Best Things to do in Akaroa, New Zealand

The first time I visited Akaroa, it wasn’t actually the place I thought I was going to see.

Our cruise itinerary listed Christchurch, so I had been looking forward to spending the day exploring the city. Then I discovered that our ship would actually be stopping in Akaroa, around 80 kilometres away.

Rather than spending a good chunk of our day travelling backwards and forwards to Christchurch, we decided to stay put and explore Akaroa instead.

And I’m glad we did.

I enjoyed Akaroa enough that I returned last year, this time on a day trip from Christchurch with a friend. We didn’t pack too much into the day.

We wandered around town, had lunch and visited the Giant’s House – somewhere I’d been before but was very happy to visit again since my friend hadn’t seen it.

Sitting on Banks Peninsula, Akaroa is a small harbour town with an interesting mix of Māori, French and British history, colourful historic buildings, walking trails and some incredible wildlife just offshore.

It’s particularly well known for Hector’s dolphins, the world’s smallest marine dolphin.

But you don’t need to get on a boat or fill every minute of your day to enjoy Akaroa. It’s a lovely place to simply wander along the waterfront, visit one or two attractions and find somewhere for a leisurely lunch.

Here are some of the best things to do in Akaroa, whether you’re visiting for a day trip from Christchurch, arriving on a cruise or spending a few days exploring Banks Peninsula.

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Things to do in Akaroa, New Zealand

One of the things I like about Akaroa is that you don’t really need a big plan.

You can easily spend a few hours wandering along the waterfront and through the streets, stopping for lunch and seeing what you find along the way.

Keep an eye out for some of the quirky things locals have added around town too – on my first visit I found everything from a huge carved bear to a tiny kiwi taking a turn on the Bon Accord Bungy.

If you want to do more, there are museums and historic sites, walking trails, wildlife cruises and plenty of ways to get out on Akaroa Harbour.

Check out the Akaroa Lighthouse

The Akaroa Lighthouse is an easy place to include while you’re wandering around town.

The lighthouse was originally built at Akaroa Heads, at the entrance to the harbour, and first operated in 1880.

After it was replaced by an automated light, the old wooden lighthouse was dismantled and moved to its current position on the Akaroa waterfront.

Today it makes a good turnaround point for a walk along the foreshore from the centre of town.

The lighthouse isn’t open every day, so check the current opening times if you’d like to see inside.

Hike to the Britomart Monument

If you want to extend your walk beyond the lighthouse, continue around the waterfront to the Britomart Monument.

The monument marks the arrival of HMS Britomart in August 1840, when Captain Owen Stanley raised the British flag at Akaroa. A group of French and German settlers was also on its way to Banks Peninsula at the time.

The history is more complicated than simply Britain beating France to Akaroa. Māori had lived on Banks Peninsula for centuries before Europeans arrived, and British sovereignty over New Zealand had already been proclaimed earlier in 1840.

Even if the history isn’t your main interest, the short walk out here offers some lovely views across Akaroa Harbour.

Be Amazed at the Giant’s House Akaroa

If you only have time for one paid attraction in Akaroa, the Giant’s House would be high on my list.

Before my first visit, a friend from Christchurch told me I simply had to go. I’d never heard of it and, from the name, I was imagining some sort of oversized house filled with enormous furniture.

It’s nothing like that.

The Giant’s House is the home and garden of artist Josie Martin, with the hillside gardens filled with colourful mosaics, sculptures and wonderfully quirky pieces of art.

I enjoyed it so much on that first visit that when I returned to Akaroa last year with a friend who hadn’t been before, I happily went again.

And I enjoyed it just as much the second time.

Allow at least an hour to wander through the gardens, although it’s very easy to spend longer taking in all the little details.

The Giant’s House is uphill from the centre of Akaroa, so be prepared for a bit of a climb to get there.

Hike to the Rhino in the Hills

For something a little different, take the Children’s Bay Farm Walkway to find the giant rhino overlooking Akaroa.

It’s about an hour return to the rhino viewpoint, with an uphill walk to reach the ridge.

The rhino isn’t the only surprise. Keep an eye out for some of the other animal sculptures along the way, including giraffes and a crocodile.

You’ll also get some great views across Akaroa and the harbour as you climb.

If you have more time, longer routes continue around the headland, including a circuit via Takamatua.

The walkway crosses private farmland, so stick to the marked tracks and respect the property and livestock.

Hike to Newtons Falls

Another free thing to do in Akaroa is walk to Newton’s Waterfall in Misty Peaks Reserve behind the town.

It’s about an hour return if you walk from Akaroa, or you can drive to the end of Aylmers Valley Road and walk the final section.

Like many waterfalls, how impressive it is will depend on recent rainfall, so don’t necessarily expect a thundering waterfall after a dry spell.

Hike or Bike to Misty Peak

If you’re looking for a longer walk, head into the hills behind Akaroa and explore the tracks through Misty Peaks Reserve.

There are several routes that can be combined into longer walks, with some fantastic elevated views over Akaroa Harbour and Banks Peninsula.

Check the current track and weather conditions before setting out, and take water and appropriate footwear.

Stop for Lunch in Akaroa

Don’t pack your Akaroa itinerary so tightly that you don’t leave time for lunch.

There are plenty of cafés and restaurants around the centre of town and along the waterfront, and on both of my visits we made time to stop for something to eat.

On my more recent day trip, lunch was simply part of our relaxed day – wandering around town, visiting the Giant’s House and stopping when we felt like it rather than rushing from one attraction to the next.

If the weather is behaving, find somewhere with outdoor seating and enjoy being by the harbour for a while.

See the Akaroa Dolphins

See Hector’s Dolphins and Other Akaroa Wildlife

One of the biggest reasons to get out on Akaroa Harbour is the chance to see Hector’s dolphins.

These little dolphins are endemic to New Zealand and are the world’s smallest marine dolphin. They’re easily recognised by their distinctive rounded dorsal fin.

Banks Peninsula is an important stronghold for Hector’s dolphins, and several permitted operators run wildlife cruises from Akaroa.

Akaroa Dolphins is one option, and they have the added novelty of dolphin-spotting dogs joining some of their cruises.

Click here to check prices and availability for an Akaroa Dolphins harbour cruise

Black Cat Cruises also operates nature cruises, with the chance to see Hector’s dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, little penguins and other seabirds.

Click here to check prices and availability for the Black Cat Akaroa Nature Cruise

Remember that these are wild animals, so sightings can never be absolutely guaranteed.

Swim with Hector’s Dolphins

It’s also possible to swim with wild Hector’s dolphins in Akaroa.

Black Cat Cruises is one of the permitted operators offering dolphin swimming trips in the harbour. The dolphins are completely wild, so it’s up to them whether they come over to investigate.

There are strict rules around interactions with Hector’s dolphins, and commercial dolphin viewing and swimming trips are limited to help reduce the impact of tourism on them.

If this is something you particularly want to do, I’d book ahead.

Click here to see current prices and availability for swimming with dolphins in Akaroa

Kayak Around Akaroa Harbour

If you’d rather be on the water than watching it from the shore, kayaking is another way to explore Akaroa Harbour.

You can head out independently or join a guided sea kayaking tour. A guided trip is particularly useful if you’re not an experienced sea kayaker, with local knowledge about conditions, wildlife and the surrounding landscape.

You might see Hector’s dolphins or other wildlife while you’re paddling, but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Click here to check prices and availability for a guided sea kayaking tour in Akaroa

Look for Ghosts at the Dead Centre of Town

Okay, you probably won’t find any ghosts, but Akaroa’s old cemeteries are an interesting place to wander if, like me, you find yourself reading old gravestones when you travel.

I ended up here after spotting a sign pointing towards the Dissenters’ Cemetery. Of course, I immediately wanted to know what that was all about.

Akaroa has several historic cemeteries reflecting the different communities and denominations that lived here. The Anglican, Catholic and Dissenters’ cemeteries sit on the hillside above town, while the French Cemetery is at the other end of Akaroa on Rue Brittan.

The headstones and information signs offer little glimpses into the people who lived here and the history of the town.

Visit the Akaroa Art Gallery

If you enjoy discovering small local galleries while you travel, pop into the Akaroa Art Gallery in the historic Orion Powerhouse.

The gallery hosts changing exhibitions featuring local and visiting artists. You can also see some of the machinery from the building’s former life as Akaroa’s electricity powerhouse.

It’s free to visit and an easy addition while you’re wandering around town. Check the opening days before visiting.

Learn More at Akaroa Museum

Akaroa Museum is a good place to learn more about the town and Banks Peninsula, including Māori and European settlement and the changing life of the local community.

The museum complex also includes historic buildings, including Langlois-Eteveneaux House, which dates from the early years of European settlement in Akaroa.

It’s free to visit and small enough to easily include during a day trip.

Spend a Day at the Akaroa Cooking School

If you’re staying in Akaroa for longer – or food is a big part of your travels – you could spend a day at the Akaroa Cooking School.

Most of the regular classes are demonstrations followed by a long lunch, where you’ll eat the dishes you’ve watched being prepared, usually accompanied by matching New Zealand wines.

The program changes throughout the year, with everything from French and Italian food to Asian flavours and seafood.

Because the experience takes up much of the day, I’d save this one for a longer stay rather than trying to squeeze it into a day trip.

Things to do Around Akaroa

If you have a car and a little more time, there are also some worthwhile places to explore beyond town.

Go Walking at Hinewai Reserve

Hinewai Reserve is a 1,250-hectare ecological restoration project in the hills east of Akaroa.

The reserve is privately owned but free for the public to explore on foot, with around 20 kilometres of walking tracks ranging from short walks to routes taking several hours.

You’ll find regenerating native forest, birdlife, waterfalls and some great views across Banks Peninsula.

Some tracks can be steep or slippery, particularly after rain, so check the current track information when you arrive.

Learn About Ōnuku and Its Māori History

Just a few kilometres from Akaroa is Ōnuku, an important place in the Māori history of Banks Peninsula.

Ōnuku Marae belongs to Ngāi Tahu and remains a working marae today. Ōnuku was also the first of three places in the South Island where Te Tiriti o Waitangi was signed, on 30 May 1840.

You’ll also find the small historic Ōnuku Church nearby.

This isn’t somewhere I’d suggest simply turning up and wandering around the marae buildings. It’s an important cultural and community site, so respect any signage, restricted areas and local protocols.

If you’d like to learn more, look for an organised cultural experience or an opportunity to visit with a local guide.

Taste Local Wine at French Peak Vineyard

You might not immediately think of Banks Peninsula as a wine destination, but French Peak Vineyard is tucked away at French Farm, around a 20-minute drive from Akaroa.

The vineyard planted its first vines in 1989 and produces wines including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.

Wine tastings and platters are available, making this a relaxing stop on your way to or from Akaroa.

Opening days are limited, so book or check ahead.

Stop at Barry’s Bay Cheese

If you’re driving between Christchurch and Akaroa, Barry’s Bay Cheese is an easy stop along the way.

We stopped here on my more recent day trip to Akaroa and came away with two different cheeses – both of which were very tasty!

Cheese has been made here since 1895, and you can call into the factory shop to pick up some locally made cheese.

During the cheese-making season, generally September to May, you may also be able to watch the action through the viewing window between the shop and factory.

It’s a quick and easy stop – although there’s a good chance you’ll leave with more cheese than you planned!

Meet the Alpacas at Shamarra Alpacas

For a very New Zealand farm experience – with considerably more fluff – head into the hills to visit Shamarra Alpacas.

Guided one-hour farm tours give you the chance to meet the alpacas and learn about how they’re raised and their fleece.

The farm is outside Akaroa and you’ll need transport to get there. Tours need to be booked in advance.

Click here to check prices and availability for a Shamarra Alpacas farm tour

Where is Akaroa, New Zealand?

Akaroa sits on Banks Peninsula, around 80 kilometres by road from central Christchurch.

The drive takes around 1.5 hours, but this isn’t a road I’d rush. The final part winds across the hills of Banks Peninsula, with some great views along the way.

I made this drive on my second visit to Akaroa, when we came down from Christchurch for the day. Having a car also makes it easy to add stops such as Barry’s Bay Cheese.

A Little Akaroa History

Long before Europeans arrived, Banks Peninsula was home to Māori, particularly Ngāi Tahu, and the area remains culturally significant today.

Akaroa is also known for its French connections. In 1838, French whaling captain Jean François Langlois negotiated to purchase land on Banks Peninsula and plans were made to establish a French settlement.

French and German settlers arrived at Akaroa in August 1840, but by then British sovereignty over New Zealand had already been proclaimed.

The settlers stayed, and you’ll still notice French street names and other references to this heritage around Akaroa today.

Getting to Akaroa from Christchurch

For most visitors, Christchurch will be the starting point for a trip to Akaroa.

Driving from Christchurch to Akaroa

If you have access to a car, this would be my choice.

The drive takes around 1.5 hours, following State Highway 75 across Banks Peninsula.

On my second visit we drove from Christchurch for the day, which gave us the flexibility to stop along the way and also makes it easier to visit places outside the town itself.

If you need to hire a car in Christchurch, I now use Discover Cars to compare prices from different rental companies.

Check rental car prices with Discover Cars

Christchurch to Akaroa by Bus

If you don’t want to drive, Akaroa French Connection runs a daily scenic coach service between Christchurch and Akaroa.

The current timetable has the coach leaving central Christchurch around 9 am and arriving in Akaroa at 11 am. It leaves Akaroa again at 4 pm, giving you about five hours to explore.

That’s enough time to wander around town, have lunch and visit an attraction or take a harbour cruise.

Check the current timetable when planning your visit.

Taking a Tour from Christchurch

Another option is an organised Akaroa day trip from Christchurch.

This could work well if you don’t want to drive but would like to see more than you can easily manage independently by bus.

Some tours combine time in Akaroa with viewpoints around Banks Peninsula or a harbour wildlife cruise.

Check what’s included before booking, particularly how much free time you’ll have in Akaroa.

I like the look of this one, which includes the Giant’s House in its price.

Where to Stay in Akaroa

While I’ve visited Akaroa twice as a day trip, staying overnight would give you more time for the longer walks, wildlife experiences and places around Banks Peninsula.

There are plenty of accommodation options in and around town. If you’re staying without a car, I’d look for somewhere within walking distance of the waterfront and Rue Lavaud.

Check current accommodation options in Akaroa

Is Akaroa Worth Visiting?

I’ve now visited Akaroa twice – once because my cruise ship happened to stop there, and once because I deliberately chose to return on a day trip from Christchurch.

I think that probably says enough about whether I enjoyed it!

You can fill a day with wildlife cruises, walking trails and attractions, but you don’t have to.

On my second visit, we kept things simple: a stop for cheese on the drive, a wander around town, another visit to the Giant’s House and a leisurely lunch.

And that was a perfectly good way to spend a day in Akaroa.

If you have longer, there’s plenty more to explore around Banks Peninsula. But if all you have is a day from Christchurch, don’t feel like you need to see everything.

Pick a couple of things that interest you, leave some time to wander and enjoy Akaroa at a slower pace.

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