A place of plenty, wander the streets and enjoy the boutique shops of Akaroa before relaxing with a glass of vino or a cup of coffee along the harbour promenade.
Akaroa Dolphins Shop
Situated on Akaroa's main waterfront. We stock a wide selection of New Zealand made product. Some of our suppliers include Stone the Crows, Jill Main, Ian Blackwell, Ocean Shell & MZ Design.
We are open every day, so come in and see us for a gift for someone else, a gift for you, or a memento of your time in Akaroa.
Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese
The original Barrys Bay Dairy Factory opened in 1895, so we are proud to have been operating for over 125 years! Originally one of 9 small dairy cooperatives on Bank Peninsula, Barrys Bay is the last surviving cheese factory and an icon of the area. To allow for expansion, our current cheese factory was built in 1953 and by all accounts was the most modern factory in NZ at the time. Today we still use traditional recipes & methods brought to NZ by the early English settlers, as well as some European style recipes we have picked up along the way. Some of our favourite cheeses are Havarti, Maasdam, Aged Gouda, Rinded Cheddar and Peninsula Blue. We believe using fresh, local milk is the key to producing such consistent, beautiful cheese. Stop in at our factory shop on your way to Akaroa, where you can watch the Cheesemakers in action through our viewing window on weekdays (Sept – May).
In the weekend and on non-make days, ask our team to play the DVD about our cheesemaking process. Enjoy complimentary cheese samples and shop our range of local wines, craft beer, preserves and other goodies on offer.
Our factory shop is open 7 days a week from 9am-5pm.
Blue Pearl Gallery
Welcome to our family business and ‘Home’ of the Blue Pearl. We are located on the Main Wharf just 6km from the original Blue Pearl Farm, right here in Akaroa harbour.
Watch as our Master Craftsman Jewellers, Jack and Kaz, – with over 75 years experience between them – handcraft New Zealand’s largest selection of Blue Pearls. Then learn about the story of the unique Blue Pearl process in our information room.
Our Gallery also has special jewellery pieces in Baltic Amber, Tahitian Black Pearls, Greenstone, a unique handmade collection, antiques and so much more.
We can bring your old jewellery back to life – bring in your old gold and precious stones and we can redesign and create a piece that are only limited by your imagination!
SUMMER HOURS: 7 Days, 10am-4:30pm
WINTER HOURS: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-430pm
Follow us
A little history:
Jack learnt his craft from his father, eagerly picking up the tools at the young age of 7. This interest flourished with Jack continuing the family business and becoming a European-trained Master Jeweller with over 50 years’ experience. During his varied career, Jack taught his craft to students at a Technical College in Poland and was a designer for the largest jewellery company in Europe – Pierre Lang – in Vienna, Austria. His dream of immigrating to New Zealand with his wife and two daughters came true in 1986. Here Jack continued to hone his craft by opening a small boutique store and workshop in Christchurch, adding Kiwi inspiration into his designs.
In 2000, Jack met Roger Beattie, the force behind Eyris Blue Pearls. And to this day, we work closely with Roger and the team at Eyris who source and provide us with the World’s best Blue Pearls. We set these in our own custom-designed pieces and our extensive range is exhibited, right here in our Blue Pearl Gallery, in Akaroa.
Some of our team’s artistic professional highlights include:
*Our team was called upon to create a unique Eyris Blue Pearl brooch for Queen Elizabeth. The New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key, presented it to her in September, 2013. To our honour, the Queen has since worn it several times.
*The following year, in 2014, Kate Middelton, the Duchess of Cambridge was gifted a pair of Eyris Pearl earrings, during their Royal Highnesses’ Tour of New Zealand and Australia.
*2019 marked the 30th year of the Cancer Society’s Ball, and with 30 being the ‘year of the Pearl’, we thought it only fitting to donate an Eyris Blue Pearl diamond enhancer for the charity auction.
*We supported “Variety – The Children’s Charity” through the creation of an Eyris Blue Pearl earring and pendant set. This was worn by Miss World 2003 at a live auction.
*The creation of Kiwi songstress Hayley Westenra’s dazzling one-carat while and argyle diamond platinum ring in 2012.
*And one of Jack’s favourite creations - a commission for a small amber-and-white gold ice pick gifted to Sir Edmund Hillary in 2004 on his trip to Europe.
Glowing Sky
The Glowing Sky story began at the very edge of the human world on Rakiura / Stewart Island, New Zealand. No more houses, just forest and 3,000 kms of the mighty Southern Ocean between us and Antarctica.
We remain a family owned and run company specialising in fine Merino Wool clothing. All of our garments are made here in New Zealand's South Island at our own small factory, and retail exclusively through our own 6 NZ shops and website.
Merino - Natures Super Fibre - keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer. Our clothing ranges from essential under garments, practical T-shirts & hoodies right through to luxurious wraps and ponchos. With clothing styles for both men and women you are sure to find something of interest at a visit to our Akaroa Store, the newest of the Glowing Sky stores.
Glowing Sky - Proudly Southern New Zealand!
Current Hours: Open every day 10 am to 4.30 pm.
Winter hours from Tuesday 6th April.
Open every day: 11am to 3.30
Mr Peacock,
Colourful Clothing for All
Quality hand-crafted clothing designed in Akaroa from a purpose-built studio by Emma Manhart and husband Mark Kolff, and manufactured by talented small-scale artisan makers in New Zealand. At Mr Peacock we create a unique world of colour, style and fashion for everyone. The cut and fit of all pieces - from our funky patterned mens shirts to vibrant dresses combined with colourful womens coats & jackets - are designed and crafted to make you feel good. Whether it is the shape, colour, or the pattern, wearing Mr Peacock clothing will bring out the brightest parts of you. We love encouraging and helping people to dress with boldness and to explore their inner Peacock, so come and discover us now or check out our online shop at mrpeacock.co.nz
You will find us located between Akaroa’s historic bank and St Peter’s Church at 8 Rue Balguerie.
Shop Opening Hours
Open 5 Days
10.30am – 4.00pm
Closed Monday & Tuesday
Our online store is open 24/7. We look forward to seeing you all again soon.
Emma Manhart designer and co-owner of Mr Peacock has shown at NZ Fashion Week and is a previous WearableArt (WOW) award winner.
Emma and Mark are interviewed here by" STUFF" To view the article click HERE.
Akaroa Butchery & Deli
For your dinner, weekend BBQ, lush or laid back Christmas we have a range of quality fresh meat and Akaroa salmon, manuka smoked ham and bacon and charcuterie. Our fresh gluten and preservative free sausages are made weekly on site by butchers Brendan and Ben and you'll often smell hams and bacon being smoked as you wander Rue Lavaud. For a platter, picnic or nibble we have a range of local and European cheeses, pates, pickles, olives, etc. as well as award winning local olive oils and sauces, pasta and meaty accompaniments. Oh, and your everyday basics. Pies and eggs.
Pot Pourri - Gift Shop & Fudge
At Pot Pourri we offer a wonderful range of products, beautiful homewares, souvenirs, books, children's toys and of course our famous fudge that we have been making for over 17 years. Our delicious cream and butter fudge is made onsite in the Pot Pourri kitchen. We offer over 50 flavours and offer free tastings. Come in for a taste! Our friendly staff will be only to happy to assist you. Open 7 days 9am - 5.30pm.
Come in and browse over our wonderful selection of local books;
French Akaroa by P. Tremewan
Akaroa, Horomaka, Banks Peninsula, Lyttelton by S. Lowndes
All Our Volts, Electrifying Akaroa by J. Wilson with A. Davis
An Akaroa Precinct by B. Allison
Le Bons Bay, the story of a settlement by G. Brittenden
Land Very Fertile edited by C. Atkinson and D. Gregory
City and Peninsula by the Christchurch, and Akaroa Civic Trusts
Walk with Me to Onawe by B. Bassett Broad
Maori Place Names around Akaroa Harbour by S. Lowndes
The Giants’ House by J. Martin
Banks Peninsula Walks by Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust
Toitu Te Whenua, The Land Remains by Akaroa Civic Trust
Plant Life on Banks Peninsula by H. Wilson
Murf, Murf the Dolphin Dog by S. Warner
Plus we have a great range of New Zealand Novels and Children’s books.
Fire & Ice
Fire & Ice is a long established family business and one of Akaroa's iconic attractions. Owners, Margy, Dai & Esther travel the world to seek out quality mineral specimens, faceted gemstones and pearls, which they bring back to the workshop for their jewellers to use in the hand-crafting of their extensive range of jewellery. Upon your visit you will experience helpful, knowledgeable staff passionate about what they create, and will take pleasure in showing you our exquisite range of Gemstone Jewellery, including New Zealand Greenstone, Paua Shell and the exquisite New Zealand Blue Paua Pearl.
We also stock pure essential oils, sourced from around the world, and our range of massage oils and synergies are blended on-site by our aromatherapist. Fire & Ice is a showcase of colour, light and fragrance from the earth - a "must-visit" when in Akaroa.
NPD Akaroa Motor Garage
Automotive Repairs, Service Station, Motor Accessories & Spare Parts and Retail. Call Clint, Nina and the team.
Summer Hours:
Monday - Friday 7am - 7pm
Saturday 7.30am - 7pm
Sunday 7.30am - 6pm
Closed on Christmas Day ONLY but 24hour fuel will still be available
Pohatu Penguins Art and Crafts shop and Booking office
Looking for something different to offer? Come to browse our small souvenir shop to meet our friendly team and find the perfect gift. Arts and crafts from local artists including Jewelleries, Toys, T-shirts, Books and Photography.
If you’re looking for an activity, ask about Pohatu Penguin tours, Sea-kayaking safaris, Hiking tours and the famous Banks Track.
Little River Gallery
A Peninsula landmark. Enjoy delicious food and coffee in a peaceful sculpture garden. Fantastic giftshop with quality, unique and original New Zealand art. We have regular exhibitions in our Gallery exhibiting contemporary NZ sculpture, painting and jewellery. Check out our web site for our present and up and coming exhibitions. Live viewing of our art on our web site.
Open Hours
Everyday except Christmas day
9am - 5pm weekdays
9am - 5.30pm weekends
We are open every day.
Akaroa Farmers Market
Visit the Akaroa Farmers Market every Saturday from 9.30am to 1pm from October to April. Banks Peninsula has an abundance of produce and passionate gardeners. Our stallholders offer locally grown fruit, veges, herbs, honey, olive oil, olives, nuts and flowers plus locally produced preserves, pickles, jams, sauces, bread, pastries, lavender products, plants, and more.
For more Information on the Akaroa Farmers Market talk to one of the stall holders or contact Neil Barnett.
The Akaroa Farmers Market have a new Facebook page to let folk know what’s happening, what’s in season, who's selling what and any specials stall holders are offering.