Akaroa New Zealand information. Akaroa accommodation and hotel booking, travel, tours, activities and things to do. Events, maps and news for Akaroa NZ.
South Island map showing Akaroa
Akaroa

Akaroa

The oldest colonial town in the South Island, Akaroa is also uniquely the only French colonial settlement in the country. Set on a stunning waterfront and surrounded by craggy volcanic landforms Akaroa is a relaxed and pleasant holiday town just 82 kilometres from Christchurch City, about a 1½ hour drive.

The sparkling waters of the harbour are home to the world's smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hectors Dolphin while New Zealand Fur Seals, Little Blue Penguins and a myriad of bird life can also be spotted. The wildlife is best experienced by taking a cruise out to the headlands, on the way look out for dolphins swimming alongside the boat, and penguins inhabiting the craggy shores.

As well as wildlife cruises, you can take eco friendly sailing cruises, go swimming with the dolphins, or hire your own boat, paddle boat, or sea kayak to experience the harbour at your own pace. Back on land there are penguin colony tours, horse treks and mountain bike trails.

Akaroa Township Looking over the length of Akaroa Harbour towards the Southern Ocean

For something more relaxing, Akaroa's sandy beaches are just a walk away from most of the town, indulge in a day spa, browse the local artisan craft and fashion stores, or sit down in one of the trendy cafes, gaze at the scenery and watch the charming little town.

Many of Akaroa's older buildings are protected by the Historic Places Trust. You can hire an Audio Tour from the Akaroa Visitor Centre and listen to stories from the past as you explore on foot, or visit the Akaroa Museum to experience Maori history, and both French and British settlement.

Akaroa, which is Maori for 'Long harbour', was the region's first substantial European settlement and a safe haven for early whalers and sealers working in the Southern Ocean beyond the harbour's headlands.



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Featured Banks Peninsula Events

Quail Island Easter Egg Hunt Nancy Tichborne Retrospective Warm Glow on Canvas: Organic Dye Painting Workshop Tess Liautaud - Gold Digger Tour
Quail Island Easter Egg Hunt
Quail Island, Banks Peninsula, Christchurch District
From Friday 29 March 2024 to Monday 1 April 2024
Nancy Tichborne Retrospective
The Gallery Akaroa
Today to Sunday 14 April 2024
Warm Glow on Canvas: Organic Dye Painting Workshop
Birdlings Flat Community Centre, Banks Peninsula, Christchurch District
Saturday 20 April 2024
Tess Liautaud - Gold Digger Tour
Pigeon Bay Community Hall, Banks Peninsula, Christchurch District
Friday 24 May 2024

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