Design a perfect day in the bays with our suggested activities. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, we’ve highlighted the best activities so you can make the most of your visit.
Please note that some of our featured providers operate seasonally, so we recommend confirming their opening hours directly before you go to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
To start your day we suggest grabbing a coffee and croissant from A La Baguette, The Common or L’escargot Rouge.
Māori, French, and British stories shared across its heritage buildings, preserving the layered history of the harbour and its people.
A charming historic wooden lighthouse relocated to the harbour’s edge, quietly keeping watch over Akaroa’s waters since the 19th century.
Get lost in a riot of colours, sculptures and delights at the Giants House.
The Orion Art Gallery and The Captains Quarter Gallery, browse local art and maybe purchase a memento of your visit.
A treasured Ngāi Tahu marae near Akaroa, a place of gathering, remembrance, and mana where the signing of Te Tiriti in the South Island echoes through its carved walls.
War Memorial
The memorial stands quietly beside the harbour, honouring the service and sacrifice of local men and women
Britomart Memorial
This commemorates the arrival of HMS Britomart in 1840, marking the moment British sovereignty was formally proclaimed in the South Island and quietly anchoring a pivotal chapter of Akaroa’s colonial history.
This is a sacred Ngāi Tahu site and nationally significant historic reserve, marking the location of the 1830 massacre that shaped the course of New Zealand’s colonial history.
An interactive tour around the ultimate land of cute.
Explore lovely forest walks and enjoy the sounds of our native birds. Check out the lookout and then make music in the newly added playground. Keep your eyes out for Woodpigeons, Bellbirds and Fantails.
A fun walk filled with hidden sculptures and fabulous hilltop views.
Get lost in a riot of colours, sculptures and delights at the Giants House.
A boutique vineyard perched above Akaroa Harbour, offering sweeping caldera views and a taste of Banks Peninsula in every glass.
New Zealand Blue Pearls are a pure product produced only in New Zealand. Every Eyris® Blue Pearl and Pacific Blue Pearl is unique because of its eye-catching color.
Handmade gemstone jewellery and aroma therapy shop. Everything you need to look and feel good.
Immerse yourself in the natural wonders, rich history, and unique cultures of this diverse region with our expert luxury guided tours.
One of Akaroa’s hidden gems with a focus on freshness and simplicity, using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.
Start your adventure with a wildlife cruise where you will see dolphins, seals and birdlife. Departing from 10am, choose from;
Take a tour with Pohatu Penguins where you discover the world of Little white flippered penguins.
On the way home, keep your camera handy as many of the bays you pass have wonderful birdlife including Kingfisher, Spoonbill, Cormorants, Oyster Catchers and Pied Stilts.
Locally made with an extensive range of flavours. Free tastings available in store.
All your childhood favourites and a huge range of new flavours.
A boutique vineyard with sweeping volcanic-rim views, top-tier food and world-class wines.
vineyard and harbour views with handmade woodfired pizza local wines.
Traditional, handcrafted cheese made on site since 1895.
100% NZ owned, craft salmon farmed the old-fashioned way.
Local Sausages from the Akaroa Butchery and Deli
Small batch, hand filled on site from South Island meats.
