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://images.trvl-media.com/place/6024120/dd48eb98-d95b-4288-bd42-00c82304666c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Akaroa showing mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6024120/dd48eb98-d95b-4288-bd42-00c82304666c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Akaroa which includes a river or creek, tranquil scenes and a sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6024120/1cf64f57-afa5-41d3-8ed9-71ad249ac863.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Akaroa showing a house](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6024120/b41d305a-4aa5-4127-b680-cf19106e3a2a.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://images.trvl-media.com/place/6024120/98e326f5-852d-4b81-a298-2ad800c02653.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 $141

CA $163 total

Feb 26 - Feb 27

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! (360 reviews)

Great

Reviewed on Jan 28, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=26%2F02%2F2026&endDate=27%2F02%2F2026&selected=9627111&PinnedHotelID=9627111&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=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 $149

CA $171 total

Feb 10 - Feb 11

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! (544 reviews)

Clean room, good location, everything else was good. Parking is a bit tight. We actually thought we had a beach front room as shown on the picture.. looking right on to the water with lay back chairs. A bit of disappointment but we got over it.

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=10%2F02%2F2026&endDate=11%2F02%2F2026&selected=9626275&PinnedHotelID=9626275&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6024120)

![La Rochelle Motel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/13000000/12360000/12359000/12358948/99791226_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

La Rochelle Motel

1 Rue Grehan Akaroa 

CA $192

CA $221 total

Feb 11 - Feb 12

includes taxes & fees

Stay at this motel in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...

9.6/10 Exceptional! (306 reviews)

Great

Reviewed on Jan 27, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=11%2F02%2F2026&endDate=12%2F02%2F2026&selected=12358948&PinnedHotelID=12358948&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6024120)

[See all 183 properties in Akaroa](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=07%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026&regionId=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! (141 reviews)

Location very good

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Akaroa-Hotels-Akaroa-Village-Inn.h19296689.Hotel-Information)

![Akaroa Vista](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/28000000/27790000/27788000/27787945/518db2ba_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Akaroa Vista

77-79 Beach Rd Akaroa Canterbury

Book a stay at this beach apartment in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Akaroa Wharf and Akaroa Lighthouse ...

9.2/10 Wonderful! (30 reviews)

Great location

Reviewed on Nov 5, 2025

[](https://expedia.ca/Akaroa-Hotels-Akaroa-Central-Apartment.h27787945.Hotel-Information)

![Bellbird Bach  - Akaroa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/112000000/111690000/111689500/111689482/916b7432_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Bellbird Bach - Akaroa

 Akaroa Canterbury

Stay at this vacation home in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Akaroa Lighthouse and Akaroa Wharf are located nearby.

10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)

An incredible house. Beautifully designed and a joy to stay in. The morning sun on the deck was just magic, with kererū swooping past and birdsong filling the day. Fantastic amenities throughout, and everything felt thoughtful and high quality. We absolutely loved our stay and would 100% come ...

Reviewed on Jan 27, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Akaroa-Hotels-Bellbird-Bach-Aylmers-Valley-Akaroa.h111689482.Hotel-Information)

[See all properties in Akaroa](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&regionId=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&regionId=6024120&startDate=2026-02-06&endDate=2026-02-07)[Feb 6 - Feb 7](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6024120&startDate=2026-02-06&endDate=2026-02-07)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6024120&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)[Feb 7 - Feb 8](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6024120&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)

[This weekend

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6024120&startDate=06%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 6 - Feb 8](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6024120&startDate=06%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026)

### Popular places to visit

![Akaroa Wharf featuring general coastal views and a coastal town](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6112958/719903df-7b54-4711-930e-1133b44d6f68.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://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526966938/61dac891-1d6c-4ef7-81b5-8e1d3fe7aff9.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)

![Akaroa Museum](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6112956/272b7647-a7cc-409b-b82f-97d1da6effc0.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)

#### 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)

#### St Patrick's Catholic Church

St Patrick's Catholic Church is just one of the places to see in Akaroa, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the waterfront and beaches in the area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/St-Patricks-Catholic-Church-Akaroa.d553248621532610288.Vacation-Attraction)

### Things to do

![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)

![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 $84

per adult

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/akaroa-pohatu-penguins-scenic-nature-2-hour-or-4-hour-tour.a4555900.activity-details)

![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 $100

per adult

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/akaroa-pohatu-little-penguins-3-hour-evening-experience.a4536375.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

![The Summit Road around the Banks Peninsula is so scenic and the views are spectacular, even if the roads are a bit gnarly and not for the faint of heart](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532610538/1f3412da-4aed-492e-939a-5f7f81d22c02.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)

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