Akaroa

A charming harbour town with French flair, nestled in an ancient volcanic crater on Banks Peninsula.

Just 90 minutes from Christchurch, Akaroa offers a picturesque escape rich in history, character, and natural beauty. This former French settlement charms with its colonial cottages, boutique shops, and cafés where croissants and seafood share the menu. Set on a sheltered harbour teeming with marine life, it’s the perfect base for dolphin encounters, coastal walks, and laid-back exploration. With its unique cultural heritage and dramatic volcanic setting, Akaroa is one of New Zealand’s most distinctive and endearing small towns.

See and Do

The local favourite
A highlight for many is the chance to see Hector’s dolphins, the world’s smallest and rarest, which are found only in New Zealand waters. Join a locally run harbour cruise or eco-tour to encounter these playful creatures in the wild. Some operators even offer the chance to swim with them. Along the way, you may also spot fur seals, little blue penguins and seabirds, all set against the backdrop of sea cliffs and lava-formed landscapes.

A scene of pure natural beauty
The Banks Track, New Zealand’s first private walking track, offers a multi-day hiking experience through remote bays, dramatic headlands, and native forest on Banks Peninsula. For a shorter adventure, try the Childrens Bay Walkway, a scenic climb above the harbour with panoramic views and quirky art installations along the trail. Everywhere you go, the landscape tells the story of a long-extinct volcano, now softened by pasture, bush, and coastal light.

Adventures in nature
Kayaking the calm waters of Akaroa Harbour is one of the most peaceful ways to connect with the area’s beauty. Paddle beneath towering cliffs, explore hidden inlets, and watch for wildlife just beneath the surface. For land-based thrills, take a 4WD nature safari into the high country above the harbour, or explore the Hinewai Reserve, a privately managed conservation area where native bush is regenerating across valleys and ridges. It’s a gentle, immersive kind of adventure—perfectly in tune with Akaroa’s relaxed pace.