East of Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city, lies the Banks Peninsula. It’s of volcanic origin and is now carved out by many bays and fjords. The larger ones include Lyttelton Harbour in the north, home to an important port, and Akaroa Bay. In the charming and very picturesque town of Akaroa, which gives the bay its name, the character of its first settlers and founders has been preserved; unusually, these were French, which makes the place so unique. One of the most beautiful routes follows the panoramic road along the peninsula’s ridge. In autumn, the mountain peaks can sometimes be covered in hoarfrost or even snow.