What not to miss in akaroa
The very best things to do in Akaroa.
Authentic things to do in Akaroa.
Takapūneke
The South Islands Waitangi, incredibly important previously ‘unknown’ 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.
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.
Original things to do in Akaroa
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.
Cultural things to do in Akaroa.
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.
De-stressing things to do in Akaroa.
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!
Reconnecting things to do in Akaroa.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Slow 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.
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.