Entrepreneurs take on cruise tourists

Entrepreneurs are making the most of the influx of tourists to Akaroa.

Banks Peninsula businessman Richard Lovett bought a 1996 Honda Goldwing and sidecar on Trade Me for a tourism venture because 80 cruise ships are scheduled to visit Akaroa this summer. Last summer, the little harbour with the French connection hosted only 11.

Every cruise ship day he stakes out the taxi stand near the main wharf. Business is picking up from tourists and locals alike, he said.

The sidecar tour was something different and an added attraction for visiting passengers, he said.

"It's amazing for views over the harbour, especially up the Summit Road."

Akaroa had to cater to the tourists because if there was nothing to do they would not come back.

Dawn Princess passengers Nick and Anna-Marie Vander Werff, of Adelaide, took a ride around the town and neighbouring bays.

The trip was beautiful and informative, and they learned a lot about the efforts to rejuvenate native bush in the area, Anna-Marie Vander Werff said.

"You've got a beautiful town here," Nick Vander Werff said.

The couple said they would spend the rest of their day explore Akaroa on foot.

Motorbike owner Lovett and his wife Sue have lived in the Akaroa area for about a decade and owned a luxury retreat in nearby Robinsons Bay for the past five years.

Kevin Parthonnaud of Akaroa sells his photographs and other art at the Banks Peninsula Craft Market on cruise ship days.

An expatriate Frenchman, Parthonnaud has lived in Akaroa working as a roofer and sea kayaking guide for the past few years.

His rented Akaroa home was damaged in the February quake and he returned to his hometown in Bordeaux for nine months before returning to New Zealand.

A lull in work prompted him to set up his stall selling landscape and wildlife photographs during the cruise ship season.

Wool Yarns and Fibres owner Anna Harris had lost her Arts Centre store in the September quake and the market was a real boost.

The part-time teacher has been driving to Akaroa for the market each cruise ship day since December 2. "It's been worth my while. It's been great. It's been my lifeline – I can pay a few debts off now."

- © Fairfax NZ News