One of Akaroa’s best spots for high-quality seasonal food and stellar harbor views, the Trading Rooms is upscale without being stuffy or pretentious. The menu skews to French and European bistro classics, with local ingredients such as Canterbury lamb and snails from the restaurant’s garden used whenever possible. Note that the restaurant cannot take lunch reservations on cruise ship days, and its enviable location near the wharf can make it hard to get a table.