What not to miss in akaroa
The very best things to do in Akaroa.
Tourist attraction in Akaroa
Akaroa nature & history tour
Experience the very best hidden gems Akaroa has to offer, Akaroa Attractions MUST DO things to do in this one great tour.
Understanding the history is one of the must do things to do in Akaroa, Akaroa is just oozing with amazing historic sites.
Being inspired by the beautiful nature is also a must do thing to do! Don’t miss out, book your tour NOW.
1. Takapūneke
A new Christchurch visitor attraction. And one of the only South Island Maori tourist attractions.
The South Islands Waitangi, incredibly important hidden gem - historic and cultural site.
Take your time to visit, learn the stories, soak in the sun and scenery and connect to New Zealand’s unique heritage.
The newest of things to do in Akaroa. And one of the best things to do in New Zealand. A brand new New Zealand visitor attraction. But a hidden gem that has not yet been discovered, even to regular visitors to Akaroa.
2. Akaroa Lighthouse
One of the only working historic lighthouses in the world that you can explore - inside!
Built in 1880 and still lovingly cared for by local volunteers, take the winding steps up to the viewing platform and see the lights working.
This also makes a wonderful slow walk on a romantic weekend in Akaroa.
One of the most popular attractions in Akaroa and an original thing to do in Akaroa. Most photographed building in Akaroa!
3. Ōnuku
Stunning history, scenery and culture on the harbour-side.
Everything that is unique about New Zealand can be found in this small settlement. Maori culture, rich heritage, stunning nature, there is no where else like it.
One of the best cultural things to do in Akaroa.
4. The Akaroa Heritage Park
Quite simply the best view of Akaroa harbour.
This is the place to sit and relax, soak up the views and imagine those French settler ships coming into the harbour – or perhaps a waka (war canoe) or two!
Stunning views of Akaroa township, Onawe, and much more! You can even walk here from Akaroa – or over to Hinewai.
One of the most relaxing things to do in Akaroa is the many nature walks. A romantic thing to do for a couple, to watch the sunset from the hill. And a perfect family visitor attraction, a wonderful park for children to run in and a picnic!
5. Hinewai Reserve
The largest private reserve in New Zealand. And an absolute inspiration for conservation.
Established in 1987, with many kilometres of walking tracks for all levels of fitness. Reconnect with nature, go offline and off the beaten track, go slow and absorb!
One of the most peaceful things to do in Akaroa is to visit Hinewai Reserve, a large visitor attraction.
6. Fishermans Bay Gardens
Gardens with a view to die for!
You simply will not believe the coastline, the beauty, the wildness of nature absorbed through an impeccably designed and maintained garden. Listen for the seals!
Beautiful things to do in Akaroa. You will be blown away by this garden, but also the stunning Eastern Bays scenic views.
7. Akaroa Museum
No visit to Akaroa is complete without a visit to the Akaroa Museum, even if it’s just for the great bookstore!
A wonderful little museum with a vast array of stories and exhibits, resources and collections.
Historic things to do in Akaroa. A must do Akaroa tourist attraction.
8. Okains Bay & museum
Take a day trip, soak up the heritage, then soak up the sun and sand and enjoy fish and chips from one of the oldest stores in New Zealand.
Okains Bay store established in 1878 and still running! Okains Bay Museum with collections of National Significance. Okains Bay camp – right on the beach. What a place to visit for a day or a weekend!
Full day things to do in Akaroa. A great Akaroa family attraction.
Ōnawe Pa - the last stand of Ngāi Tahu in the Te Rauparaha wars. Ōnawe Peninsula - a spectacular volcanic plug and nature walk.
This short walk takes you along a spectacular coast line, past exposed volcanic plugs and lava flows, up the backbone of a peninsula within a peninsula and across the footsteps of a historic fighting pa where Ngai Tahu stood together against an invading army.
A place to learn, rest, remember and reconnect, one of the special things to do in Akaroa.
authentic local guide
To make the most of your experience in Akaroa go to these places with the expert local guide. One of the most authentic things to do in Akaroa.
What customers say
Bringing the past, present and future of Akaroa together. A very special experience with a “living treasure”, this is an excursion that should not be missed. Who better to recount the local history and stories but a 7th generation local. Respectful of the Māori narrative, Marie weaves human endeavor, geological activity and recent ecological initiatives into a feast of information that held us enthralled for the afternoon. We are planning a return trip to Akaroa, and hope she will have a Part 2 itinerary for us then.