Fresh air, safe beaches, wildlife encounters and space to roam. From rock pooling and wharf fishing to easy bush walks and ice cream on the waterfront, Akaroa and the Bays are made for memory-making with little explorers in tow.

Activities 

Akaroa Dolphins – Dolphin and wildlife cruise

A hit with the kids because of their dolphin-sensing dogs and homemade cookies

Black Cat Cruises – Dolphin and wildlife cruise

Akaroa’s longest running nature cruise, view Hector’s dolphins, seals and seabirds!

Shamara Alpacas

An interactive tour around the ultimate land of cute.

Garden of Tane 

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.

Children’s Bay walk 

A fun walk filled with hidden sculptures and fabulous hilltop views.

Giants House 

Get lost in a riot of colours, sculptures and delights at the Giants House. 

Akaroa Stargazing

A wide range of options to keep even the most curious happy – even during the day! 

Akaroa Museum

Māori, French, and British stories shared across its heritage buildings, preserving the layered history of the harbour and its people.

Akaroa Lighthouse

A charming historic wooden lighthouse relocated to the harbour’s edge, quietly keeping watch over Akaroa’s waters since the 19th century.

Accommodation

Akaroa Waterfront Motels 

1, 2 and 3-bedroom units with well equipped kitchens where you can enjoy affordable comfort with the waterfront right at your doorstep.

Akaroa Top 10 Holiday Park 

A great selection of accommodation options from camp sites to self-contained units and a wide range of facilities for the whole family.

Shamarra Alpacas

Eating Out

L’Escargot Rouge

Cabinet food, milkshakes and icreams.

The Grand Hotel 

Families and dogs are not only welcome but encouraged and there is lots of space to sit outside and soak up the sun.

The Common

Tempting food and a welcoming environment. Cabinet food and A la Carte available.

Bully Hayes

Open 7 days year-round for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Awesome kids menu that comes with an activity pack. 

Madeira Hotel

All about good food, cold drinks and great vibes. Plenty of menu options. 

Need a sweet treat?

Pot Pourri Fudge

Locally made with an extensive range of flavours. Free tastings available in store. 

The Little Sweet Shop

All your childhood favourites and a huge range of new flavours.