Road

Akaroa is a pleasant 83km drive from Christchurch via State Highway 75. The Journey will take about one and a half hours directly by car.

Dolphin encounter

Akoroa harbour is a sheltered harbour, a flooded crater of an extinct volcano surrounded by awe-inspiring volcanic cliffs. This is one place on the planet where one can swim with Hector Dolphins also known as the New Zealand Dolphin. These are protected in Akaroa Harbour by a marine mammal sanctuary. You will not find them anywhere else in the world, and Akaroa is the only place where you can take a trip out to swim with them.

Pohatu penguins

Pohatu is the largest little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. You are guaranteed to see penguins in their natural habitat during the breeding season from September to mid February and second week in April. This is a wonderful option for people who wish to view the penguins returning to the bay in their natural habitat.

Akaroa Seal Colony Safari

Take a unique journey from the charming shoreline village of Akaroa, up over the rim of an extinct volcano, past spectacular farmland and ocean views, and down eastern slopes to the Pacific Ocean. There, at the foot of one-hundred-metre cliffs, we will encounter an adorable colony of New Zealand Fur Seals, swimming and sun bathing amongst 8-million-year-old volcanic deposits.

Fire and Ice

It is a long established family business and one of Akaroa's iconic attractions. You will be greeted by helpful, knowledgeable staffs who are passionate about what they create and sell.

Hetties Rock and Crystal Shop

This is New Zealand’s oldest rock and crystal shop on the water front in Akaroa. They manufacture tumbled stones, jewellery, spheres, and many of other items.

Pot Pourri – gifts

Wonderful range of gifts and cards for all occasions are available here. A wide range of cards, jewelleries, books, toys etc. are sold here.

The Little Bistro

33 Rue Lavaud, Akaroa, New Zealand
Cuisines: French, European, New Zealand

The Trading Rooms Restaurant

71 Beach Rd, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand
Cuisines: French, Pizza, Mediterranean, Spanish

Hilltop Tavern

5207 Christchurch-Akaroa Road | Little River, Akaroa 7591, New Zealand
Cuisines: Fish and Chips, Bar, Pizza, Café