Banks Peninsula is known as the “Playground” for Christchurch people,is only 20 minutes drive away from Governors Bay. There is much to explore. Take a leisurely 15-minute drive around the bays to the historic Lyttelton. This working port town has shops and a choice of café/bars. Watch the ships come in or jump aboard and take a harbour cruise to see the Hector Dolphins. Visit Quail Island for a relaxed walk, swim or just soak up the history. There is even an original steam tug which is fun to cruise the harbour on. Visit a working Timeball station or local museum. Safe swimming and children’s play area await you at Corsair Bay.
Back in Governors Bay our local café/wine bar and hotel are popular for meals or just to relax with a drink. Akaroa French settlement is just one hour from Governors Bay. Make a day of it to explore what the harbour has to offer, you may be able to swim with the dolphins there, visit wineries or browse the speciality shops. A must do stop enroute is the Little River Art/Craft Gallery and a joining café. Banks Peninsula offers many well-maintained walks to hill tracks with stands of native bush. Sit, relax, listen to the native bird song and take in the stunning views.
