experince it alone. However there is plenty more to see besides including a fascinating little Moari chuch at Onuku.

Onuku Church

Set next to a Moari settlement just beyond Akaroa village Onuku church has an idillic location. A curious mix of moari and christian influences harking back to the days of the early settlers.

Akaroa Harbour

French influenced Akaroa is an often missed part of a tour of the South Island. It has a lot to offer those seeking relaxation and calming surroundings. It maintains most of the quaint colonial style housing from early days when the village was home to the first French colonists. There are opportunities to see Hectors dolphins and boat cruises aswell as various fine restraunts and cafes. A handful of good quality shops include an excellent gallery, jewellers and ponamu outlet.

South Bay, Kaikoura

Kaikouras South Bay is the location of many an awesome whale watching a dolphin swimming trip. A perfect place for an extra special close encounter with some of the worlds most fascinating creatures.

New Zealand bach on Birdlings Flat

Some of the most characterful ramshackled examples of Kiwi Baches I have come accross, some of them are still enhabited. These holiday houses ooze with character and are wonderful inspiration for any artist or photographer. Only in New Zealand would you find such brilliant light and superb subject matter. This bach can be found at Birdlings Flat near Little River on the Banks Peninsula.

Birdlings Flat - Banks Peninsula

The Banks Peninsula is a sun trap close to Christchurch, New Zealand. This beach is scattered with semi precious stones and lined with characterful baches (kiwi holiday homes). It is an ideal stop off on the way to Akaroa being about half way.

After visiting the beach make sure you pay a visit to the Little River art gallery which is ten minutes further towards Akaroa. Not only is this one of the best art outlets in the region, it also serves the most amazing cakes and savoury food.

Kaikoura beach

Crashing waves hit the shale beaches of Kaikoura, whale watching capital of the world. Stunning scenes line the coastline for hundreds of kilometres. You can see why people travel the world to see them. Wonderful.

Whilst sitting on this beach we were treated by a pod of Hectors dolphins playing in the waves close to the shore.

Seaside flowers

Seaside flowers glare in the seering sunlight of New Zealand. The long sunshine hours and clean air mean any plant thrives. It seems there are always flowers out, no matter what the time of year. A fantastic place to be.

Stunning Kaikouras mountain range

The Kaikoura mountain range gleam with some snow in spring against the totally blue skies.