Visiting Akaroa - (Pre-visit Worksheet )
STUDENT WORKSHEET
Akaroa Trip – Pre Visit Worksheet
Name: __________________ | Date: __________________
PART 1: Reading – The History of Akaroa
Read the text and answer the questions.
Akaroa – A town with two cultures
Akaroa is a historic town located on Banks Peninsula in New Zealand. It is about 90 kilometres from Christchurch and is well known for its natural beauty and wildlife.
Before European arrival, Māori tribes lived in the area and used the harbour as an important place for fishing and travel. They called the area Wainui.
In 1840, French settlers arrived in Akaroa and tried to establish a French settlement. Although New Zealand became a British colony, the French influence remained. Today, many street names, buildings, and local events in Akaroa reflect this French history.
Akaroa is also famous for rare wildlife such as the Hector’s dolphin, which is one of the smallest dolphins in the world.
Questions
1. Where is Akaroa located?
2. What was the Māori name for Akaroa?
3. Why is French culture still visible in Akaroa today?
4. What makes Hector’s dolphins special?
PART 2: Vocabulary – Key Words
Match the words with their meanings.
Word Meaning
1. Peninsula a) A group of people who move to a new country
2. Settlers b) A narrow area of land surrounded by water
3. Colony c) Place where a country controls another area
4. Rare d) Not common, unusual
Write the correct letter:
1 → ______
2 → ______
3 → ______
4 → _____
PART 3: Black Cat Dolphin Cruise – Reading
Read the text and answer.
On the Black Cat Cruise in Akaroa Harbour, visitors travel by boat into the open water. The guides explain the natural environment and help visitors spot dolphins, seals, seabirds, and sometimes penguins. The tour is educational, peaceful, and respectful to the animals.
Questions
1. How do visitors travel during the tour?
2. What do the guides do?
3. Name two animals you might see:
_____________________ and _____________________
4. Is the tour noisy or peaceful?
PART 4: Speaking – Trip Preparation
Complete the sentences and practise speaking.
1. I am excited about this trip because
2. I want to see ______________________ because
3. I will bring _______________________ so that
(Students practise answers in pairs.)
PART 5: Writing – My Visit to Akaroa
Write a short paragraph (6–8 sentences).
Include: ✅ One fact about Akaroa
✅ Two animals you want to see
✅ How you feel about the trip
Write here:
🧑🏫 TEACHER ANSWER SHEET
Part 1 – Reading
1. It is on Banks Peninsula, near Christchurch, New Zealand.
2. Wainui
3. Because French settlers arrived and their culture remained in street names, buildings, and events.
4. They are very small / they are one of the smallest dolphins in the world.
Part 2 – Vocabulary
1 → b
2 → a
3 → c
4 → d
Part 3 – Black Cat Cruise
1. By boat
2. They explain the environment and help visitors see animals
3. Possible answers: dolphins, seals, seabirds, penguins
4. Peaceful
Part 4 – Speaking
Student answers will vary.
Part 5 – Writing
Check for: ✅ Clear sentences
✅ Correct basic grammar
✅ Use of key vocabulary
✅ Task requirements included