Welcome to Akaroa and the Bays
Just 75 kilometres from the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, Akaroa is a historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. Explore the village with its colonial architecture, galleries, craft stores, and cafés. Relax or take part in the many activities that are on offer. Explore the dramatic outer bays and take your time to soak in the magic of this area. A wide range of accommodation is available and you will need more than a day to explore this little piece of paradise.
Akaroa, with it's own beautiful bays and harbour, French and English history has an enormous range of activities to keep you busy for days. In Flea bay you will find the largest little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. Akaroa waters are home to the rarest and smallest marine dolphin and all around you will find fantastic sea kayaking in spectacular surroundings.
Akaroa & the Bays have lots of exciting accommodation options - B&Bs, backpackers, cabins, camp sites, cottages, hostels, hotels, houses, lodges, motels, retreats; hosted, catered, self contained; Akaroa village, rural inner harbour and outer bays accommodation ranges from basic to luxurious. A great range to suit all budgets.
Oh I do like to be beside the seaside, I do like to be beside the sea. Whether picnicking with family or romancing the love of your life what's better than seaside dining? Akaroa village is home to a great bunch of imaginative chefs, a butcher, baker and chorizo maker creating sensational snacks to degustation dinners using beautiful locally grown and prepared produce including fresh local fish.
As a venue for weddings, conferences and other gatherings Akaroa has wowed guests from throughout New Zealand and abroad.
The journey to Akaroa is a delightful trip through changing landscapes with many natural and cultural features. Visitors to Akaroa travel by car or coach and making the trip on a bicycle is increasing popular.
With an eclectic mix of skills and interests in the community there is always something going on or off around Akaroa and the bays! As well as amazing community events showcasing local talents the area welcomes visitors to a broad range of national and internationally acclaimed music, arts, sports and cultural events for spectators and participators.
Akaroa is Maori for Long Harbour. The village is snuggled into a wide bay on the eastern side of the rugged harbour with Onuku Marae a little further south. The permanent population of around 700 in this historic village swells significantly over summer.
-
Cruise Ships
We look forward to a busy cruise season in Akaroa again this summer. If you are a cruise passenger coming into Akaroa this is where to look. -
Video Gallery
Akaroa & the Bays is an exciting and beautiful place to be. Watch these videos to see more. -
This Week in Akaroa
There is always something happening in this wonderful town. -
Akaroa Spring School
Akaroa Spring School. 7-10 October 2013. Avant l’École French Fest. Come to Spring School, Stay for French Fest. A fantastic array of classes to educate, entice and excite. -
Akaroa Customer Service Award for Excellence
Vote here for great service in Akaroa. This Eiffel Tower trophy award goes to the person or the business with the most votes per month. -
Walking Tracks—Akaroa & Banks Peninsula
Akaroa and Banks Peninsula has many great walking tracks. These vary from short hikes to all day tramps over the picturesque hills. -
Camping Info
The joy of Banks Peninsula is to discover remote bays and enjoy the freedom that a campervan brings to a holiday. -
JobSpot
If you intend coming to Akaroa and working for the summer season of 2013-2014 let us know and we can help you find work and accommodation. Jobs in Akaroa-go here.