Title: Visit Akaroa: Best of Akaroa Tourism | Expedia Travel Guide - Expedia.ca [Hotels in Akaroa](https://expedia.ca/Akaroa-Hotels.d6024120.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in Akaroa](https://expedia.ca/Akaroa-Vacation-Rentals.d6024120.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Flights to Akaroa](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Akaroa.d6024120.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Akaroa](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Akaroa.d6024120.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Akaroa Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Akaroa.d6024120.Car-Rental-Guide)[Akaroa Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Akaroa.d6024120.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Akaroa ## Travel Guide ![Akaroa showing mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/110000/110940-Akaroa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Akaroa](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/475000/475027-New-Zealand.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Akaroa showing a house](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/110000/110949-Akaroa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Akaroa featuring swimming and general coastal views as well as a large group of people](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/110000/110961-Akaroa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Akaroa showing tranquil scenes](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/110000/110960-Akaroa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Akaroa Things to do Reviews #### Swim with dolphins, sail around the bay and visit a sculpture and mosaic garden in this charming French and British colonial town in a volcanic setting. Akaroa means “long harbour” in a Māori dialect and the town of Akaroa is set on the edge of a narrow and sheltered harbour. Enjoy the ambiance of this attractive heritage town, the only French settlement in New Zealand. Just 47 miles (75 kilometres) from Christchurch, Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula is easy to reach. Akaroa sits at the heart of an ancient volcano and the landscape is dotted with the remnants of past eruptions. Walk along the scenic waterfront and look to the hills beyond. Explore the origins of Akaroa with a visit to the little Akaroa Museum. Learn about the English and French heritage of the region, which was first settled by these Europeans in the 19th century but was already home to Māori hundreds of years earlier. Akaroa Beach is on the eastern shore of Akaroa Harbour. Join a boat tour to swim with the rare Hector’s dolphins, sign up for a kayaking adventure or book a relaxing sailing cruise. In Flea Bay, just to the south, take a four-wheel-drive trip to the largest little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. Spot seals as well. Visit one of the many atmospheric cafés and restaurants around town for lunch. French food is a speciality and local chefs create magic with the fresh produce from the surrounding farmlands. An all-time favourite is kumara (sweet potato) which early Māori seafarers brought to New Zealand. Head around the bay to visit Barrys Bay Cheese, which has been running since 1895, and get a bottle of local wine to complement your cheese platter. Head out into the countryside around Akaroa for some great hiking and cycling. Short and easy trails and more challenging and adventurous tracks are available. Sensational views over the harbour and hills greet you along the way. At the Giant's House, wander around the gardens and marvel at the colourful sculptures and mosaics with views over the bay. Learn about artist Josie Martin, who created this masterpiece around an old house built in 1880\. You can even stay the night here if you’d like to prolong your stay on the enchanting Banks Peninsula. - Akaroa Hotel Deals - Vacation Rentals in Akaroa ![Tresori Motor Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9627200/9627111/db50eb7e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Tresori Motor Lodge Cnr Rue Jolie & Church St Akaroa CA $128 CA $148 total Dec 17 - Dec 18 includes taxes & fees Stay at this motel in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Akaroa Wharf and Akaroa Lighthouse are located ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (351 reviews) We were very happy with our stay. Everything is perfect. Very clean hotel and the owner is very 👍 nice. Reviewed on Dec 13, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=17%2F12%2F2025&endDate=18%2F12%2F2025&selected=9627111&PinnedHotelID=9627111&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6024120) ![Akaroa Waterfront Motels](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9626300/9626275/0fc96eca_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Akaroa Waterfront Motels 56-64 Rue Jolie Akaroa CA $131 CA $151 total Dec 18 - Dec 19 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this beach motel in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ... 9/10 Wonderful! (535 reviews) Nice two bedrooms very clean and great waterfront setting. Reviewed on Dec 14, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=18%2F12%2F2025&endDate=19%2F12%2F2025&selected=9626275&PinnedHotelID=9626275&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6024120) ![Akaroa Village Inn](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/20000000/19300000/19296700/19296689/ad4aeb7d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Akaroa Village Inn 81 Beach Road Akaroa Canterbury CA $193 CA $222 total Dec 17 - Dec 18 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this beach apartment in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Akaroa Wharf and Akaroa Lighthouse are ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (129 reviews) Lovely spacious apartment in the middle of Akaroa. Reviewed on Nov 16, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=17%2F12%2F2025&endDate=18%2F12%2F2025&selected=19296689&PinnedHotelID=19296689&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6024120) [See all 177 properties in Akaroa](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=17%2F12%2F2025&endDate=18%2F12%2F2025®ionId=6024120) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ![Akaroa Village Inn](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/20000000/19300000/19296700/19296689/ad4aeb7d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Akaroa Village Inn 81 Beach Road Akaroa Canterbury Book a stay at this beach apartment in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Akaroa Wharf and Akaroa Lighthouse are ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (129 reviews) Lovely spacious apartment in the middle of Akaroa. Reviewed on Nov 16, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Akaroa-Hotels-Akaroa-Village-Inn.h19296689.Hotel-Information) ![Akaroa on the Beach Apartments](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9626100/9626017/fcc4ab52_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Akaroa on the Beach Apartments 229 Beach Road Akaroa Stay at this apartment in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Britomart Monument and Akaroa Lighthouse are located ... 9/10 Wonderful! (67 reviews) Clean rooms. Perfect Laundry equipment. Wonderful balcony, outstanding bay view. Directly answer at any questions Reviewed on Nov 24, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Akaroa-Hotels-Akaroa-On-The-Beach-Apartments.h9626017.Hotel-Information) ![SEACLUSION: Great Water Views, Wonderful for Big Families & Groups](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/39000000/38080000/38077500/38077488/c3cd800e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### SEACLUSION: Great Water Views, Wonderful for Big Families & Groups Akaroa Akaroa Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Popular attractions Artisans Gallery and Akaroa ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (86 reviews) Host was very friendly & welcoming. It was a very well equipped house. We had 4 generations staying & found the house had all we needed from pots, pans, crockery, 2 coffee machines, all the linen required plus the toys/books for our great grandchildren to use were much appreciated too. Unfortunately ... Reviewed on Nov 16, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Akaroa-Hotels-Seaclusion-5-Bedroom-Home-With-Water-Views-Perfect-For-Large-Groups.h38077488.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Akaroa](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=6024120&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ## Check Akaroa hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6024120&startDate=2025-12-16&endDate=2025-12-17)[Dec 16 - Dec 17](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6024120&startDate=2025-12-16&endDate=2025-12-17) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6024120&startDate=2025-12-17&endDate=2025-12-18)[Dec 17 - Dec 18](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6024120&startDate=2025-12-17&endDate=2025-12-18) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6024120&startDate=19%2F12%2F2025&endDate=21%2F12%2F2025)[Dec 19 - Dec 21](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6024120&startDate=19%2F12%2F2025&endDate=21%2F12%2F2025) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6024120&startDate=26%2F12%2F2025&endDate=28%2F12%2F2025)[Dec 26 - Dec 28](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6024120&startDate=26%2F12%2F2025&endDate=28%2F12%2F2025) ### Popular places to visit ![Akaroa Wharf featuring general coastal views and a coastal town](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/180000/180853-Canterbury.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Akaroa Wharf 4.5/5(13 reviews) At this pretty quayside join wildlife-spotting excursions around the Banks Peninsula and enjoy waterfront walks while admiring magnificent scenery. [](https://expedia.ca/Akaroa-Wharf-Akaroa.d6112958.Vacation-Attraction) ![Akaroa which includes a lighthouse, a bay or harbour and a pebble beach](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/182000/182261-Akaroa-Lighthouse.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Akaroa Lighthouse 4/5(2 reviews) For a glimpse of the history of the Banks Peninsula and an hour or two in nature, walk or ride to this historic wooden lighthouse and take in the scenic harbor views. [](https://expedia.ca/Akaroa-Lighthouse-Akaroa.d553248621526966938.Vacation-Attraction) ![Linton The Giant House](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/a2f66cd080e3d5cecb16812c7b130faa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Linton The Giant House You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Linton The Giant House in Akaroa. Wander the waterfront and beaches in the area. [](https://expedia.ca/Linton-The-Giant-House-Akaroa.d6112962.Vacation-Attraction) ![Akaroa Museum](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/182000/182025-Akaroa-Museum.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Akaroa Museum 5/5(1 review) Delve into the past in this fascinating little local museum with its three heritage buildings on the South Island’s Banks Peninsula. [](https://expedia.ca/Akaroa-Museum-Akaroa.d6112956.Vacation-Attraction) #### Banks Peninsula Track 5/5(1 review) You can take time to visit Banks Peninsula Track during your travels to Long Bay. Wander the waterfront in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.ca/Banks-Peninsula-Track-Long-Bay.d553248621532610296.Vacation-Attraction) #### Fishermans Bay Garden Explore the great outdoors at Fishermans Bay Garden, a lovely green space in Long Bay. Wander the waterfront in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.ca/Fishermans-Bay-Garden-Long-Bay.d553248634015535162.Vacation-Attraction) ### Things to do ![Akaroa: Pohatu Little Penguins 3-Hour Evening Experience](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4536375/d97da824-943f-4c5e-bbd4-3789003ca3ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Akaroa: Pohatu Little Penguins 3-Hour Evening Experience CA $92 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/akaroa-pohatu-little-penguins-3-hour-evening-experience.a4536375.activity-details) ![Akaroa: Pohatu Penguins Scenic Nature 2-Hour or 4-Hour Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4555900/0043b107-023b-4c96-9335-19b1de47d5a1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Akaroa: Pohatu Penguins Scenic Nature 2-Hour or 4-Hour Tour CA $76 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/akaroa-pohatu-penguins-scenic-nature-2-hour-or-4-hour-tour.a4555900.activity-details) ![Akaroa: Dolphin Nature Cruise](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/45932567/985c6aea-9faf-4674-abb6-d91973399eaf.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Akaroa: Dolphin Nature Cruise CA $104 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/akaroa-dolphin-nature-cruise.a45932567.activity-details) ![From Akaroa: Stargazing Experience](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47062129/624dc736-7ab1-4694-8524-6d049b2679a7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Akaroa: Stargazing Tour with 2 Telescopes & Souvenir Photos CA $87 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/akaroa-stargazing-tour-with-2-telescopes-souvenir-photos.a47062129.activity-details) ![You might be the next one to witness a spectacular Aurora Australis.](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/5195463/de95d3d8-ee16-4b17-a43b-bb123d45885e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Night Awe - Stargazing tour in Akaroa CA $87 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/night-awe-stargazing-tour-in-akaroa.a5195463.activity-details) ![From Akaroa Lighthouse: Sungazing Tour with Two Telescopes](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47233219/b1314003-9fc4-4036-9ae5-183cdd88a8cc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### From Akaroa Lighthouse: Sungazing Tour with Two Telescopes CA $31 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/from-akaroa-lighthouse-sungazing-tour-with-two-telescopes.a47233219.activity-details) [See all activities in Akaroa](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Akaroa.d6024120.Travel-Guide-Activities) ## Reviews of Akaroa 4.7 Top destination 5 - Excellent 2 4 - Good 1 3 - Okay 0 2 - Disappointing 0 1 - Terrible 0 ### 4/5 - Good Verified traveller Loved the Akaroa Dolphin Cruise which is family run. Lovely people and experience. ### 5/5 - Excellent Carolyn Lovely little town to visit. ## Cities near Akaroa ![Photo by YoungAdventuress](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/485f316d0c11ec35cbb9843cc3e7160c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Robinsons Bay - Cities near Akaroa - Places of interest [Robinsons Bay](https://expedia.ca/Robinsons-Bay.dx553248635975855905)[Hickory Bay](https://expedia.ca/Hickory-Bay.dx692483305487949824) - [Akaroa Lighthouse ](https://expedia.ca/Akaroa-Lighthouse-Akaroa.d553248621526966938.Vacation-Attraction) - [Lyttelton Harbour ](https://expedia.ca/Lyttelton-Harbour-Lyttelton.d6112944.Vacation-Attraction) - [Sumner Beach ](https://expedia.ca/Sumner-Beach-Sumner.d6112932.Vacation-Attraction) - [New Brighton Beach ](https://expedia.ca/New-Brighton-Beach-New-Brighton.d6112934.Vacation-Attraction) - [Christchurch Gondola ](https://expedia.ca/Christchurch-Gondola-Heathcote-Valley.d6214185.Vacation-Attraction) - [Cave Rock ](https://expedia.ca/Cave-Rock-Sumner.d6112938.Vacation-Attraction) - [Mount Cavendish ](https://expedia.ca/Mount-Cavendish-Heathcote-Valley.d6112930.Vacation-Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels and earn double points when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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