Akaroa is built inside the eroded crater of one of the extinct volcanos that form the Banks Peninsula, an outcrop of land reaching into the Pacific Ocean from South Island of New Zealand's east coast.
Volcanic eruptions ceased some six million year ago, and since then the land has been eroded and the sea has broken through the crater to form a deep sheltered harbour.
Located on the harbour's sheltered south east side, Akaroa is a sunny and tranquil place to visit or live.