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This Week in Akaroa 
Monday 30 January - Sunday 5 February 2012
Whats on?

From Hollie Hollander
Executive Officer
Akaroa District Promotions

 There is always something happening in this wonderful town

This week is a busy week for cruise ships. On Monday we are expecting the Sun Princess & Seabourne Odyssey cruise ships into Akaroa harbour and on Tuesday the Silver Shadow. On Wednesday the Sea Princess is in the harbour & on Thursday the Century cruise ship. On Friday the Seven Seas Voyager & the Pacific Jewel cruise ships.

Monday is Waitangi Day, a public holiday.

If you feel like indulging in a cooking class, The Akaroa Cooking School have a great range of classes to teach you some new skills in the kitchen.
www.akaroacooking.co.nz or phone Ant & Lou on
021 166 3724.

 There are some great art galleries & craft shops in Akaroa. Gallery Lavaud on the main road in Akaroa has a great colection of art works to suit all tastes and budgets. The Koru Gallery which was previously Naturally Jade is not to be missed for great gifts. Studio Sixty Seven
and Ma Cherie on Beach Road at the main wharf end of town have a fantastic gift range and accessories to die for. Fire & Ice is your one stop shop for oils and gemstones and hand crafted jewellery. When out for a stroll past the lighthouse stop in and say hello to Denise Montgomery in her studio: Studio two Double one. 

 Check out the events below to find out what's going on this week. 

Dining in Akaroa is part of the cultural experience. 
Here is some info from our favourite restaurants & Cafes:  


Summer Hours for our wonderful dining places:
Bully Hayes is very popular with locals and visitors and the atmosphere is always relaxed and friendly. Thursday night is specials night. Happy hour is every night from 6.30pm onwards. 03 304 7533.
L'Hotel has a fabulous new Summer menu and one of the best harbour views in town with a great sheltered terrace. Open everyday from 11am onwards. 03 304 7559.
L'Escargot Rouge has great coffee and wonderful food with a French twist. The best pies in town can be found here. Open every day from 7.30am onwards. 03 304 8774.
Vangionis has fabulous tapas and mediterranean dining. Try interesting and flavoursome food by candle light for that special exotic dining experience. Hours: Open Wednesday-Sunday fom 5pm. Closed Monday & Tuesday. 03 304 7714.
The Trading Rooms Restaurant & Pantry are open Wednesday-Sunday for Lunch from 11am onwards and from 5.30pm onwards for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A fantastic menu and fine dining. 03 304 7656. 
The Little Bistro serves hearty, locally sourced, seasonal meals in a fantastic atmosphere. A Canterbury focused wine list completes the picture to wash down what we've termed 'rustic european' inspired cuisine. Open from 11.30am for lunch & 5pm for dinner every day. 03 304 7314.
The Stables has a wonderful garden setting and is open 7 days a week from 10am onwards. 
La Thai has views overlooking the Harbour, and combines both the aromatic fragrances and sensational flavours of Thailand to create a memorable culinary experience. Open every day except Tuesdays. Lunch 11.30am-3.00pm, Dinner 5.00pm to close.  03 304 8060. 
Ma Maison Restaurant & Bar has great views overlooking the water. Open every day 11.00am-4.00pm for Lunch. (10.00am on a cruise ship day). Happy Hour 4-6pm on the Terrace with Bar Snacks available. Dinner from 5.30pm till late. 03 304 7668.
 Bon apetit!

 
Restaurant Status
Links
Notes
Bully Hayes Open every day 8am until late for breakfast, lunch and dinner or enjoy a drink from our extensive beverage list. We offer a number of dining areas from our street frontage over looking the picturesque Akaroa harbour to a sheltered courtyard with childrens play area.
L'Escargot Rouge-Deli to Go l'Escargot Rouge is open every day from 7.30pm until 5.00pm. We have great deli food and coffee and the next best French food outside of France!
L'Hotel Le Restaurant Le Bar L'Hotel has magnificent views of the harbour, central location and lovely bar and restaurant. In the winter enjoy the open fire, candlelight dining and quiet music and in the summer lovely outdoor dining. Open every day 11.00am till late.
La Thai Open every day except Tuesdays. Lunch 11.30am-3.00pm, Dinner 5.00pm to close. Great Thai food. Indoor and outdoor dining.
The Little Bistro We are open every day over the summer from 11.30am-2.30pm for lunch and 5.30pm onwards for dinner and we look forward to seeing you.
The Trading Rooms Restaurant and Pantry Summer Hours: Open every day for lunch and dinner. Open for coffee from 10.00am, lunch 11.00am-3.00pm, dinner from 5.30pm. We have great water front views from the outside seating or private dining in our spacious restaurant.
Vangionis Trattoria and Bar Winter hours: We are open every day from 5pm onwards. Wednesday night is curry night. Great food and atmosphere, indoor and out.
Summer Photographic Competition
'Akaroa on Holiday' Summer Photographic Competition
Akaroa & the Bays is one of New Zealand's best kept secrets. Swimmers, sailors, sunbathers, hikers and sightseers find this area geologically unique. We are inviting you to submit photos that best capture the essence of Akaroa on Holiday! For a full list of the prizes and the entry form go to 'more information'.
 
Summer Exhibition
'Akaroa on Holiday' Exhibition at the Akaroa Museum
Fittingly, the summer exhibition at the Akaroa Museum is focused on Akaroa as a holiday destination, for day-trippers, campers, bach-owners, and convalescents. Titled 'Akaroa on Holiday' the exhibition includes a variety of holiday-related objects: souvenir china from the early 20th century, including many examples of the famous Pompey Penguin range; swimsuits from 50 years ago; bach items; and many images of holiday-makers enjoying the unique charms of Akaroa through a century and a half. 
 
21 January-15 February
Exhibition at the Little River Gallery-On the Wing
A kaleidoscope of texture, light and the intertwining relationship between 3D and 2D, sees a rare freedom of work with flight as its common theme. Three artists, each in their own individual and unique way, are inspired to share the myriad fantasies of flight……that vibrant sense of complete freedom that we ground dwellers can only but imagine and dream of. Sheila Brown, Merv Sarson & Rae West.
 
3-6 February
Little River Music Festival
The Little River Music Festival's 10 year anniversary is to be held on the weekend of the 3-6 February 2012. It is a fun family weekend of camping, entertainment and activities for the whole family. Set in the stunning rural property of 'La Casa Bella' amongst 100 year old walnut trees, rolling hill side and the tranquil flow of the Okana stream in Cooptown, Little River. Expect a huge and diverse range of talented musicians and plenty of activities for the kids including swimming, a waterslide, flying fox and other play equipment plus a variety of free range farm animals to interact with.
 
4 February, 3 & 31 March, 7 & 13 April, 5 & 20 May, 3 June
'Gourmet in a Day' Cooking Class at the Akaroa Cooking School with Lou Bentley
The day will kick off at 10am with tea, coffee and some freshly baked treats from the kitchen. You will then get comfortable and spend the next couple of hours watching the cooking demonstrations and learning about the produce and the techniques involved in creating a fabulous 3 course meal with some canapés to start. Then its time to tuck in to the mouth watering treats that have been demonstrated along with carefully selected matching NZ wines. The day will finish up around 3pm and you will then be free to walk off lunch around scenic Akaroa. Classes cost $195 including all food and wine.
 
5-6 February
Pigeon Bay Boating Club – 50th Celebrations
Venue: Pigeon Bay, Banks Peninsula.  Sailing starts at 11.00am on Sunday 5 February.  This race is open to classic yachts and classic boats group members are very welcome to stay for lunch and participate in the afternoon’s sailing.
Contact: Heather Walls Secretary   www.pigeonbayboatingclub.org.nz
 
Monday 6 February
Waitangi Day Celebrations in Okains Bay
Nau mai, Haere mai. Join us at the Okains Bay Maori and Colonial Museum for a family day to commemorate 172 years since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Highlights include a powhiri (traditional welcome), hangi lunch, children’s races, spot prizes and two magnificent waka on display. View the Museum’s amazing collections and enjoy continuous demonstrations all day including blacksmithing, bread baking in a traditional clay oven, early printing works, horse buggy rides, wood carving, horse shoeing, sheep shearing, saddlery, crafts and more!
 
8 & 9 February
Akaroa Golf Club 2 Day Tournament
Akaroa Golf Club, 50 yrs & Over Men’s & Women’s 2 Day Tournament, Wed 8th & Thurs 9th February, Entry Fee $40, Entries wth Index by 1/2/2012 to: akaroagolf@xtra.co.nz
Akaroa Golf Club is situated on Pawsons Valley Road, Duvauchelle. 10 minutes drive from Akaroa. This delightful 18 hole golf course occupies 28 hectares of undulating country at the head of the picturesque Akaroa Harbour. This course has long been considered one of the most scenic in Canterbury.
 
Every Friday & Saturday night
Astronomic Delights-Star Gazing
Join us to view the night sky above Akaroa. Friday & Saturday nights, 10.00pm-11.30pm. 10 inch Newtonian telescope. Heritage Park, 10 mins drive from Akaroa.
Check with us for times and conditions, Tel. 027 3000 547. Dress warm.  Hot drinks provided.
 
Saturday 11 February
The Eastern play at the Hill Top Tavern
9pm start. Free entry and free camping/van parking. The Eastern are a string band that roars like a punk band, that swings like a gospel band, that drinks like a country band, that works like a bar band, that hopes like folk singers, and sings love songs like union songs, and writes union songs like love songs, and wants to slow dance and stand on tables, all at the same time. Whether roaring as their big six piece string band or swinging the lonesome ballads as a two piece and averaging over 200 shows a year, The Eastern can hold it down in all settings for all comers.
 
Sunday 12 February, Sunday 11 March, Sunday 15 April, Saturday 2 June
'Fresh from the Wharf' Cooking Class at the Akaroa Cooking School
Seafood, seafood and more seafood. We head down to the end of the wharf to see what the boat has brought in and head back to the school to learn how to create some fabulous dishes with the fresh bounty. Book in with them now for 'Fresh from the Wharf'. A long lunch at the dining table will be served savouring every dish from the class with matching NZ wines. You will leave with all of the recipes from the day and all participants need to bring are their culinary interest and an appetite. Classes cost $195 including all food and wine.
 
Sunday 12 February
Classical Jazz Duo-Cathy Irons & Barry Brinson
A Classical Jazz & Romantic concert by Musicians: Cathy Irons (violin) & Barry Brinson (piano) with Works by: Kreisler, Massenet, Elgar, Gershwin, Autumn Leaves, Fly me to the Moon and more...
Time: 3pm, Venue: St Peters Church, Akaroa, Tickets: $20 door sales or presales $18 www.eventfinder.co.nz
 
Saturday 18 February, Friday 6 April
'The Ultimate BBQ'-Cooking Class at the Akaroa Cooking School
This class is a must for those of you looking to completely upgrade their BBQ skills and learn how to cook a new repertoire of delicious BBQ recipes. The cooking school chefs will run through the BBQ essentials including great produce, what to look for and where to source it. They will also demonstrate the best techniques to cook produce such as chicken, lamb, beef and most importantly how to cook the perfect steak. They will also show you how to use the hot smoker and demonstrate on some freshly caught fish and pork chipolatas. It's thirsty work with the BBQ so there will be plenty of matching local beer and wines to help quench the palate throughout the day. The day begins at 10am for coffee and pastries and will conclude around 4pm. This is our last BBQ class for the summer season - limited spaces $195 including all food, wine and recipes.
 
Sunday 19 February
La Grande Swim
La Grande Swim is the fourth race in the hugely successful State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series.  Choose to take part in one of four achievable swim distances on the day including the 200m State OceanKids, ‘Give It A Go’ 300m swim,  ‘Step It Up' 1000m swim or the more challenging ‘I’m Going Long’ 2.8km swim around the Bay. The State La Grande swim is Christchurch’s largest open water swimming event (now in Akaroa!) so why not come and be part of something special. Every entrant receives a free pair of State goggles*, swim cap and goody pack with their entry.
 
Friday 24 February
Paul Ubana Jones Plays at the Hill Top Tavern
8pm, $15 cover charge. Born in London to a Yorkshire mother and a Nigerian father, Paul Ubana Jones was playing guitar by the age of 11, beginning a three decade career that would see him crossing continents and recording seven albums of mostly original songs.
 
Saturday 25 February, Friday 27 April
'A Day in Thailand' Cooking Class at the Akaroa Cooking School
From making and cooking dumplings, dipping sauces, Thai curries, stir fry's, Pad Thai, Asian salads, this class is perfect for those who love Thai food and are keen to learn the tips and techniques on maximising those flavours we all love about Thai food. The cooking school team will also show you the essential kitchen equipment required to help in the cooking process, where to buy them and also where to source authentic Thai ingredients. The day begins at 10am for coffee and pastries and will conclude around 4pm. This is a one off class - limited spaces $195 including all food, wine, beer and recipes.
 
Monday 5th March
Akaroa Golf Club-Ladies 9 Hole Tournament
Akaroa Golf Club-Ladies 9 Hole Tournament. All Fairways On The Flat is on Monday 5th March. Entry Fee $15 includes Morning Tea, Lunch & 2¡äs, Morning Tea 10am, Starting Time 10.30am, Entries with Hcp Index by Tues. 28th Feb to: Elisabeth Hutchinson or Fran Anderson – Manager 03 304 5704 Email akaroagolf@xtra.co.nz
Akaroa Golf Club is situated on Pawsons Valley Road, Duvauchelle. 10 minutes drive from Akaroa. This delightful 18 hole golf course occupies 28 hectares of undulating country at the head of the picturesque Akaroa Harbour. This course has long been considered one of the most scenic in Canterbury.
 
Every Monday night
Akaroa Bridge Club
Akaroa Bridge Club has 40 members who play mixed grade on Monday nights 7.30pm at The Presbyterian Church Hall cnr Rue Jolie & Rue Pompalier. Table money is $3 per person. Play usually finishes about 10.30pm & is followed by a cup of tea. Visitors are welcome. Partners may be found for those who need one. See the website or phone Prue on 03 304 6840. 

 
Sunday 25 March, Friday 4 May, Saturday 26 May
A Day in Italy-Cooking Class at the Akaroa Cooking School
Inspired by travels throughout Italy, we share our favourite Italian dishes into a one off special class - 'A Day in Italy'. Based on a traditional trattoria menu we will make home made pasta, risotto, bake ciabatta, and many other classics that will transport you to Italy for the day. Cooking and eating is absolutely central to family life in Italy and a long lunch around the schools large dining table with matching wines will follow the demonstrations. The day will finish up around 4pm. $195 including all food, wine and recipes.
 
Every Friday Night
Social Dance Evenings-French Jive
Want to come dancing?. Dance is for everyone. A fun, friendly, evening, for all ages. A wonderful way to meet the locals & friends. Keep fit in a pleasant relaxing way. Music is top 40 to contempory. Join any time through the year. No partner necessary. Dance like the stars every Friday. We teach French/ Modern Jive. You will be dancing after one lesson. Dress: Casual.  Shoes smooth soled. Fridays, Presbyterian Church Hall, Akaroa. $10 per class with consession tickets available.
 
Every Saturday from Spring to Autumn
Akaroa Farmers Market
The Akaroa Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9.30am-1.00pm in the Snuggle Inn car park (next to the Akaroa 4 square Super market). Banks Peninsula has an abundance of produce and a great micro-climate and lots of passionate gardeners. For sale you will find locally grown fruit, veges, herbs, honey, olive oil, olives, nuts and flowers plus locally produced preserves, pickles, jams, sauces, bread, pastries, cheeses, honey, lavender products and plants and lots more.
 
Saturday 31 March 2012 & Saturday 23 March 2013
Le Race
This annual cycle race starts in the middle of Christchurch at 7.30am for the pre-race briefing and then it's all go at 8.00am. The finish line is in the centre of Akaroa, followed by prize giving on the Akaroa recreation ground. Make a weekend of it by booking into 1 of the many wonderful B&B's in Akaroa and enjoy a family weekend away. Be warned!. This is not your ordinary 100 km race. Hugely popular across all abilities, amazing views and more hills than you can shake a pump at.
 
Saturday 21 April
Akaroa Harvest Festival
Celebrating the flourishing food and wine industries, the very first Akaroa Harvest Festival will be held at the Akaroa Recreation Ground. Award winning wineries to Gold Medal olive oil makers, the best of the Peninsula will be on show, representing the regions spectacular offerings. For more information go to 'more information' link below.
 
Sunday 22 April
'Autumn Harvest' Class at the Akaroa Cooking School
The Akaroa Cooking School will be sharing autumn recipes from seasonal produce we have collected from in and around Akaroa and the harbour. The cooking school team will demonstrate lots of simple mouth watering recipes with the produce we have collected and the day will finish up by having an autumn feast at the large dining table with matching NZ wines.We will demonstrate that by using great produce and following the right cooking techniques, you can produce restaurant quality food right there in your own home. The day will finish up around 4pm. $195 including all food, wine and recipes.
 
Open 7 days a week over Summer
Akaroa Cine Cafe
If you haven’t been to Akaroa’s boutique Cinema, you’ve missed a great cinema experience. Currently open 7 days a week with sumptuous, luxurious and plush seating with a table for your coffee or glass of wine and the best of art, foreign, classic and new films. For a list of movies showing right now, go to 'More Information' and view their web site or phone 03 304 7678. The cafe opens at 10am and films start at approx 1pm.
 
Sunday 29 April
'Vegetarian Feast' Cooking Class with Lou Bentley
Come along and learn an inspired range of interesting, satisfying and nutritious vegetarian recipies that will make even the avid meat eater jealous of. We will show you a great range of vegetarian recipes that will make your next dinner party an occasion none of your friends are going to want to miss. Then its time to tuck in to the mouth watering treats that have been demonstrated along with carefully selected matching NZ wines. The day will finish up around 3.30pm. $180 incl all food, wine & Recipes.
 
Permanent Exhibition
Permanent Exhibition at the Akaroa Museum
Salute to Adventure – the Frank Worsley story. Catch the exhibition at the Akaroa Museum and discover one of the most amazing stories of survival of the 20th century. Worsley was a supreme mariner, an unforgettable character and an irrepressible adventurer. The Museum is open 10-4pm daily.
 
Wednesday 10 October
Akaroa Golf Club-Akaroa Women's Open Tournament
Akaroa Golf Club-Akaroa Women's Open Tournament to be held on Wed. 10th October. Stroke & Stableford, 3 Grades  0 to 40.4, Entry Fee $25, Entries with Hcp Index to: (03)304 5704, akaroagolf@xtra.co.nz
Akaroa Golf Club is situated on Pawsons Valley Road, Duvauchelle. 10 minutes drive from Akaroa. This delightful 18 hole golf course occupies 28 hectares of undulating country at the head of the picturesque Akaroa Harbour. This course has long been considered one of the most scenic in Canterbury.
 
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 November 2012
'Inside Out'-Akaroa & the Bays House & Garden Tour
'Inside Out'-Akaroa & the Bays House & Garden tour. Following on from the popularity of the 2010 House & Garden tour, we are pleased to inform it is coming back in 2012. A range of wonderful houses and gardens to visit over the weekend. Some famous gardens and a fantastic opportunity to visit some new ones plus have a peak into the homes. Tickets will be on sale in September 2012 and will be $25 from the Akaroa Museum, Little River Gallery and Ballantynes. Take your time and come and stay the weekend as there are a huge range of exciting homes & gardens that will send you all over the Peninsula.
 
Thursday 27 December
Xmas Tournament at the Akaroa Golf Club
All are welcome to attend the Christmas tournament at the picturesque Akaroa Golf Club. Mixed. Start time 12 noon. Entry fee is $25. Includes two's and afternoon tea. For Entries please contact Fran on 03 304 5704 or email on akaroagolf@xtra.co.nz
Akaroa Golf Club is situated on Pawsons Valley Road, Duvauchelle. 10 minutes drive from Akaroa. This delightful 18 hole golf course occupies 28 hectares of undulating country at the head of the picturesque Akaroa Harbour. This course has long been considered one of the most scenic in Canterbury.
 
Wednesday 2 January
Akaroa Golf Club Men's New Year Tournament
You are invited to join us for the Akaroa Golf Club Men's New Year tournament. Start time 11.30am. Entry fee is $25 (Incl 2's and light food). Wednesday 2nd January, Report 11am, Starting Time 11.30am, Entry Fee $25 includes Twos & Afternoon tea. Entries with Index to akaroagolf@xtra.co.nz. Post Entries accepted. Akaroa Golf Club is situated on Pawsons Valley Road, Duvauchelle. 10 minutes drive from Akaroa. This delightful 18 hole golf course occupies 28 hectares of undulating country at the head of the picturesque Akaroa Harbour. This course has long been considered one of the most scenic in Canterbury.
 
Thursday 3 January
Akaroa Golf Club-Womens New Years Tournament
Akaroa Golf Club-Ladies Wine & Roses tournament. 3 Grades (0 to 40.4)
Stableford. Entry fee $25 includes Twos & Afternoon tea. Starting time 9.30am. Report to clubhouse by 9.00am. Report 9am. Entries with index to akaroagolf@xtra.co.nz Post Entries accepted. Akaroa Golf Club is situated on Pawsons Valley, Road, Duvauchelle. 10 minutes drive from Akaroa. This delightful 18 hole golf course occupies 28 hectares of undulating country at the head of the picturesque Akaroa Harbour. This course has long been considered one of the most scenic in Canterbury.
 
   
 
 
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Akaroa District Promotions | 80 Rue Lavaud | Akaroa | Phone 03 304 7816