It's not really off the beaten path, but when your in Christchurch there are a couple of places that you should really go to complete the whole trip. 1 is Akaroa, this is a town that was first settled by the French. It's about an hour or so drive from Christchurch and is just a fascinating wee town. All the streets are actually rues ie: Rue Lavaud. There are some really cool boutique shops, cafes, and some pretty good restaurants, I would probably advise staying a couple of days if you've got time. Also, on your way through to Akaroa from Christchurch, you pass a place called Barry's Bay, this is almost directly after you've complete the big hill descent, you'll know it when you get there! There is a cheese factory there that has some awesome cheese, oh yeah, and don't forget the Akaroa Winery! Definite must!
# 2 is Kaikoura. Kai is food in Maori, and Koura can roughly be translated as Crayfish in Maori...and this is what Kaikoura is famous for....food Crayfish...lots of it. Kaikoura is about 2-3 hours North of Christchurch...just follow state highway 1. Kaikoura is not only known for Crayfish, but is also known for Swim with the Dolphins, Whalewatch, and a lot of people go diving around the area. It is also probably one of the South Island's surf mecca's with Kahutara, Maungamaunu, Meatworks, Graveyards and a few other surfable breaks...Kahutara and Maugamaunu possibly 2 of the more well known breaks but Meatworks is by far the most grunty...short rides, and usually you'll be contending with some pretty high caliber surfers. Maungamaunu is probably New Zealand's second best point break after Raglan.
Just some general info anyway!
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on Aug 24, 2002
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