Akaroa

Akaroa

Why go here? Pretty French-flavoured village in a stunning natural harbour setting.

Need to know ...

The picturesque French settlement of Akaroa, an enjoyable drive from Christchurch on Banks Peninsula, is a popular destination offering fine cafés and dining, great accommodation and the chance to see rare Hector’s Dolphins. The village is set on gently sloping hills above beautiful Akaroa Harbour. Heritage cottages with picket fences and pretty gardens line quiet streets. Akaroa is a village of perfect tranquillity. The surrounding area offers beaches, walks and wonderful views.

Main Centres

Akaroa – pretty French settlement on Banks Peninsula.

Getting There

By Air – Christchurch has the closest international airport. By Road –
1 hour, 15 minutes from Christchurch to Akaroa. A shuttle service operates between Christchurch and Akaroa.

Getting Around

Akaroa is easy to explore on foot, but having a car or scooter will enable you to explore the area. The main road to Akaroa is very manageable, but be aware that other roads may be steep, narrow or winding.

Eating Out

Bully Haye’s Restaurant & Bar (Beach Rd, t +64 3 304 7533) – innovative local cuisine and wines.
C’est La Vie Bistro & Café (33 Rue Lavaud, t +64 3 304 7314) – intimate dining for lovers of French cuisine.
Ma Maison (6 Rue Balguerie, t +64 3 304 7658) – local produce in a waterfront setting.
Harbour 71 (71 Beach Rd, t +64 3 304 7656) – award-winning dining with sea views.

Where to Drink

Cosy Pub

The Grand Hotel (6 Rue Lavaud, t +64 3 304 7011) – Jacob’s family bar and beer garden for light meals. SKY TV.

Sights

The glassy waters of Akaroa Harbour nestled amongst the crumpled hills of Banks Peninsula – the view from Hilltop, on the way to Akaroa, is simply superb.
Pods of tiny Hector’s Dolphins playing in the inner harbour.
Peaceful streets of pretty cottages and picket-fenced gardens.

Action

Take a guided tour and swim with the rarest dolphin in the world. The habitat of the Hector’s Dolphin includes parts of the North Island and the West Coast, but Akaroa Harbour contains one of the largest remaining populations.

Hike the Banks Peninsula Track – a 35km, four-day journey – or one of the region’s many shorter walks.

Relax

Stroll the pretty streets of the village, stopping for coffee and pastries at a quaint café.

THE experience

Take one of the renowned Akaroa Harbour Cruises – you’ll encounter breath-taking scenery and wildlife from dolphins to penguins.

Coffee Fix

Turenne Coffee Shop (Cnr Rue Balguerie & Rue Lavaud, t +64 3 304 7005) – breakfasts, home baking and great coffee.
By the Green (37 Rue Lavaud, t +64 3 304 7717) – breakfast, lunch and all-day deli food. Café Cirque (81 Beach Rd, t +64 3 304 7281) – across from the main wharf, offering breakfast, lunch and cabinet food.

Something to Take Home

Naturally Jade (Akaroa, t +64 3 304 7781) – quality jade, paua, gold, silver, bone and Pacific Blue Pearls.
ULA (40 Rue Lavaud, t +64 3 304 8070) – paua and fine sterling silver.
Akaroa Blue Pearls (Main Wharf, t +64 3 304 7877) – ‘Akaroa Blue Pearls’ cultured in Akaroa Harbour and crafted into fine jewellery.
Akaroa Woolshed Gallery (7 Church St, t +64 3 304 8035) – woollen goods.
La Folie Jolie Gallery (116 Rue Jolie, t +64 3 304 8760) – garden art, ceramics, glass and paintings.

Did you know?

Notable Culture

Onuku Marae, 5km south of Akaroa, retains special significance for local Maori. Onuku was the first of three South Island locations where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.

Moment in History

In 1838, French whaling captain Jean Langlois negotiated the sale of Banks Peninsula from local Maori. He returned to France to form a trading company and in 1840 63 French settlers emigrated under warship escort. British officials hastily arranged for a British warship to raise the flag at Akaroa, claiming British sovereignty under the Treaty of Waitangi.

Websites to Check Out

www.akaroa.com
Akaroa Travel Information