Akaroa, New Zealand is nestled on the east side of Akaroa Harbour on Banks Peninsula. The small town of less than 650 residents is along the eastern coast of the South Island. The popular resort community is about a 1.5 hour drive 50 miles south of Christchurch. This is also a frequent port-of-call for cruises ships. The name Akaroa means “Long Harbour” in the Kāi Tahu Māori language.