Making the most of Akaroa
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Akaroa is a tender port, with ships using the long shallow-water pier in the town centre. The small settlement, first settled by the French in 1838, has beautiful Victorian villas and is easy to explore on foot in several hours, with numerous cafés and restaurants. In the absence of Lyttleton, destroyed in the 2011 earthquake, it is now the base for Christchurch excursions.
Christchurch city is a 1.5-hour drive away.
Akaroa is Kai Tahu Maori for “Long Harbour”; in standard Maori it would be “Whangaroa”.
Only 85 kilometers from Christchurch, Akaroa is a historic French and British settlement in the heart of an ancient volcano. The town is small, with a population of only 600.
Explore the village’s colonial architecture, craft stores and cafés. Relax in the sun at French Bay, find a secluded beach in a neighbouring bay, or head out on the harbour, where scenic cruises, fishing trips and wildlife encounters are available.
Breathe in Akaroa’s serene, mystical and romantic atmosphere. Wake to bellbirds, watch the joyous swooping of wood pigeons, smell lavender and heritage roses, and look for walnut and oak trees planted by the first settlers.
Getting around
Akaroa’s distinctive history as a former French settlement is visible in its street names and architecture.
Rosemary Lyons’ local taxi offers a free service on cruise-ship days. The loop leaves Akaroa main wharf every 15 minutes for the town centre and Akaroa Visitor center, then the Recreation Ground at the end of town. Stops at The Giants House are also possible.
Akaroa harbour often has Hector’s Dolphins, and “swim with the dolphins” boat tours are a major attraction.
The harbour’s edge has plenty to do for those staying on dry land. Choose farm or outer-bay tours, seal and penguin-colony visits, or a trip to one of the neighbouring surf beaches.
Nearby places
Akaroa Shuttle (Red Bus) and French Connection (Cityline) buses to Christchurch leave from the Main Wharf. The fare is approximately NZD$70 return per adult.
Located 30 minutes’ drive south of Akaroa Harbour, the Pohatu Penquins Tour takes visitors to the largest Australasian Little Penguin colony on mainland New Zealand.
Food and shopping
Browse boutiques, galleries and shops on Rue Lavaud, Beach Road and Church Street. At the wharf, see the beauty of the paua pearl display and handcrafted jewellery.
Money
New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar. Some traders, particularly in tourist destinations, accept foreign currency. The approximate conversion is US$1=NZD1.30.
Automatic teller machines (ATMs), locally called “the hole in the wall”, are available in almost every town.
Staying connected
English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language are New Zealand’s official languages. English is universal and uses Commonwealth (“British”) spelling.
New Zealand’s emergency telephone number is 111.
Many public libraries offer public Internet access, usually for a charge.