Akaroa

Nearby

Christchurch Kaikoura Hanmer Springs Arthurs Pass Lake Tekapo Twizel Mt Cook

Akaroa: Understand

Population 624

Akaroa is a quaint fishing village with amazing aquatic life, numerous scenic walks and a gorgeous French flare to the village.

Akaroa: Getting In & Out

By plane:

The closest airport to Akaroa is Christchurch. See below for bus, shuttle and car rental options from Christchurch to Akaroa.

Renting a campervan or rental car is a great way to explore New Zealand with flexibility and freedom! It’s easiest to pick up/drop off rentals from the major airports in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. We recommend you book in advance. Check out our handy guides Travel New Zealand by Campervan or Travel New Zealand by Car.

By car:

The journey between Christchurch and Akaroa takes 1 hour 20 minutes. From the center of Christchurch city, get onto Moorhouse Avenue heading west. Turn left onto Lincoln Road (State Highway 75). Follow SH 75 all the way to Akaroa. The same applies in reverse.

By bus:

There is a daily bus service between Christchurch and Akaroa, with prices starting at $30. Take a look at the InterCity website to plan your bus journey.

There is also a shuttle operating between Christchurch and Akaroa. Prices for an adult are $55 return, or $35 one-way.

Akaroa: See & Do

Swim with dolphins! (Black Cat Tours) There are over 900 in the Akaroa harbour. The hector dolphins are the smallest in the world (and also the rarest). You can go out in a cruise (go with Black Cat Tours) and have them swim alongside the boat, and if weather and breeding time-of-year align, you’ll have the chance to swim with them! Turns out, Akaroa is the only place in the world you can swim with Hector Dolphins! The way these creatures move underwater is incredibly beautiful, and they’re so playful! We loved the noises they made talking to each other.

There’s also a Little Blue Penguin Colony in Akaroa, or more accurately “White-flippered Penguins”. They’re a Canterbury breed of the Australasian Little Penguin. You can go on a guided tour to see the penguins and learn about the conservation efforts that Francis and Shireen have been working on.

Rent kayaks or SUP boards and head out in the (largely) sheltered Akaroa harbour.

The Lighthouse is a short walk along the waterfront, past the jetty.

There are also some gorgeous little boutique shops along the main street. Souvenirs, designer clothing, jewellery and local artwork.

Pop into Barrys Bay Cheese to see the cheese-making process in action (October – May).

There’s also French Farm Winery on the western side of the harbour.

Hikes in and around Akaroa

Akaroa is nestled in the Southern side of Banks Peninsula providing endless opportunities to bring out the walking shoes and cameras!

Stony Bay Peak

800m peak above Akaroa

You can drive to the top of Stony Bay Road and take a 1-hour return walk.

Or, make a day of out it (pack a picnic) and do the 5-hour Skyline Circuit. Follow Rue Balguerie then Purple Peak Road. From there, follow the gravel road up where you can take the easy way to the peak via the Paripai Track or the harder Stony Bay Peak climb. Either way, the summit gives awesome views of Akaroa Harbour, the Southern Alps, and the ocean.

Hinewai Reserve

Stony Bay Peak is in Hinewai Reserve, but there are also a number of other trails in this reserve.

Tree Crop Farm
Purple Peak
Browntop Saddle

Ask for a map at iSite in the village to see the full web of trails.

If you’re up for a multi-day hike, take a look at the Banks Track below.

Multi-Day Trips Near Akaroa

The Banks Track is an awesome choice for a multi-day hike. Overview: 30km, 2-3 days. It’s a private track, so there is an entrance fee. And the accommodation isn’t your typical DOC huts, but instead rustic, homely cottages. The views over the 2-3 days vary a lot and are truly stunning – from volcanic coastline to native bush, waterfalls and sandy beaches. A very rewarding adventure.

Akaroa: Eat & Drink

La Rangis Pizzeria has great service and pizzas at a good price! Salmon & cranberry is a crowd favourite.

Murphy’s Seafood is true kiwi fish and chips, super fresh and well-priced. Located on the wharf itself, and

Celebrate in Akaroa

Ma Maison is fine dining at its best in Akaroa.

The Little Bistro is another very impressive fine dining option, living up to Akaroa’s French-ness.

Akaroa: Sleep

Chez la Mer Backpackers ($) is a bright pink historical house, located centrally in the village. It’s nice and cosy with friendly staff, providing a great base for your Akaroa activities. Free usage of bikes too!

Onuku Farm Hostel ($) is set on a lovely farm, 6km out of Akaroa. As well as your traditional backpacker dorms, privates and campground options, Onuku has private stargazing huts. We enjoyed a weekend trip here and got to experience both stunning, clear stars as well as torrential rain on our roof-window! Pretty neat.

The Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park ($) is located approximately 1km from the center of Akaroa village, elevated with gorgeous views. There’s a seasonal pool, ping pong table and a good shared kitchen.

Also be sure to check Air BnB – this is a popular choice in Akaroa due to the number of holiday houses here.

Tresori Motor Lodge ($$) offers modern studio, one and two bedroom units boasting fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, large spa baths, broadband internet plus a central location.

Paua Bay Farmstay ($$) is a charming farm stay accommodation boasting an outdoor bath, peaceful location with spectacular coastal scenery and warm kiwi hospitality.

Akaroa Criterion Motel ($$) is a spacious Apartment-style motel accommodation boasting individual balconies, double-glazed windows, under-floor heating, and spectacular harbour views.

Akaroa Village Inn ($$) Apartment style lodging with private balconies & modern amenities is located on the waterfront in the central Akaroa shopping area.

Akaroa Waterfront Motels ($$) has spacious, comfortable, fully self-contained 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units (refurbished) located in a spacious garden setting with spectacular views over the harbour.

Akaroa Cottages ($$$) offers luxurious, private cottage accommodation set on 12 acres of native bushland boasting superb panoramic views of the harbour and sea.

Akaroa on the Beach ($$$) has self-contained, waterfront architecturally designed apartments boasting luxurious ensuites, located in a private setting with spectacular sea views.