Le Bons Bay: A Hidden Gem Near Akaroa
Le Bons Bay, located on the picturesque Banks Peninsula in Canterbury, is renowned for its stunning beach and tranquil location. This kilometre-wide beach is perfect for safe swimming and offers plenty of space to relax. Despite its beauty, the area remains relatively quiet, with only a few houses and holiday homes nearby, and no commercial facilities.
The Origin of Le Bons Bay's Name
The name "Le Bons Bay" has several intriguing origin stories. While some might assume it was named after a French settler, this is not the case. One explanation is that pre-settlement whalers referred to it as "the bones bay" due to the abundance of dry whale bones. French whalers, on the other hand, called it Le Bon (the Good) Bay. Another story involves Captain Le Bas, who mistook the bay for Akaroa and sent a crew ashore, one of whom was named Le Bon. Today, interpreting the name as "good" aptly reflects the bay's charm and appeal.
Accessing the Beach at Le Bons Bay
You can access the beach from car parks situated behind the low dunes that back the beach. It takes only a few minutes to cross these dunes to reach the sandy shore. If you plan to spend an extended period at the beach, consider bringing a beach umbrella or other shelter, along with food and drinks, as there are no facilities available.
How to Get to Le Bons Bay
To reach Le Bons Bay from Akaroa, take State Highway 75 north, then turn onto the signposted Long Bay Road to the crater rim. At the rim, turn left onto Summit Road. After approximately 5 km along Summit Road, you will find Le Bons Bay Road on the right.
There are many other wonderful locations to explore from Summit Road, including Okains Bay, Little Akaloa, Ōtepātotu Track and Hinewai Reserve.
