A tiny coastal town with a volcano to cycle on and the world’s friendliest dolphins. What more could you ask from a hidden gem than this!

Less than 90 minutes’ drive from Christchurch, you’ll find Akaroa, a picturesque coastal town with a population under 1,000 people. Despite its small size, it really does have a lot to offer and many unique experiences for visitors to discover!

The history of Akaroa

The town has a fascinating history with strong Maori, British and French roots which can still be seen in the town today.

One of the most notable incidents in the history of Akaroa happened in 1830 when a British Captain helped a North Island Maori Chief capture the local Maori Chief which led to the fall of the local Maori settlement. The concern about this and other incidents of lawlessness led to the appointment of James Busby as British Resident which in turn led to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

French settlers then arrived in the 1840s believing the land had been purchased for them only to find the British had claimed it instead. They were nevertheless granted some land to settle. Akaroa was primarily used as a whaling port and for sheep and dairy farming.

Things to do in Akaroa

The town has a fascinating history with strong Maori, British and French roots which can still be seen in the town today.

One of the most notable incidents in the history of Akaroa happened in 1830 when a British Captain helped a North Island Maori Chief capture the local Maori Chief which led to the fall of the local Maori settlement. The concern about this and other incidents of lawlessness led to the appointment of James Busby as British Resident which in turn led to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

French settlers then arrived in the 1840s believing the land had been purchased for them only to find the British had claimed it instead. They were nevertheless granted some land to settle. Akaroa was primarily used as a whaling port and for sheep and dairy farming.

Akaroa Dolphin Swim

That’s right! Akaroa is a place where you can swim with the dolphins! That’s because they are home to the world’s friendliest and most inquisitive species of dolphin being the Hector Dolphins.

The Hector dolphins are also amongst the smallest and rarest in the world making the experience all the more special. The best way to do it is with trained professionals and operators like the ones at Black Cat Cruises who will make sure you’re taken to the best spots and make sure you’re fully briefed and equipped before you hop in the water.

If you’re happy enough to just witness the dolphins in their environment, then there are a number of cruises you can take for this like the ones offer by Akaroa Dolphins. They have a 98% dolphin spotting success rate which is probably helped by their adorable dolphin spotting dogs that people absolutely love.

Kayaking and Paddle Boarding

Another on-water activity that you can enjoy is via kayak, canoe, pedal board or paddle board.

Visitors have a blast doing this via the Akaroa Adventure Centre on the calm waters of the Akaroa Marine Reserve.

Again you’ll have the opportunity to spot a few of Akaroa’s dolphins whilst benefiting from some good exercise as well. It’s also a great way to meet other visitors to the area.

They have friendly and knowledgeable guides for guided options and you’ll also be able to take in the stunning scenery of the cliffs around the bay.

Akaroa Walks

If you’re into a bit of hiking, both long and short, then there are a number of great walks to enjoy in the Akaroa and Banks Peninsula regions.

The Banks Track is one of the most well-known with a 2 or 3 day option available. It’s a private track so you do have to book in advance, but the track is lovely and peaceful with no more than 16 walkers on the track at any given time. The huts and cottages along the track provide very nice accommodation giving you a nice mix of comfort and wilderness living.

There’s a good number of public options as well including walks to go to Stony Bay Peak and up towards Mount Bernard and Flag Peak. There are also coastal walks where you can check out the beautifully preserved Akaroa Lighthouse and the Britomart Monument.

All options allow you to take in some amazing views and see native flora, fauna and wildlife up close.

Akaroa Camping

If you’re into camping or have even hired one of GO Rental’s fancy Glampers, then this is also something you can do when planning a trip to Akaroa.

There are numerous camping ground and holiday parks in the region that gets very popular over the summer (pays to book/enquire in advance).

One of the most popular is Akaroa Top 10 Holiday Park which has everything from self-contained units and cabins to campervan and camping sites. It’s in a great location that overlooks the waterfront and the holiday park itself has all the facilities you need like a swimming pool, guest lounge, children’s room, shared kitchen and bathrooms, internet facilities and more.

Biking on a volcano

Yes, you read it right. Akaroa is a place, in fact, one of the only places in the world where you can bike from a volcano rim to the sea.

It is known as one of the truly spectacular bike rides in the country and the road from the Volcano Summit stretches for about 13km before you hit the coast of Banks Peninsula.

A must-do activity for all cycling enthusiasts and you can hire bikes at very reasonable rates from the Akaroa Adventure Centre.

Akaroa Museum

We’ve already covered some of Akaroa’s fascinating history but there’s so much more to discover and you can do so at the Akaroa Museum!

The Akaroa Museum has been an institution in the town for over 50 years. Its collections include four exhibition galleries and collections that cover art, photography, textiles and Maori treasures. There are also two heritage buildings onsite. The Custom House and the Court House where there’s a short film that you can watch inside.

The experience is a great step back in time where you’ll get to learn all there is to know about the town and its people.

Akaroa Events

As well as the number of great things to see and do in Akaroa, there are also a number of fantastic annual events that take place right throughout the year. If your travel dates happen to coincide with these, it’s a great opportunity to get involved in some community fun!

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