Akaroa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Akaroa showing mountains
Swim with dolphins, sail around the bay and visit a sculpture and mosaic garden in this charming French and British colonial town in a volcanic setting.

Akaroa means “long harbor” in a Māori dialect and the town of Akaroa is set on the edge of a narrow and sheltered harbor. Enjoy the ambiance of this attractive heritage town, the only French settlement in New Zealand.

Just 47 miles (75 kilometers) from Christchurch, Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula is easy to reach. Akaroa sits at the heart of an ancient volcano and the landscape is dotted with the remnants of past eruptions.

Walk along the scenic waterfront and look to the hills beyond. Explore the origins of Akaroa with a visit to the little Akaroa Museum. Learn about the English and French heritage of the region, which was first settled by these Europeans in the 19th century but was already home to Māori hundreds of years earlier.

Akaroa Beach is on the eastern shore of Akaroa Harbour. Join a boat tour to swim with the rare Hector’s dolphins, sign up for a kayaking adventure or book a relaxing sailing cruise. In Flea Bay, just to the south, take a four-wheel-drive trip to the largest little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. Spot seals as well.

Visit one of the many atmospheric cafés and restaurants around town for lunch. French food is a speciality and local chefs create magic with the fresh produce from the surrounding farmlands. An all-time favorite is kumara (sweet potato) which early Māori seafarers brought to New Zealand. Head around the bay to visit Barrys Bay Cheese, which has been running since 1895, and get a bottle of local wine to complement your cheese platter.

Head out into the countryside around Akaroa for some great hiking and cycling. Short and easy trails and more challenging and adventurous tracks are available. Sensational views over the harbor and hills greet you along the way.

At the Giant's House, wander around the gardens and marvel at the colorful sculptures and mosaics with views over the bay. Learn about artist Josie Martin, who created this masterpiece around an old house built in 1880. You can even stay the night here if you’d like to prolong your stay on the enchanting Banks Peninsula.

Akaroa Criterion Motel
Akaroa Criterion Motel
4.5 out of 5
75 Rue Jolie, Akaroa
The price is ฿3,554 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
฿3,554
฿4,246 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star eco-certified motel in Akaroa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (523 reviews)
"Quiet setting with cafés and grocery shop close by. Easy walk to the main area of Akaroa. Nice view of the sea from our room. Large, comfortable room with everything we needed for our stay. Will stay there again."

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2024

Akaroa Criterion Motel
Akaroa Waterfront Motels
Akaroa Waterfront Motels
4 out of 5
56-64 Rue Jolie, Akaroa
The price is ฿3,491 per night from 12 Nov to 13 Nov
฿3,491
฿4,015 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Nov - 13 Nov
Stay at this 4-star beach motel in Akaroa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (449 reviews)
"Good sized unit, well equipped, great views."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2024

Akaroa Waterfront Motels
Tresori Motor Lodge
Tresori Motor Lodge
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Rue Jolie & Church St, Akaroa
The price is ฿3,340 per night from 6 Dec to 7 Dec
฿3,340
฿3,852 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Dec - 7 Dec
Stay at this 4.5-star motel in Akaroa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Akaroa Wharf and Akaroa Lighthouse are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (294 reviews)
"Lovely Quiet Motel, nice walk into town, really enjoyed our stay and will stay again."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Tresori Motor Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Akaroa Village Inn
Akaroa Village Inn
3 out of 5
81 Beach Road, Akaroa, Canterbury
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Akaroa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Akaroa Wharf and Akaroa Lighthouse are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (84 reviews)
"Wonderful location."

Reviewed on 18 Sep 2024

Akaroa Village Inn
Akaroa on the Beach Apartments
Akaroa on the Beach Apartments
3.5 out of 5
229 Beach Road, Akaroa
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Akaroa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Akaroa Lighthouse and Akaroa Wharf are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (65 reviews)
We will be back!
"Great space for weekend getaway, loved the holiday vibe, view, attention to detail."

Reviewed on 22 Oct 2024

Akaroa on the Beach Apartments
The Bruce Waterfront Apartments by AVI
The Bruce Waterfront Apartments by AVI
3 out of 5
81 Beach Road, Akaroa, Canterbury
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Akaroa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Akaroa Wharf and Akaroa Lighthouse are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (9 reviews)
Busy location
"Don’t be fooled by the photos. This property is 3 feet from a busy waterfront street with trucks, buses and cars passing 3 feet from your windows from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. It’s also directly across from the wharf where all the cruise ships bring their passengers all day long. The room is okay, but ..."

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2023

The Bruce Waterfront Apartments by AVI
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Akaroa

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
10
" "5 - Excellent 83.33333333333333%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 16.666666666666668%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Delightful local walks without needing to get into a car. Enjoyed the dolphin watching boat triip

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely town and harbour. Good place to take boat trip to see dolphins

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful place, great scenery and atmosphere.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful place. Village feel and stunning views travelling to and around it. Great activities on the sea and saw dolphins, penguins and a ray. The Giants House is a must.