Akaroa

Overview

Akaroa sits inside Akaroa Harbour, itself the flooded crater of an extinct volcano forming much of Banks Peninsula. French settlers arrived in 1840 intending to establish a colony, only to find British sovereignty had been declared days earlier — they stayed anyway, and the town retains French street names and colonial-era cottages as a result.

The harbour is one of the best places in the world to see the Hector's dolphin, the world's smallest and rarest marine dolphin species, found only in New Zealand waters. Boat tours run specifically to swim with or view them, alongside little blue penguins and fur seals also present in the harbour.

Things To Do

• Swim with Hector's dolphins — guided boat trips offering the chance to swim with this rare, tiny dolphin species.
• Harbour cruise — a gentler wildlife-watching option for those not wanting to get in the water.
• Historic village walk — French-influenced architecture and street names from the 1840s settlement.
• Banks Peninsula Track — a multi-day walking track over the surrounding volcanic hills.
• Giant's House — a sculpture garden and historic home open for tours in the town.

Getting There

Akaroa is about 1.5 hours' drive from Christchurch over the Port Hills and across Banks Peninsula — a scenic drive in its own right. Day tours also run from Christchurch for those not driving themselves.

Gallery

Nearby Attractions

Christchurch Gondola

A cable car up the Port Hills, on the route between Christchurch and Akaroa.

Aoraki / Mt Cook

New Zealand's tallest peak, a scenic drive further inland.

Christchurch

Canterbury's main city, about 1.5 hours' drive away.

Reviews