Best things to do in Akaroa: a pretty colonial town
There are plenty of things to do in Akaroa, as it’s a wonderful seaside town rich in English and French history and plenty of hikes to be done as well as wildlife to enjoy. It’s the perfect seaside getaway with plenty of beautiful beachfront, retails hotels and local campsites.
Packed with history, Akaroa is New Zealand’s oldest colonial town and you wont want to miss it!
Akaroa also has some beautiful gardens that you could walk around as well as a delightful walk up and down the harbour and depending on your preference is walks can range from a short 20 minutes to day long hikes in the area to local waterfalls and of course along the coastline.
At first, we weren’t sure whether we were going to stop off at Akaroa as we weren’t sure it was worth a two hour detour, and I can honestly say it was one of our best stops with some excellent viewpoints along the way. Here are all the things to do and see in Akaroa.
Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand travel guides for tips & things to do in North Island and South Island!
South Island road trip Itinerary
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Best activities & tours on South Island
Here are some of the best New Zealand South Island tours! I always compare tours on Viator and Get Your Guide to check prices and different tour availability.
| Jet Boat & Wilderness experience – If you’re after an adrenaline experience then this is for you! Milford Sound Cruises – The best way to see the unofficial 8th wonder of the world. Franz Josef Glacier tours – one of the most iconic, stunning, incredible things to experience in South Island! Glenorchy & Paradise half day tour – if you’re after some beautiful sight seeing this is for you! Glow worm caves – Dont miss the iconic glow worm caves in South Island! Scenic Flights – One of the most iconic experiences in all of South Island, New Zealand. |
Things to do in Akaroa
Here are all the attractions in Akaroa New Zealand.
Visit the Akaroa Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is a short 15 to 20 minute walk away from the centre of town, and it is a beautiful example of colonial architecture dating back to the 1800s when British and French colonisers landed in the harder bay.
Make sure you take a walk to the Lighthouse and snaps and pictures and admire the beautiful cerulean cyan colour of the sea. It is a historic beacon perched at the edge of the picturesque Akaroa Harbour.
Its charming white and red structure, standing since the late 19th century, offered a glimpse into the maritime history of the area. The panoramic views of the surrounding waters and hills from the lighthouse are beautiful and you’ll love walking around here. Don’t miss this quick stop!
Visit the garden of Tane & Akaroa viewpoint
Make sure you visit the Garden of Tane and enjoy the multiple look out over the harbour from the various viewpoints. Don’t miss the official Akaroa viewpoint lookout, as well as the lovers look out from the garden as well.
Akaroa dolphin cruises tour
Make sure you go on the Akaroa dolphin tour to see one of the worlds rarest and one of the worlds smallest dolphins.
We went with Akaroa Dolphins and it is a locally family run business by Pip and Hugh. Staff on board, and the family were so well-informed on the local area on where to see dolphins, there are breeding habits where to find them as well as local penguins and seals and native animals along the coastline.
There are two main tours to see the Hector Dolphins: the one I visited was the family owned business by the name of Akaroa Dolphins with a touch of high-end luxury and they are an absolute gem of a tour. Luxury travel is the way to go!
You are pretty much guaranteed to have an incredible time and the likelihood of seeing dolphins is extremely high – they know the bay well. And not to mention, the included refreshments – beers, wine and juice!
We also came across seals, little blue penguins, oyster farms & much more.
Some of the other cruises (like the Black Cat cruises) offer swimming with dolphins, but seeing as they are an endangered species, I recommend leaving them alone!
It is definitely a once in a lifetime experience, and if you can make your way down to Akaroa, then you should do a tour with Akaroa Dolphins, one of the best Akaroa cruises!
If it’s windy, staff will start to offer out windbreaker coats to keep you warm; they’ll advise you where to put your things and there’s always someone on board who is spotting dolphins, penguins, seals and more. Staff always point them out so everybody knows where to look to see all the wildlife.
One of the staff on board will always be one of their cute dogs that are official dolphin spotters, and they’re trained to sense out where the dolphins are, which is an excellent addition, specifically for extra cuddles.
Try World Famous fish and chips
In the centre of town there are plenty of restaurants to choose from and we decided to opt for some of the worlds famous fish and chips. We can tell you that this is definitely something you should consider for a delicious lunch. That’s also fairly reasonably priced too.
What to do in Akaroa New Zealand Fish & Chips
At lunchtime, see locals and tourists are like queueing out of the shop to get some of the famous fish and chips and according to Mike the batter is top-notch and not too dissimilar to British better on fish and chips.
You’ve got to try the famous fish and chips in Akaroa that everyone talks about at least just the one time!
Here’s why: they’re way more than just regular fish and chips.
The fish is super fresh, and they cook it so it’s crispy on the outside but really soft and flaky inside. Plus, the chips are deliciously crunchy and yummy – they’re crispy on the outside and soft inside, just how good chips should be.
This place knows exactly how to make the perfect fish and chips. And eating them while looking out at the beautiful harbour makes everything taste even better. If you’re in Akaroa, you can’t miss out on this awesome food!!! Trust me, it’s something you’ll want to come back for!
Admire the colonial style buildings
When you understand a little bit more about the history of Akaroa, you understand the British and French colonial influences. Back in the day, there was a race between the British and French who would reach this bay in New Zealand first and the British won by five days.
The British however, did allow the French ship to land and they were given some area to disembark and the town has French style buildings and French flags which you’ll be able to recognise today 5-6 generations on from when the first colonisers settled.
Many of the colonial style buildings are made from bright cheery wood, timber houses painted in ice cream colours. Make sure you take stroll around town and take some pictures.
Akaroa Museum
Akaroa is a gem that tells the tale of early colonial settlers with its rich history and vibrant culture. This quaint town, with its stunning natural harbor, was originally settled by the French and British in the early 19th century, making it a must stop visit!
Visitors can stroll through its charming, old school streets lined with colonial architecture, visit the Akaroa Museum to delve into the stories of its first European settlers, and explore the historic Langlois-Eteveneaux Cottage, a testament to Akaroa’s French roots.
The town’s heritage is celebrated annually during the Akaroa French Fest, where the spirit of its settlers is brought to life through music, dance, and historical reenactments. Akaroa’s unique blend of French and British influences, set against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes, offers a captivating experience for those looking to explore New Zealand’s colonial past.
Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand travel guides for tips & things to do in North Island and South Island!
Glamping experiences in South Island
South Island road trip Itinerary
Visit the Shamarra Alpacas
During a farm tour at Shamarra Alpacas, you have the chance to interact closely with these soft, cuddly creatures – their fur is so luscious! The experience is fantastical; the stunning views of Akaroa Harbour is second to none.
I personally love animals and this adventure was super fun, enjoyable, incredible and perfect for all ages. It’s super family friendly!
Some fun things we learned about Alapacas:
- Alpacas are Social Creatures: They thrive in a herd environment and can often be seen cuddling or eating together to foster a sense of community and warmth.
- Two Types of Alpaca: There are two breeds, the Huacaya and the Suri. Huacaya alpacas have fluffy, crimped wool, while Suri alpacas boast longer, silkier fibers.
- Not to be Confused with Llamas: Although they look similar, alpacas are smaller than llamas and have been bred specifically for their fiber, not for carrying loads.
- A Rainbow of Colors: Alpaca fiber comes in an impressive range of natural colors, over 22 to be exact, from black and brown to silver and gold.
- Eco-Friendly Animals: Alpacas are gentle on their grazing grounds, eating the grass without pulling roots and having soft pads on their feet that don’t damage the soil.
- Humming Communicators: Alpacas commonly hum to communicate, varying the pitch and intensity to express everything from curiosity to concern.
- Ancient Animals: Domesticated for thousands of years by the indigenous peoples of the Andes Mountains, alpacas were a cherished part of ancient Incan society.
- Incredible Insulators: Their wool is not only hypoallergenic but also provides excellent insulation, keeping them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Spit When Upset: While generally gentle, alpacas will spit at each other (and sometimes at humans) when they feel threatened or to establish dominance.
- Long-Lived Livestock: Alpacas typically live for 15 to 20 years, making them long-term companions and valuable for their fleece production over many years.
- Fascinating Births: Most alpaca births occur during daylight hours, believed to be an instinctual practice to avoid nighttime predators.
- Global Population: Once confined to South America, there are now over one million alpacas worldwide, thanks to growing international interest in their fiber.
Stop at fire and ice
Fire and Ice is a local jewellery shop with staff who produce the jewellery themselves. They source a lot of their pearls and precious gems from the local area and some of the jewellery they produce is incredible.
The building at self is a cheerful yellow timbered building with plenty of vibrantly planted flowers outside and it’s worth spending some time here.
The creative minds behind this stunning jewellery collection is well worth a visit. Crafted right in their workshop, you’ll see an incredible collection of unique jewellery. It’s amazing how their collective artistic vision comes to life in each piece, showcasing perfect symmetry and balance – it’s a real team effort there.
And get this, Margy is an experienced aromatherapist with over 25 years under her belt, while Esther takes care of their oil imports and bottling. They have an amazing selection of pure essential oils, and they even blend their own massage oils and synergies right on-site. It’s all about quality with them, and it really shows.
If you appreciate top-notch service and quality products, this would be right up your alley. Definitely check them out; I think you’ll love what they have to offer!
Akaroa things to see – Hikes
There are plenty of hikes to be done in Akaroa and nearby, and it’s well worth having a car, so you can drive to some of the hiking spots with excellent viewpoints of the harbour and surrounding cliffs.
Onawe Peninsula
Make sure you have a look at the Norway peninsula there you’ll find some of the most beautiful and iconic viewpoints of the harbour as it is a peninsula juts out in a narrow strip into the middle of the harbour which rises into a hill and you will not regret the views. The hike itself is not particularly long and not too challenging so it’s well worth a visit.
Newtons waterfall
There is a lovely waterfall in the area of Akaroa that you can hike to. If you have time it’s stunningly luscious Waters is a perfect place to bed and take a dip just bear in mind that mountain water is quite fresh so even on the hottest of days the water might be a little bit chilly. This being said it can be extremely refreshing and it’s well worth a visit to newtons waterfall.
Hiking or Mountain Biking Misty Peaks Reserve
Hiking is always free, so this is a cheap activity in Akaroa, with the Misty Peaks hike being a particularly scenic place on South Island New Zealand. This 3-hour round trip leads you across a ridgeline, with pretty epic panoramic views of Akaroa and various bays within the Banks Peninsula.
For those interested in mountain biking, bicycles are available for rent at just NZ$35 for four hours from the adventure center located along Akaroa’s waterfront.
The Akaroa Winery at Takamatua Valley
Why not stop at one of the wineries in the region? New Zealand is, of course, famous for their wines and wine region is producing some of his finest wines. Thanks to the, hot summer months. Book in for a wine tour or a wine, tasting experience here.
The Giants house
The Giants house is a spectacularly weird and wonderful garden with unusual statues littered around the garden. They say that the garden is the perfect blend between garden and art, and it’s a very quirky place to stop and have a look at.
Giants house is also an bed and breakfast so if you’re after a whimsical and quirky stay definitely check out the Giants house.
I definitely recommend checking out The Giant’s House in Akaroa if you’re looking for something truly special and different.
This place isn’t just a house; it’s a magical garden filled with bright, colourful sculptures and detailed mosaic art that will catch your eye and spark your imagination.
The artist behind this wonder has poured so much love and creativity into every piece, making it a vibrant and playful space to wander through. Whether you love art or just want to experience a unique and peaceful spot, The Giant’s House is a memorable place that’s sure to leave an impression.
Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand travel guides for things to do in North and South Island!
New Zealand Weather
Here is the average weather on the South Island by each month. The South Island of New Zealand experiences a diverse climate, with the west coast receiving high rainfall and the east coast being drier and cooler.
Seasonal temperatures vary widely, from warm, sunny summers to cold, snowy winters, especially in the mountainous regions.
South Island Weather in January
Average temperature: 15°C (59°F)
Average rainy days: 8
Average daylight hours: 15
Average sunrise time: 6:15 AM
Average sunset time: 9:30 PM
South Island Weather in February
Average temperature: 14°C (57°F)
Average rainy days: 7
Average daylight hours: 14
Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
Average sunset time: 9:00 PM
South Island Weather in March
Average temperature: 12°C (54°F)
Average rainy days: 8
Average daylight hours: 12
Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
Average sunset time: 8:15 PM
South Island Weather in April
Average temperature: 9°C (48°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 11
Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:45 PM
South Island Weather in May
Average temperature: 6°C (43°F)
Average rainy days: 10
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:15 AM
Average sunset time: 5:30 PM
South Island Weather in June
Average temperature: 4°C (39°F)
Average rainy days: 11
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
Average sunset time: 5:15 PM
South Island Weather in July
Average temperature: 3°C (37°F)
Average rainy days: 11
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
Average sunset time: 5:30 PM
South Island Weather in August
Average temperature: 5°C (41°F)
Average rainy days: 11
Average daylight hours: 10
Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:00 PM
South Island Weather in September
Average temperature: 7°C (45°F)
Average rainy days: 10
Average daylight hours: 12
Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:30 PM
South Island Weather in October
Average temperature: 9°C (48°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 13
Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
Average sunset time: 7:45 PM
South Island Weather in November
Average temperature: 11°C (52°F)
Average rainy days: 8
Average daylight hours: 14
Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
Average sunset time: 8:30 PM
South Island Weather in December
Average temperature: 13°C (55°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 15
Average sunrise time: 5:45 AM
Average sunset time: 9:15 PM
Quick links
| Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad: Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia. E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card! Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it! Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best power bank! |
Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand travel guides for tips & things to do in North Island and South Island!
Glamping experiences in South Island
South Island road trip Itinerary
Lake Tekapo & Central Otago
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