Meaning 'Long Harbor,' Akaroa is a port town with a decidedly French flavor, as descendants of the town's original French settlers still live here. Streets have French names, and French-inspired restaurants and cafés line the harbor.
The big draw here isn't the French ambiance however. Most people come to Akaroa to swim with dolphins, see seals, go snorkeling or take a penguin-viewing cruise on the harbor.
In case you haven’t already guessed, Akaroa is all about getting out on the water and having an eco-wildlife encounter.
Book a harbor cruise, organize a dolphin swim or arrange an eco tour through the visitor information center. And after an exhilarating day out in Akaroa, take the opportunity to relax with some fine French food and wine at a local restaurant.
Akaroa is 75 kilometers (46 miles) southeast of Christchurch on the Banks Peninsula, a spectacularly beautiful harbor-incised volcanic formation.
Shuttles run from Christchurch daily, and Akaroa tours from Christchurch are easy to arrange.
If you’re driving south from Christchurch, follow the scenic Highway 75 across the peninsula to Akaroa.
