However, when you’re staying a while in the “French Capital”, or you’re travelling on a low budget, you’re going to want to find some free and cheap things to do in Akaroa. If your kids can handle a bit of uphill hiking, they’ll love the animals! Explore the remains of the sole French settlement in New Zealand on foot. Spot Akaroa Harbour’s rare Hector’s dolphins on a catamaran wildlife cruise that includes fresh-baked cookies and a drink. 2. I don’t think many of the buildings actually date back to the French settlement origins, but the atmosphere makes up for it. Akaroa Lighthouse. Akaroa Museum. The waterfront area in Akaroa is a good place to be on a nice day. Hinewai Reserve. High on the hills above Akaroa, the Otepatotu Scenic Reserve is one of the best places to see this beautiful area in all its glory. As well as the walks I’ve mentioned, there are heaps of little viewpoints on the roads above Akaroa. Some are proper places (Akaroa Heritage Park) but some of the best views are when you pull over by the side of the road. You’ll find your typical French food options but there are plenty of cafes and restaurants that don’t lean into that side of things. It’s true, Akaroa is a small town packed with activities: dolphin swimming, sailing cruises, wildlife tours and more! I saw a little group of giraffes on the way and there’s a big metallic rhino at the top. The waterfall itself is pretty, if low-key, and the walk to get there takes you through the forest and is quite relaxing. Things to See at Akaroa. These These are the only dolphins endemic to New Zealand and are a must for any New Zealand Bucket List! Near Airports. Check out the coastline of the local harbour and you never know, you might even meet a dolphin or two! Check Out the Akaroa Museum…. This hike takes about an hour round trip and takes you to see a waterfall. At NZ$20 per person, it’s definitely one of the more affordable things to do in Akaroa. Check out the details of this walk and others in Akaroa with our Akaroa – Guide for Backpackers. Looking for things to do in Akaroa can be time-consuming but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. You’ll notice the French influence straight away, especially the street names and the way some of the business are decorated. Step into this garden that looks like something out of a fairy tale. I listed some of the most popular ones below, but they aren’t the only ones. Trust us!) Top Things to Do in Akaroa, Canterbury Region: See Tripadvisor's 10,089 traveller reviews and photos of 32 things to do when in Akaroa. The reserve holds around 12km of walking tracks, with the main feature being Stony Bay Peak. Spend your time in port in Akaroa on a small-group shore excursion, sea kayaking around the harbor. 84 reviews. Bask in the scenery of remote bays and inlets, and catch a glimpse of local marine life, including penguins, orcas, and endangered Hector’s dolphins. Best Things to Do in Akaroa New Zealand See the Akaroa Dolphins – the World’s Smallest Dolphins The one thing that drew us to visiting Akaroa was to see the world’s smallest and rarestdolphins – the Hector’s Dolphins! Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Akaroa, New Zealand on Tripadvisor: See 9,992 traveller reviews and photos of Akaroa tourist attractions. The hills above town are home to heaps of walks and viewpoints and you’ll struggle to find a better dolphin watching experience anywhere in else in New Zealand. It’s also a short walk from town and is close to Newton’s Waterfall. The city and its French … The walk is either a 3-hour loop, or another good option is to walk to The Rhino, taking about an hour, and return the same way. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. A great vantage point of Akaroa (that’s also easy to get to) is from the Akaroa Lighthouse. It’s a short drive to get there (the roads are winding though) and it’s a good place to add to your itinerary if you’re also keen to explore some of the other places above (it’s close to the Hinewai Reserve and the Otepatotu Scenic Reserve). 5. See Tripadvisor's 10,001 traveller reviews and photos of Akaroa free attractions Just over an hours drive from Christchurch, Banks Peninsula is the South Island’s most interesting volcanic feature, formed following the violent eruptions of two volcanoes resulting in the picturesque harbours of Akaroa and Lyttleton. Walk alongside farmland and forest to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Akaroa Harbour. 5. For those of you who love the great outdoors, look no further than the Hinewai Reserve! 3 hour tour with historic narration, complementary fresh brewed coffee, tea, homemade hot chocolate and biscuits. Hinewai Reserve. Nestled in native bush, the Newton’s Waterfall makes a pretty picture opportunity. If you’re looking for a compact tourist town full of historic sights, awesome short walks and waters teeming with dolphins, you’ll want to add Akaroa to your New Zealand itinerary. Of course, hiking is the free option for things to do in Akaroa, and another fantastic hike is the Misty Peaks hike. Dolphin & Whale Watching in Akaroa. Other Things to Do in Akaroa. There’s a cave, a museum and a lovely stretch of beach at Okains Bay. The best way to save money in Akaroa is to do a few hikes. Sightseeing Tours in Akaroa. Children’s Bay Walkway is one of the closer walks to downtown Akaroa and it features something a little out of the ordinary. Types of Things to Do in Akaroa Tours (29) Outdoor Activities (24) Boat Tours & Water Sports (16) Shopping (9) Sights & Landmarks (8) Nature & Parks (8) Food & Drink (5) Museums (3) Classes & Workshops (1) Fun & Games (1) Transportation (1) Traveller Resources (1) Top Things to Do in Akaroa, Canterbury Region: See Tripadvisor's 9,986 traveller reviews and photos of 22 things to do when in Akaroa. I haven’t been to all of them, but I hear the ones below are some of the best (as well as Hickory Bay and Flea Bay). For more Akaroa inspiration, see 10 Things We Love About Akaroa, as well as our complete guide to Akaroa. Barrys Bay Cheese is a 12km drive from Akaroa along the main highway between Akaroa and Christchurch. Akaroa harbour up close on New Zealand's oldest ketch Fox II. There are a few other things to do in Akaroa, including galleries, kayaking and penguin spotting tours and the two popular places listed below. Contact – Disclaimer, Welcome/Kia Ora! This 3-hour return track takes you along the ridgeline overlooking Akaroa and other bays in the Banks Peninsula. Garden of Tane. This is a relatively new hike as until recently the waterfall was located on private lands and was not accessible. Book Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise, Shore Excursion: Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve + Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise with Dolphin Watching tours. With 2 wooden masts and 6 sails there is always a halyard to hoist or a sheet to be pulled. Take the boardwalk at the north end of town to Children’s Bay where the Children’s Bay Walkway begins. The road follows the ridge of the volcano and has great views. Find Rhinos and Other Surprises on the Children’s Bay Walkway. attractioncategory.name.v3.57. The Akaroa Lighthouse is a fantastic picture opportunity itself while being situated at a great viewpoint. Hector's dolphins are common here -- they are known for being the smallest marine dolphins in the world. By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and the terms of use within it. (But once you’ve tried the baguettes at the French bakery, it’s easy to let things spiral out of control. See Dolphins, Penguins, Seals and More on a Wildlife Cruise. There are great views from several points along the Onawe Pa Track and it’s an easy undertaking. … Be sure to visit the museum - it tells the story of Akaroa with displays and an audio visual presentation. I visited this place in winter, so it wasn’t really at its best, but it’d be a good place to visit in the warmer months. The following two tabs change content below. See 2 Experiences. 1. The walk itself is straightforward (and there are some nice views of Akaroa from the top) but it’s the big animal statues that will catch your eye. In Akaroa, swim with dolphins for an experience many people only dream of. We’ve listed the highlights in the list below. 10 Things to Do in Akaroa with Kids. On the subject of food, don’t miss Barry Bays Cheese. The lighthouse is easy to spot from the town centre so simply walk toward it! 1. Newton’s Waterfall is only a short walk or drive from town and is quite different to other walks in Akaroa. Location: 5807 Christchurch Akaroa Road, Duvauchelle. Sail with dophins, see wildlife. The Giants House. Luckily, the town and the surrounding Banks Peninsula are full of them. There are plenty of places to sit and there’s a path running a long much of it. Learn about local history & help crew if you want. Hinewai Reserve. Hotels near (CHC) Christchurch Intl Airport. Boat Tours in Akaroa. There are some great cafes and restaurants in Akaroa, as well as really good French deli. There are several beaches and bays near Akaroa and it’s worth checking out one of two of them as you drive the scenic hilltop roads. Other than that, there isn’t much else to specifically seek out, just wander the streets and enjoy the vibe! You’ll turn off at Duvauchelle if you’re doing the Onawe Pa Walk, which is a few minutes drive from the hotel. The easiest and nicest thing to do in Akaroa is to take the Summit Road. Hiring a bike for this mountain bike trail can be hired for as little as NZ$35 for four hours from the adventure centre on the waterfront of Akaroa. There’s a lot to explore and there are some decent views in some areas. 3. A travel blogger from New Zealand who has just returned home after 6 years abroad. Of course, hiking is the free option for things to do in Akaroa, … There are lots of walks in and around Akaroa and most of them are fairly short and easy. Akaroa Lighthouse. One of the popular things to do in Akaroa is to join an Akaroa Harbour 2-Hour Nature Cruise. Top things to do in Akaroa 2020.11. Garden of Tane. Location: 8km inland from Akaroa along Long Bay Road. Additionally, the fish and chips is also a must! 1,239 reviews. (And some cheap stuff too). There’s also an old lighthouse to look at and there are some hotels which take advantage of the nice views. Functional facts: Approximate population 700, information centre, restaurants, bank. The view from the car park is great, but it’s even better from the top of the track (it should take around an hour to walk there and back). There’s also a camping ground there which would be an awesome place to stay in the summer. Highly rated activities with free entry in Akaroa: The top things to do for free. Summit Road – Banks Peninsula. I visited this place in winter, so it wasn’t really at its best, but it’d be a good place to visit in the warmer months. 2. The Giants House is a creation of a local artist where the garden is decorated with mosaic art, water features and more. Escape to picturesque Akaroa and immerse yourself in French culture, entertainment and romance as we celebrate Banks Peninsula's unique history at the biennial Akaroa French Festival. We have reviews of the best places to see in Akaroa. …. Things to Do in Akaroa, Canterbury Region: See Tripadvisor's 10 066 traveller reviews and photos of 23 Akaroa attractions. 3. See 2 Experiences. Things to Do in Akaroa. The church is accessible to the public and well worth checking out. There are a few other things to do in Akaroa, including galleries, kayaking and penguin spotting tours and the two popular places listed below. For inspiration of what New Zealand food to look out for, see 11 Foods You Have to Try in New Zealand. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors sample the cuisine of Akaroa or catch up with the vibrant local culture our guides to Akaroa attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip whatever the season. This small peninsula / pa (fortified settlement) is a short drive from Akaroa (it’s just before Akaroa on the main road from Christchurch) and there’s an easy walking track which takes you to the end. Check out our two-week South Island itinerary! The Giants House.