Akaroa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Akaroa showing mountains
Akaroa
Akaroa featuring a house
Akaroa which includes general coastal views and swimming as well as a large group of people
Akaroa showing tranquil scenes
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.

Tresori Motor Lodge
Tresori Motor Lodge
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Rue Jolie & Church St, Akaroa
The price is ฿3,385 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
฿3,385
฿3,926 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 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! (299 reviews)
"Liked it was clean & very handy to all restaurants & shops"

Reviewed on 19 Nov 2024

Tresori Motor Lodge
Akaroa Criterion Motel
Akaroa Criterion Motel
4.5 out of 5
75 Rue Jolie, Akaroa
The price is ฿3,625 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
฿3,625
฿4,323 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
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! (527 reviews)
Overnight stay
"Short overnight stay. Lovely area. Great choice of restaurants nearby."

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

Akaroa Criterion Motel
Akaroa Waterfront Motels
Akaroa Waterfront Motels
4 out of 5
56-64 Rue Jolie, Akaroa
The price is ฿3,525 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
฿3,525
฿4,054 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 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! (454 reviews)
"Was in a perfect place. Wonderful views. The staff were friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 21 Nov 2024

Akaroa Waterfront Motels
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! (86 reviews)
"Great view of the harbor. Right beside various restaurants. Short stroll to supermarket."

Reviewed on 2 Nov 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
Akaroa Central Apartment
Akaroa Central Apartment
3.5 out of 5
77-79 Beach Rd, Akaroa, Canterbury
Stay at this 3.5-star beach apartment in Akaroa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Akaroa Wharf and Akaroa Lighthouse ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (24 reviews)
"Perfect location with beautiful views from the rooms. Would highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 22 Nov 2024

Akaroa Central Apartment
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%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 17%
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.