Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Before you go
Your trip to Akaroa.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Akaroa – Canterbury Destination Christchurch and Akaroa about 84 km from Christchurch
How to get there
-
Aeroporto Internacional de Christchurch (CHC) Christchurch · 92 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
It’s about 84 km from Christchurch, a one-and-a-half-hour drive via State Highway 75, with the final section winding through the peninsula hills. There are daily buses from Christchurch. Cruise ships call in the bay in some seasons.
How many days
One day is enough for a boat trip around the harbour, the museum and a walk through the village. With two days, add hikes in the hills and the peninsula viewpoints.
When to go
From December to March, with long days and more boat departures; Hector’s dolphins tend to come closer to shore in spring and summer. In winter the village is quieter and some services reduce their hours.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Useful for reaching the peninsula viewpoints, but there are buses from Christchurch. The village is explored on foot, and boats depart from the main wharf.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Akaroa
-
Morning
Harbour boat trip
Board at the main wharf for a harbour cruise from Akaroa out towards the open sea, passing volcanic cliffs and caves. Hector’s dolphins commonly appear, but sightings are not guaranteed.
-
Afternoon
Akaroa Museum
Visit the Akaroa Museum on Rue Lavaud, which includes the former 1878 courthouse and a settler’s house from the 1840s, and stroll the streets with French names.
-
Late afternoon
Akaroa Lighthouse
Walk along the bay to the 1880 lighthouse, moved to the village headland in 1980, and view the harbour from the opposite side.
-
Evening
Dinner on the bay
Dine on the bayfront street, where restaurants serve fish and peninsula-caught salmon.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Why does Akaroa have French names?
The village was founded in 1840 by French settlers who arrived to establish a colony on the Banks Peninsula. Britain asserted sovereignty the same year, but the settlers stayed, and many streets still bear names like Rue Lavaud and Rue Balguerie.
Can you see dolphins in Akaroa?
Hector's dolphins often appear in the harbour, especially in spring and summer, and there are boat trips to see them and even to swim near them, with protection rules. Sightings are not guaranteed.
How long is it from Christchurch to Akaroa?
About an hour and a half by car, roughly 84 km, with a winding final section. There are daily buses.
Is it worth staying overnight in Akaroa?
For those who want to take boat trips and hikes at a relaxed pace, yes. People short on time usually do a day trip from Christchurch.