Christchurch First Stop | Hidden Gem French-Style Town: Akaroa

✨ Just a 1.5-hour drive from Christchurch lies this underrated French-inspired town—Akaroa. A perfect blend of coastal charm, quirky farms, and jaw-dropping views, it’s a must-visit for anyone craving a laid-back escape. Here’s my full recap: 🦙 Shamarra Alpacas Farm We started with a 1-hour alpaca encounter at Shamarra Alpacas (book ahead！). Check in 15 mins early, and join a friendly guide for a mix of Chinese/English explanations—they’ll teach you about alpaca behavior, then lead you to feed the girls (yes, they’re all female here！). Pro tips: • The farm is run by a Taiwanese owner, so most visitors are fellow Chinese—easy to chat with！ • After feeding, grab light snacks (they’re delicious！) and snap photos with the alpacas. They’re super interactive—if you have treats, they’ll swarm you… but finish fast, or they’ll wander off！ • The farm sells alpaca-themed goodies (hats, scarves, etc.)—cute souvenirs, but not a must-buy unless you’re obsessed！ 🚗 Akaroa Town Stroll Post-farm, wander the town at your leisure. No need for a strict itinerary—just soak in the vibe: pastel houses, cozy cafés, and the scent of fresh seafood. My favorite? Sitting by the harbor, watching boats bob and seagulls glide. Pure bliss！ 🌊 Akaroa Head Scenic Reserve Don’t miss this hidden gem！ The road is gravelly (drive carefully！), and you’ll need to walk a short trail from the parking lot. The payoff? • Elephant Trunk Cliff: A dramatic rock formation that looks like… well, an elephant’s trunk！ • Endless Blue Sea: Beyond the cliff, stretch miles of turquoise ocean—so clear, you can see fish darting below. Photos don’t do it justice—breathtaking！ Pro tip: Drive back down the mountain for epic town views—sunset here is magic！ 🍽️ Ma Maison Restaurant A must-dine spot with insane views (face-to-sea！). The food? Fresh, flavorful, and worth every cent： • Oysters: Plump and briny—best I’ve had in NZ！ • Salmon Crudo: Bright, zesty, and melt-in-your-mouth. • Lamb Chop: Tender and perfectly seasoned. • Fried Chicken: Crispy outside, juicy inside—unreal！ 🏡 Accommodation Tip Akaroa is tiny—book your stay months in advance if you want a (I tried 2 months ahead, and they were sold out！). If you can swing it, spend a second night—this town deserves slow exploration. Akaroa isn’t just a “stopover”—it’s a full-day (or two！) of joy. From alpaca cuddles to coastal hikes, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay forever. 🦙🌊🍽️ #Travel #NewZealand #Christchurch #Akaroa #HiddenGem #FrenchTown #Wanderlust