Before continuing over the hill, you will be greeted by the hidden gem that is Little River. Nestled deep amongst streams, springs, and farms, it is at this delightful small town that you will have the opportunity to stretch your legs and grab a coffee for the day ahead. This is only unfortunately a brief stop, but one that will certainly be memorable with its popular store, cafe, and gallery.

Driving down the other side of Hilltop, we will make a stop at Barry’s Bay Cheese to sample some of their delicious cheeses. Founded and producing artisan cheese since 1895, to this day their handcrafted cheeses are popular with locals and tourists alike.

After departing the summit and Hilltop Lookout, we continue inland and drive through Barry’s Bay), Duvauchelles, Robinson’s Bay, and Takamatua before arriving at our destination: Akaroa. Once in the village, we will enjoy lunch and take in some of the local sights, such as the Lighthouse and waterfront, before we drop you at your pre-booked Nature Cruise of Akaroa Harbour. While on board, you will see sea caves, cliffs, and volcanic rock formations which have helped the bay as we know it today. Keep your eyes peeled for the chance to spot fur seals, white-flippered penguins, sea birds, and of course Hector’s dolphins. Making this journey extra special are the team’s expert dolphin-spotting dogs! There is no doubt that this experience is pretty special! *Please note that this product is purely for those interested in the Nature Cruise. There will be no time for additional walks or local shopping unfortunately.