What to do in Akaroa
Image: ChristchurchNZ
The village of Akaroa on Banks Peninsula, New Zealand, is renowned for its fascinating mix of Māori, French and English history, as well as its marine wildlife and recreational walks.
Located in the main street of Akaroa, close to the waterfront and to popular walks and attractions, La Rochelle Motel is the ideal base for experiencing Akaroa’s diverse activities.
La Rochelle Motel offers a free pétanque set, fishing rods and tackle, and tennis gear for guests.
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Black Cat Cruises depart from Akaroa Wharf.
New Zealand's Hector's dolphin.
Take in the panoramic vista of Akaroa harbor from Stony Bay Peak / Taraterehu.
Daly's Wharf makes for a great Instagram post.
The Akaroa Lighthouse was built in 1878-79 and moved to its current site in 1980.
The Giants House sculpture garden.
Walking and hiking on Banks Peninsula
There are numerous popular walks in the area for those who love tramping, from the world-famous multi-day Banks Peninsula Track to day walks such as Woodills Track and casual strolls such as the Childrens Bay walk. We recommend the Skyline Circuit and Misty Peaks walk for incredible views that can be reached in a day starting in the town centre.
And you can always go for a scenic drive and explore one of the Banks Peninsula’s outer bays – whether you’re going for a walk on the beach or a hike up a ridge there’s plenty to see.
Read more walking, hiking and tramping around Akaroa and Banks Peninsula.
Penguin colony encounters
Visit Akaroa’s resident colony of Australasian little blue penguins – the largest on mainland New Zealand – on a 4WD tour with Pohatu Penguins.
Take in the sights and deliver the mail
Possibly the best way to see the rugged, rural beauty of Banks Peninsula is on the Eastern Bays Scenic Mail Run. You can join the local post team Jeff and Suzi in their New Zealand Post van to head off the beaten track, covering 120km of stunning country and 10 bays from sea level to the crater rim. Snacks, scenic stops and commentary included.
Art and garden experience
The Giants House is an interactive experience full of surprises and creative art. Famous for its Garden of International Significance and its mosaics, the house is a great way to spend a few hours, and it’s just a 15-minute walk from La Rochelle.
Swimming with dolphins
Akaroa Harbour is home to the rare and beautiful Hector’s Dolphin and you can either watch their antics from the comfort of a boat or get into the water and encounter them up close. Try Black Cat Cruises, or for smaller more intimate tours try Ecoseaker.
Boat cruises on Akaroa Harbour
Akaroa’s harbour is stunningly scenic and home to an array of wildlife including dolphins, penguins and seals. Coast Up Close and Akaroa Dolphins offer the opportunity to see mother nature’s finest at a leisurely pace.
Sea kayaking and SUP
Explore the wonders of the Akaroa Harbour with the expert and knowledgeable team from Akaroa Guided Kayak Safaris. Otherwise hire is available from the Akaroa Adventure Centre. If stand up paddle-boarding (SUP) is more your thing see Jamie at Night SUP Akaroa. Hire a board and set off on your own mini adventure or let Jamie show you our magical harbour at night with his dusk SUP tour.
Other Akaroa attractions
In and around Akaroa you can visit the Akaroa Museum or the renowned Okains Bay Museum, take an historic lighthouse tour, sample local cheeses at Barrys Bay Cheese Factory, visit the historic Stone Church at Little Akaloa, play a round of golf at Akaroa’s scenic 18-hole golf course, or simply explore the many art and craft galleries and boutiques of this lovely village.