A-Z of NZ Locations, Road Trips, The Motorhoming Years

A-Z of NZ Locations – Banks Peninsula

Suzanne

Many moons ago, across NZ, the land was forged by volcanic explosions, and Banks Peninsula is no exception. It covers approximately 1,150 square kilometres and encompasses two large harbours and many smaller bays and coves.

So, let’s head over the hills to visit this gorgeous area, just an 86-kilometre drive from Christchurch, and our destination for the night, or more precisely, Frenchman’s Bay. 20 odd kilometres from Akaroa township. Closer enough to devour some French cuisine and far enough away for a tranquil night’s rest.

The winding road down to Akaroa, in a 10.5m motorhome towing a car, was as much fun as being in a small room with firecrackers and a cat. I know, slight exaggeration. Though I never enjoyed narrow roads or oncoming traffic as a passenger in “PurrInn”.

Years ago, freedom camping was less restrictive than now. Parking right by the shore was a wonderful thing, and a thing we frequently indulged in. Nearly as many as French pastries.

Taken – approx 2008/9, when we lived full-time in our mobile home (PurrInn) and the high-mileage towed vehicle that lasted for years; she was a real workhorse. We had fewer solar panels during that trip and relied on a diesel generator. Not ideal, and we soon rectified that problem.
Relaxed driver when the engine was turned off, relaxing over a well-earned coffee.

Relaxing Day Trips

Luckily for us, we didn’t require their services. Though it was fun to capture and wander around this small settlement.
Exploring the multitude of bays, including Akaroa.
Frenchmans Bay – This small seaside village was originally settled by French whalers.

As New Zealandā€™s only French settlement, the town exudes a certain je ne sais quoi, with a colourful history and architecture, great food, quaint accommodation, and stunning scenery.

A lovely addition to the small settlement is the rare Hector dolphin, which decided to call this place home, too.

Time for another visit? I think so.

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Published by Suzanne

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47 thoughts on “A-Z of NZ Locations – Banks Peninsula”

    1. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring the area, Jo. I will definitely do a few South Is roadtrips, just not sure when. We have family down there is various areas so a trip is well overdue.

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        1. Oh, unfortunately, Les hasn’t traveled out of Tauranga for a while. Even very short trips to the beach exhaust him. He loves people visiting or ringing for a chat. Yes, good times and a reminder of how much we’ve done together. Thanks, Jo xx

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  12. We stayed in Akaroa a few Yeagerā€™s ago, reliving experiences from my university days. Persistent low cloud made the views more atmospheric than scenic, but it was still a great visit.

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      1. True. We take a K-Pod, mini teardrop caravan, so have lots of flexibility to move on. In Kāwhia tonight after 2 nights in Raglan. Heading south towards home tomorrow. A series of blogs coming on our 2-week trip.

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    1. 22-foot van is an ideal size to enjoy getting out exploring. Les did so well, especially with me swearing under my breath when he was driving around tight corners. We survived.
      Without humour, I would’ve gone crazy years ago šŸ˜Š

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  14. We fly to Auckland in about a month and will board a cruise ship that promises to hit the highlights, but nothing in-depth. I am expecting to see scenes like the ones you’ve posted here. Tauranga is one of the ports of call we will visit. Is there anything that we shouldn’t miss during our 8 hours in port? Everyone suggests Hobbittown, but that seems very commercial. Thanks for sharing this timely post. It definitely contributed to my excitement.

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    1. I suggest you go to Hobbit Town as even locals rave about it. It’s extremely well created and fun to explore. After our recent weather event, I would spend more time elsewhere to experience something unique.

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    2. There is The Elms | Te Papa in central Tauranga that is worth visiting though that would take up perhaps a few hours. I’m not sure you would be able to take in Hobbit town as well as the historic Elms.

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  17. Other than the narrow roads, that looks like so much fun, Suzanne. My husband and I renovated an old van into a campervan, and this year we’re planning to seek out hideaways, old roads, forest trails, and coasts. A bit of time on the road with limited worries. Your post got me excited for that. I hope you get to Frenchman’s Bay again. It looks lovely.

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