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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: NZD
- Languages: French
- Climate: Oceanic
- Timezone: Pacific/Auckland
- Population: Approximately 600 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit Akaroa is during the summer months (December to February) for warm weather and outdoor activities.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from many countries, including the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia, can enter New Zealand visa-free for short stays (up to 3 months for US citizens, 6 months for UK and EU citizens). Others may require a visa or an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). Visa on arrival is not generally available. Travelers must have a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds. It is recommended to check the latest New Zealand immigration requirements before travel.
About Akaroa
Akaroa is a charming small town nestled on the Banks Peninsula in the Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island. What makes Akaroa truly unique is its rich French heritage, reflected in the town’s architecture, street names, and cuisine, setting it apart from other New Zealand destinations. The town sits on the edge of an ancient volcanic crater, creating a stunning natural harbor that offers spectacular views and abundant marine life. Visitors are drawn to Akaroa for its tranquil atmosphere, historic charm, and outdoor experiences such as dolphin watching, kayaking, and hiking. The combination of cultural history, scenic beauty, and wildlife encounters makes Akaroa a compelling destination for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway with a touch of European flair. Its boutique shops, cafes, and galleries add to the town’s appeal, making it a perfect spot for leisurely exploration and relaxation.
Top Attractions
1. Akaroa Harbour – A picturesque volcanic harbor known for its calm waters and marine wildlife, including rare Hector’s dolphins. 2. The Giant’s House – A unique garden and art gallery famous for its mosaic sculptures and creative landscaping. 3. Akaroa Museum – Showcases the town’s French and Maori history and the natural environment of Banks Peninsula. 4. St. Patrick’s Catholic Church – A historic church with beautiful stained glass windows and French colonial architecture. 5. Akaroa Lighthouse – Offers panoramic views of the harbor and surrounding hills, ideal for photography and sunset watching.
Popular Activities
Visitors to Akaroa can enjoy a variety of activities such as dolphin and wildlife cruises to see Hector’s dolphins, penguins, and seals. Kayaking in the harbor is popular for a close-up nature experience. Hiking trails around Banks Peninsula provide scenic views and opportunities to explore native bush and volcanic landscapes. Cultural experiences include visiting local art galleries, museums, and participating in French-themed events. Fishing, swimming, and boating are also common recreational options. Seasonal events and markets offer a taste of local life and crafts.
Akaroa Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of South Island
- Duration Range: Visitors to Akaroa can enjoy a variety of activities such as dolphin and wildlife cruises to see Hector’s dolphins, penguins, and seals. Kayaking in the harbor is popular for a close-up nature experience. Hiking trails around Banks Peninsula provide scenic views and opportunities to explore native bush and volcanic landscapes. Cultural experiences include visiting local art galleries, museums, and participating in French-themed events. Fishing, swimming, and boating are also common recreational options. Seasonal events and markets offer a taste of local life and crafts.
- Group Size: Flexible group sizes
- Difficulty Level: Mixed Difficulty
- Recommended For: The best time to visit Akaroa is during the summer months (December to February) for warm weather and outdoor activities. Pack comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and layered clothing as weather can change quickly. Respect local customs and the natural environment, especially when wildlife watching. Carry some cash as smaller shops may not accept cards. Safety is generally good, but be cautious near water and on hiking trails. Booking accommodations and tours in advance during peak seasons is advisable.
Average Tour Price: $95
Lowest Price Tour: $50
Highest Price Tour: $220
29 Available Tour Excursions in Akaroa
Escape city lights to Akaroa's pristine dark skies for our intimate "Night Awe" tour. Join expert astronomer Luca for a captivating experience through the Southern Hemisphere's celestial wonders. Experience the cosmos with two powerful telescopes: our 10-inch Dobsonian for stunning visual observations and a ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope for live astrophotography. Witness the breathtaking Milky Way, planets, vibrant nebulae, and distant galaxies. Receive incredible digital photo souvenirs! Instant nebula/deep-sky photos: Captured live with our smart telescope, ready for instant social media sharing! Your personalized souvenir photo under the night sky: A beautiful digital keepsake of you (or your group) among the stars, sent next day. Enjoy complimentary hot drink and cozy blankets for ultimate comfort. Our small group size ensures a personalized experience. Conveniently located at Akaroa Heritage Park, just minutes from town. Book your unparalleled stargazing experience today!
Price: $60.19
Duration: 1 hours
This will be one of the best if not THE best experiences you will have during your NZ vacation! There is no better way to maximise your day in stunning Akaroa! If you love to get some exercise while exploring with a local guide this tour is for you. Get the best of both worlds as you pedal and paddle your way through this action packed unforgettable day of adventure with us. Incredible views from the hilltops above Akaroa await! Get up close and personal with the marine/nature reserve as you sea kayak through its pristine turquoise waters of the extinct volcanic crater. Enjoy touring with Local knowledgeable guides who love to share their knowledge Small intimate groups are key for safety and opportunity to chat with the guides through out the tours Exploring the area from two different perspectives will blow your mind and there is no better way to make the most of your time in this special place! And of course you get some Great exercise!
Price: $188.46
Duration: 5 hours
This is a must do for those who like to get active while exploring new places! If you have a spare 2 hours up your sleeve and are confident riding a ‘normal’ mountain bike then why not join us on a premium guided electric mountain bike tour, it may just be one of the highlights of your trip! Our popular rides are the perfect way to explore the village and surrounds, if you have conventional mountain bike experience and have a basic level of fitness this trip is for you. You will be amazed as you cruise up terrain you wouldn’t dream of on a conventional bike, with our powerful pedal assist Scott Bosch systems Ebiking is making the impossible… now possible!. Great for couples, families and friends. This tour includes mixed terrain, some steep ascents and descents, sealed roads through out. Warning- Electric Mountain biking is very addictive, we ride FURTHER, FASTER HIGHER without the sweat! Once is never enough!
Price: $94.23
Duration: 2 hours
Discover the Sun like never before! This unique daytime experience offers a safe, fascinating look at our nearest star, perfect for all ages and Akaroa day trips. What You'll Experience: Safe Solar Viewing: Observe the Sun through our specialized solar telescope. See sunspots, flares, and intricate solar activity in stunning detail. Smartphone Solar Photography: Use our provided adapter to easily capture your own amazing photos of the Sun directly through the telescope with your smartphone! Instant Solar Images with ZWO Seestar S50: Our ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope captures high-resolution images of the Sun, which are then shared with you digitally and instantly! Expert Guidance: Learn captivating facts about the Sun, its features, and its impact on Earth from our knowledgeable astronomer. This tour provides a hands-on, exciting introduction to astronomy, offering visuals you won't find anywhere else. It's an ideal, memorable addition to your Akaroa itinerary!
Price: $17.63
Duration: 0 hours
Do not miss out on this incredible New Zealand experience. Just look at the amazing 5 star reviews! Guests describe this tour as the “New Zealand’s best kept secret”, “the best thing to do in Akaroa”, “best tour in Canterbury.” This tour is owned and operated by The 7th Generation descendant of the French settlers, expert trained historian and ecologist and natural born storyteller. There is NO OTHER TOUR LIKE IT. Guests consistently report that the tour had a BIG impact on them, leaving them feeling connected to nature and inspired for the future. Expert guide Marie Haley, was a FINALIST at the 2024 New Zealand Tourism Awards for Tourism Business Excellence, a big deal for a one-woman operation. This tour will take you to all of Akaroa’s hidden gems - you will simply see no other tourists. This tour includes all the best things to do in Akaroa, that you could not access and understand without this expert guide. No other tour in New Zealand tells THIS story; my story.
Price: $455.95
Duration: 3 hours
At the core, we’re a family business with our management team being 5th & 6th generation Banks Peninsula locals. Alongside our family members, we have a passionate team who are committed to you having a once-in-a-lifetime experience! We keep our passenger groups small so that you have more room to move around the boat, and enjoy your cruise without overcrowding or missing dolphin sightings due to a shortage of viewing space. Our boat has a low-lying profile which means you get closer to the wildlife! When you board our boat you’ll be offered a complimentary drink. Choose from beer, award-winning local wine or non-alcoholic options. You’ll also enjoy our famous home-baked treats made from our family recipe and served to you by our delightful onboard crew. We are committed to the conservation of our harbour's environment and wildlife. After all, it’s the centre point of our business. *Check-in is 30 minutes prior to the departure, with boarding 15 minutes beforehand.
Price: $72.95
Duration: 2 hours
Have you ever wanted to ride a bike up an extinct volcano towering over the crystal blue waters of the pacific ocean? Well now is your chance....Treat yourself to this energetic yet soulful experience and bring out the inner adventurer in you. This is a must do for those who like to be active while exploring the best this amazing corner of NZ has to offer. If you have 2 hours up your sleeve to Join us on a premium fully guided Ebike tour it may just be be one of the highlights of your trip! Our brand new Scott pedal assist mountain bikes make riding a dream. So what are you waiting for! Lets ride!
Price: $94.23
Duration: 3 hours
Our Guided Kayak Safari is a great way to spend your time in amazing Akaroa! This is a once in a lifetime chance to paddle through a marine reserve in an extinct volcano basin. Take in breath-taking scenery and witness amazing geology that is unique to the area. You may have chance sightings of some of the most endangered marine life on the planet including Hector Dolphins, White-flippered penguins, and native sea birds which reside in Akaroa Harbour. All of this is only 80 minutes from Christchurch! Small group numbers are key as we are visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively undisturbed natural areas, enjoy exploring this marine reserve in a low-impact and environmentally responsible way with your local kayak/nature guide. Close encounters. No noise, No engines, No crowds, No pollution. So come and join us! Explore, Experience and Enjoy!
Price: $82.07
Duration: 2-3 hours
Our tours numbers are kept limited, offering you a small and intimate tour that will take you where others can't with amazing views of New Zealands wildlife. Our friendly and knowledgeable crew love meeting and talking with our guests, and Scruffy our friendly boat dog, joins us on our afternoon trips. Tony, a real Kiwi, has been exploring the waters around Banks Peninsula since the 1960s. He'll entertain you with the stories of his adventures and share his enthusiasm for this wonderful environment and stunning wildlife.
Price: $60.19
Duration: 2 hours
Alpacas Farm is an unparalleled opportunity to get up close and personal with alpacas, learn about this loving animal, and create some memories with friends and family in a stunning location. Note - guests must drive to the farm, or see operator website for transport providers.
Price: $33.44
Duration: 1 hours
Akaroa guided kayak safari provide a premium 3 hour guided sea kayak safari with a local nature/sea kayak guide through's pristine marine reserve and harbour. You will get the most water time by choosing this kayak safari as we are located right in the heart of Akaroa so tour time is not taken up by driving to the launching area. The wildlife, scenery and knowledgable local guide will make this an experience you won't forget. We are always the first operators on the water and often have the whole harbour to ourselves as the boat tours start after we finish. Peaceful serene and wild sums up the magic of kayaking in the early morning through this idyllic marine reserve. We aim to have zero impact on the conservation area. There is no other place quite like it. Come and see for yourself how special it is here!
Price: $94.23
Duration: 3 hours
Join one of the best kayak adventures in New Zealand, jump into a safe stable NZ made sea kayak and follow our local guides as we take you on a spectacular tour through an untouched marine reserve which now exists in a flooded volcanic crater from millions of years ago. The geology and scenery will blow your mind during this intimate sea-kayaking safari. Paddle along through the clear turqouise waters of the pacific, you get the feeling you are in a postcard! Your guide will keep watch for sightings of native New Zealand marine and bird life including Hector dolphins, white flippered penguins and NZ fur seals. Did we mention this is a bird watching paradise? We travel in small groups to ensure we have zero impact on the environment. You can rest easy knowing you have booked the most environmentally sensitive tour in the harbour. Soak up the serenity of this little slice of paradise and this activity is often voted the highlight of a NZ holiday!
Price: $82.07
Duration: 2-3 hours
We proudly provide only the latest model of brand new Scott pedal assist Electric Mountain bikes which will have you whizzing around grinning from ear to ear. Our local guides love to share this incredible slice of paradise with visitors and will ensure you have an unforgettable tour.
Price: $82.07
Duration: 2 hours
This nightlife experience is available from late evenings into the early morning hours. The party scenes include night clubs, parties, live music, and the most entertaining DJ’s who keep the clubs jumping and alive throughout the night. The party scenes are meant for enjoyment, mingling and dancing and living it up with your friends and loved ones while in Jamaica. These spots are the perfect locations to unwind from the normal daily routine. Pier 1: Wednesday & Friday Lounge: 27/27- Sunday to Saturday Elevate: Wednesday & Saturday Taboo: Wednesday to Sunday
Price: $77.00
Duration: 3-4 hours
Cruise through the stunning Akaroa Harbour and encounter some of New Zealand’s most unique marine wildlife, including the rare Hector’s dolphin, NZ fur seals, penguins, and seabirds. Set aboard a spacious, modern catamaran with large viewing decks and indoor seating, this award-winning nature cruise offers comfort, panoramic views, and expert commentary from your knowledgeable skipper. You’ll explore an ancient volcanic crater, marvel at towering 500-foot sea cliffs and vibrant rock formations. Learn about local conservation efforts and Akaroa’s rich Māori and European history. Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and a free postcard. With guaranteed departures (weather permitting), it’s a must-do for nature and wildlife lovers and families alike. As New Zealand’s first eco-tourism operator, we’re proud to support the dolphin protection efforts alongside the Department of Conservation and the NZ Whale & Dolphin Trust. Your ticket directly supports this work.
Price: $72.34
Duration: 2 hours
A 2.5 hour shore excursion which combines a guided local tour of Akaroa township and harbours with a tour of a working sheep farm. After being picked up from the Akaroa Wharf, your coach will travel through township and the inner bays of the Akaroa before arriving at a local cheese factory, for tastings, and travelling along the old volcanic crater rim for some magnificent views of the harbour and peninsula. Following a great photo opportunity, your driver will take you to a nearby local sheep farm where you'll be able to enjoy sheepdog work, a sheep shearing demonstration, and afternoon tea, all before returning reuniting you with your cruise ship.
Price: $69.91
Duration: 2 hours
Swim with wild Hector’s dolphins on an intimate small-group tour limited to just 12 swimmers. Your 3.5-hour adventure starts at Akaroa’s main wharf, where you’ll meet your skipper and nature guide, change into a high-quality 5mm wetsuit, and get a full briefing at our purpose-built swim facility equipped with changing rooms. Then, step aboard our modern swim boats and explore Akaroa Harbour’s stunning scenery. You'll then get the opportunity to swim with Hector’s dolphin in their natural habitat in Akaroa harbour. Our Nature Guides will brief you on how to swim near the dolphins while respecting their behaviours and to not feed or touch them. Our Skipper and Nature Guide will also take you on a tour of the harbour. After the swim, enjoy hot chocolate, biscuits, and hot showers back at base. Our experienced guides have a high success rate locating dolphins and if you don’t see them, you’ll receive a complimentary Akaroa Nature Cruise voucher.
Price: $127.67
Duration: 3 hours
Enjoy a local 2.5 hour guided sightseeing shore excursion of Akaroa exploring the beautiful township, harbour, and this portion of the Banks Peninsula. After being picked up from the Akaroa Wharf, your coach will travel through township and the inner bays of the Akaroa before arriving at a local cheese factory, for tastings, and travelling along the old volcanic crater rim for some magnificent views of the harbour and peninsula. Afterwards, head back into Akaroa for a guided tour of the famous Giants House, with its beautiful gardens and mosaic sculptures. This tour is perfect for those looking for a short tour of the local sights and attractions!
Price: $60.19
Duration: 2 hours
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Akaroa’s food culture reflects its French heritage combined with fresh New Zealand produce. Signature dishes include fresh seafood such as green-lipped mussels, crayfish, and whitebait fritters. Local lamb and venison are also popular. The town boasts several cafes and restaurants offering French-inspired cuisine, artisan cheeses, and boutique wines from nearby vineyards. Must-try foods include freshly caught fish, creamy seafood chowders, and French pastries. Noteworthy dining spots include The Little Bistro and The Brasserie, known for their cozy ambiance and quality local ingredients.
Getting Around
Akaroa is accessible by car from Christchurch via State Highway 75, a scenic 1.5-hour drive. There is no direct public transport from Christchurch, so renting a car or joining a tour is common. Within Akaroa, the town is small and walkable, with local taxis and shuttle services available. Cycling is a good option for exploring nearby areas. Parking is generally available but limited during peak tourist seasons. Costs for transport vary, with car rentals being the most flexible option for visitors.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit Akaroa is during the summer months (December to February) for warm weather and outdoor activities. Pack comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and layered clothing as weather can change quickly. Respect local customs and the natural environment, especially when wildlife watching. Carry some cash as smaller shops may not accept cards. Safety is generally good, but be cautious near water and on hiking trails. Booking accommodations and tours in advance during peak seasons is advisable.
Culture & Customs
Akaroa’s culture is a blend of Maori heritage and French colonial influences, creating a unique local identity. Social customs emphasize friendliness and respect for nature. The town celebrates its French roots with festivals such as the annual French Festival featuring food, music, and cultural events. Visitors should be mindful of local etiquette, such as greeting with a smile and respecting private property. Environmental conservation is important, so follow guidelines when visiting natural sites and wildlife areas.
