Banks Peninsula

An extinct volcanic peninsula extending into the Pacific Ocean east of Christchurch, Banks Peninsula rises to 920 metres and contains the drowned volcanic craters of Lyttelton and Akaroa harbours. The French-flavoured town of Akaroa at the harbour's head is a base for swimming with the world's smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hector's dolphin. The peninsula's crater rim walks deliver views over both harbours simultaneously.