Akaroa

Travel Guide
Akaroa featuring 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 HK$818 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
HK$818
HK$978 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star eco-certified motel in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (525 reviews)
"Quiet and comfortable"

Reviewed on 4 Nov 2024

Akaroa Criterion Motel
Akaroa Waterfront Motels
Akaroa Waterfront Motels
4 out of 5
56-64 Jolie Rue, Akaroa
The price is HK$802 per night from 13 Nov to 14 Nov
HK$802
HK$923 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Nov - 14 Nov
Stay at this 4-star beach motel in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our 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 HK$768 per night from 6 Dec to 7 Dec
HK$768
HK$886 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Dec - 7 Dec
Stay at this 4.5-star motel in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 WiFi, 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
SEACLUSION: Great Water Views, Wonderful for Big Families & Groups
SEACLUSION: Great Water Views, Wonderful for Big Families & Groups
Akaroa
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Akaroa. Enjoy a fitness center, a garden, and a pool table. Popular attractions Giant's House and Artisans ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (73 reviews)
Great location for family gatherings
"Great property in a perfect location. The bach is very well equipped, everything you need for a fantastic weekend away."

Reviewed on 5 Sep 2024

SEACLUSION: Great Water Views, Wonderful for Big Families & Groups
La Maison de Manu Waiata - Akaroa Holiday Home
La Maison de Manu Waiata - Akaroa Holiday Home
Akaroa
Stay at this vacation home in Akaroa. Enjoy a garden. Popular attractions Giant's House and Akaroa Museum are located nearby.
La Maison de Manu Waiata - Akaroa Holiday Home
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.