The season of long days, sparkling harbour waters, and busy village life has arrived.
As the pōhutukawa start to bloom and the temperatures rise, our community is gearing up for another vibrant summer – full of visitors, events, and those magic moments that make our corner of the world so special.
NEW! Ladies only backpackers
From cosy huts and a charming vintage caravan to a magical tree house and comfortable studio rooms, there’s an option to suit every style (and every budget!). It’s the perfect base for summer adventures, girls’ weekends, or a peaceful solo escape. Did we mention the hot tub? Communal camp kitchen? Plenty of safe storage?
Cuteness overload
Akaroa and the Bays are bursting with cuteness this season, with baby Hector’s dolphins swimming alongside their mums, seal pups lounging on the rocks, and fluffy young alpacas stealing hearts. The adorable parade isn’t over yet – soon we’ll be welcoming baby penguins as they start to emerge from their nests.
New Year’s at Caldera
Bid farewell to 2025 in style at Caldera Vineyard Estate, Akaroa. 6.30pm -11pm starting celebrations with complimentary champagne and canapes, followed by a 4 course chefs meal. Tickets are limited at $265 pp. Table of 4 minimum.
Book via info@calderaestate.com or phone Bridget on 021 402 071
A grand New Years
The Grand Hotel Akaroa has you sorted with a full night of live music and good vibes this New Year’s Eve. Gather your friends, grab a cold drink, and settle into the beer garden or bar as talented local musicians bring the soundtrack to your celebrations.
Come for the music, stay for the atmosphere, and kick off the new year Akaroa-style.
See you at The Grand for a night to remember!
Christmas day activities
Akaroa Dolphins is again running their popular dolphin tour departing at 12.45pm . It’s the perfect way to relax on the harbour, soak up the scenery, spot dolphins, and enjoy a truly effortless Christmas experience.
Coast up Close is departing 11am for a wildlife cruise, a wonderful way to view the breath-taking spots on Akaroa Harbour, while spotting our local seals and abundant birdlife.
Akaroa Stargazing are open for their evening tours. Their current special Astronomy Bites – is The FIRST & ONLY Sungazing to Stargazing tour in New Zealand. A 3-hour exclusive cosmic and culinary journey with a gourmet local grazing platter included. Limited to 6 guests for the ultimate intimate experience.
Christmas gifts with a difference
This year, make your gifting extra special by supporting local and choosing something truly memorable.
Experiences they’ll never forget.
Gift an adventure on the water with vouchers from Black Cat Cruises, Akaroa Dolphins, or Fox II Sailing. These make perfect presents for friends and whanau who enjoy nature, wildlife, and time on the harbour.
A gift that gives back.
Consider adopting a penguin with Pōhatu Penguins. It’s a meaningful, unique gesture that supports important local conservation work.
Alternatively, a voucher to Shamarra Alpaca’s – you can’t beat their cuddle experience and 50% of all vouchers purchased in December goes to the deserving non-profit organisation Christchurch Aunties, who help women and children across Canterbury.
Shop local treasures.
Find beautiful interior pieces, New Zealand clothing and local delicacies from a range of boutique shops, including Pot Pourri , Glowing Sky, Akaroa Butcher and Deli and Barrys Bay Cheese. Thoughtful, practical and perfect for under the tree.
Spread the sparkle.
Exquisite handcrafted Jewellery from Blue Pearl Gallery or Fire & Ice adds a touch of local brilliance to your Christmas gifting.
Support local, share the joy, and give gifts that leave lasting memories.
Plan your Akaroa and the bays adventure
Introducing outstanding Okains Bay
Okains Bay is one of Banks Peninsula’s hidden gems – only 30 minutes from Akaroa its a relaxed coastal village where history, nature, and simple pleasures blend effortlessly.
Just over the hill from Akaroa, it feels wonderfully untouched: a sweeping sandy beach edged by rolling farmland, a clear river winding to the sea, and a coastline made for swimming, strolling, and slowing down.
The bay has a long and rich past. Archaeological sites across the area reflect generations of settlement, gathering, and trade. European arrival in the mid-1800s brought saw milling, farming, and coastal trading – early industries that helped shape the community. Many of these stories are preserved at the Okains Bay Museum, founded in the 1960s to protect local taonga and settler heritage. Today, it holds a nationally significant collection, from ancient artifacts and tools to historic objects and beautifully restored waka.
A large campground is located at one end of the beach, it’s a popular spot for generations of families over the summer months. With a long and wide safe swimming beach, you are sure to find a spot all to yourself. Make sure you stop by the Okains Bay store to cool off with an ice cream or milkshake – its one of the longest continually running stores in New Zealand.
Discover more from Akaroa & the Bays
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