Takes about 1.5hrs driving to get to Akaroa the main town on Banks Peninsula. Much to be seen on the way with the Maori museum at Okains bay well worth the visit. Good to learn some of the history of this spectacular part of NZ. To me booking a nights accommodation would be the go. Plenty of options and you can do the tourist route on the way back next day..

Check with google map for exact tme, but this is an easy days drive. One I have often done.

We had a camper van for six weeks and really enjoyed our travels. We used a site on Banks Peninsular for our last couple of nights - Akaroa Top 10 site. Not cheap but very well catered and in a great position above the town. It is a beautiful area with some good walks along the coast and up in the hills. The drive takes about 2.5 hours and the roads are quite narrow and bendy, but with fantastic views. so probably not great if it's dark for a first drive. If you are into bird watching, the area around Lake Ellesmere was full of wildlife when we were there in Nov.

Hi, The distance from the city to Banks Peninsula is less than 100km but it depends on which way you travel. The best I can suggest is using google maps. ie from the City to Little River Campground is only 45mins approx 65kms and is on flat sealed roads. From here (the gateway to Banks Peninsula) it get hilly and the road winds and can be scary if you are not used to NZ roads. Especially if you are in a large campervan and are used to driving on the other side of the road (we drive on the left). I hope this helps you and others. Marcus

There are plenty of restaurants in Akaroa - we had a simple late lunch at the Brasserie, nothing really fancy but quite ok.

Hello Mary, There are two bus companies that travel to Akaroa, via Little River. They are French Connection and Akaroa Shuttles. They cost approx $45 return. (Google Akaroabus) Kaikoura is 2 hours north of Christchurch, Akaroa 1 hour east. I hope this helps. Marcus from Little River Campground.

The easiest drive from Christchurch to Akaroa is on highway 75. From Halswell it is the one main road that leads to Tai tapu and then onto Little River. This is worth at least a stop for coffee and a look at the rt gallery before heading over the hills to Akaroa. At the Hilltop you can either drop down into Barry's Bay, or take the scenic drive around the crater of the old volcano, that is Akaroa Harbour. It is approximately one hour, but take your time as there are plenty o sites and attractions along the way. safe and enjoyable travels, and sorry I did not respond earlier.

got it.

Thanks for all the advice on a half day trip to banks Peninsula. As many locals have pointed out there is more to the peninsula than Akaroa. I trust you found the supplied information from people helpful.