Barrys Bay Cheese is a 12km drive from Akaroa along the main highway between Akaroa and Christchurch. There are a few other things to do in Akaroa, including galleries, kayaking and penguin spotting tours and the two popular places listed below. Exploring the Akaroa Harbour by kayak or stand up paddleboard is an affordable experience with one-hour hire being around NZ$20. The waterfront area in Akaroa is a good place to be on a nice day. Akaroa has a huge French influence, which means great food! For inspiration of what New Zealand food to look out for, see 11 Foods You Have to Try in New Zealand. French bakeries, creperies, cafes and more can be experienced in Akaroa. The lighthouse is easy to spot from the town centre so simply walk toward it! Other than that, there isn’t much else to specifically seek out, just wander the streets and enjoy the vibe! Discover 2020's top Akaroa attractions. The Akaroa Lighthouse is a fantastic picture opportunity itself while being situated at a great viewpoint. We have reviews of the best places to see in Akaroa. Location: Down the Aylmers Valley Road. I haven’t been to this quirky little garden thing, but I’ve heard it’s worth checking out. While the drive to Akaroa itself is great, there is heaps to see and do once you get there to make it more of a full day trip. These These are the only dolphins endemic to New Zealand and are a must for any New Zealand Bucket List! The following two tabs change content below. High on the hills above Akaroa, the Otepatotu Scenic Reserve is one of the best places to see this beautiful area in all its glory. We’ve listed the highlights in the list below. It’s true, Akaroa is a small town packed with activities: dolphin swimming, sailing cruises, wildlife tours and more! It’s great for a late afternoon stroll! Newton’s Waterfall is only a short walk or drive from town and is quite different to other walks in Akaroa. Spend your time in port in Akaroa on a small-group shore excursion, sea kayaking around the harbor. Check out our two-week South Island itinerary! The hills above town are home to heaps of walks and viewpoints and you’ll struggle to find a better dolphin watching experience anywhere in else in New Zealand. Dolphin & Whale Watching in Akaroa. I don’t think many of the buildings actually date back to the French settlement origins, but the atmosphere makes up for it. Hiring a bike for this mountain bike trail can be hired for as little as NZ$35 for four hours from the adventure centre on the waterfront of Akaroa. There’s a museum to check out (it doesn’t take too long to look around) and the old lighthouse down by the waterfront is nice too. Akaroa harbour up close on New Zealand's oldest ketch Fox II. There are several Banks Peninsula walks I would like to explore next time and add to my list of best day hikes in New Zealand. A trip out on the water is one of our favourite things to do in Akaroa and is a fantastic way to encounter the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin. Explore the downtown area in search of museums and boutiques…or that next delicious meal. 3. The reserve holds around 12km of walking tracks, with the main feature being Stony Bay Peak. This lighthouse is unusually situated inside the harbour after lighthouse enthusiasts saved the structure from being demolished when it was no longer in use. Le Bons Bay is pretty similar to Okains Bay (not sure you need to visit both) but a little quieter. We can help you there with this list of free things to do in Akaroa! Summit Road – Banks Peninsula. Akaroa is most famous for its French influence, but there are heaps of other fun things to do in Akaroa. It’s a short drive to get there (the roads are winding though) and it’s a good place to add to your itinerary if you’re also keen to explore some of the other places above (it’s close to the Hinewai Reserve and the Otepatotu Scenic Reserve). 3 hour tour with historic narration, complementary fresh brewed coffee, tea, homemade hot chocolate and biscuits. We’ve also included some extra free and cheap activities in Akaroa giving you variety in things to do. Book Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise, Shore Excursion: Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve + Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise with Dolphin Watching tours. Plan visits to Dolphin & Whale Watching, Kayaking & Canoeing + Boat Tours & Water Sports. On the subject of food, don’t miss Barry Bays Cheese. 1. The Akaroa Head Scenic Reserve walk consists of a narrow road that can only be accessed by four-wheel-drive vehicles, but other than that, the 40-minute return loop is relatively simple. Top Attractions in Akaroa. There’s a cafe on-site and an art gallery. Luckily, the town and the surrounding Banks Peninsula are full of them. Hinewai Reserve. Welcome/Kia Ora! As well as the walks I’ve mentioned, there are heaps of little viewpoints on the roads above Akaroa. A great vantage point of Akaroa (that’s also easy to get to) is from the Akaroa Lighthouse. There’s a cave, a museum and a lovely stretch of beach at Okains Bay. Of course, hiking is the free option for things to do in Akaroa, and another fantastic hike is the Misty Peaks hike. Dolphin watching is easily one of the best things to do in Akaroa and is the main reason to visit outside of the old town. Dolphin watching trips depart almost every day and you have a great chance of seeing dolphins (we saw a dozen or so on our trip). With 2 wooden masts and 6 sails there is always a halyard to hoist or a sheet to be pulled. I only did a short section of the track (and the view was awesome) but it’d be worth descending into the bush if you have the time. There are some great cafes and restaurants in Akaroa, as well as really good French deli. Top things to do in Akaroa 2020.11. If your kids can handle a bit of uphill hiking, they’ll love the animals! There’s also an old lighthouse to look at and there are some hotels which take advantage of the nice views. In Akaroa, swim with dolphins for an experience many people only dream of. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Akaroa, New Zealand on Tripadvisor: See 9,992 traveller reviews and photos of Akaroa tourist attractions. And last on our free things to do in Akaroa… Who doesn’t like a good waterfall? Here a few suggestions to get you started. 1,239 reviews. 1. This 3-hour return track takes you along the ridgeline overlooking Akaroa and other bays in the Banks Peninsula. This small peninsula / pa (fortified settlement) is a short drive from Akaroa (it’s just before Akaroa on the main road from Christchurch) and there’s an easy walking track which takes you to the end. Things to Do in Akaroa You’ll not be wanting for things to do in Akaroa. 3. Check Out the Akaroa Museum…. Take a nature cruise. The view from the car park is great, but it’s even better from the top of the track (it should take around an hour to walk there and back). Additionally, the fish and chips is also a must! Akaroa Museum. Either walk, bike or drive through the forested road to Onuku where the settlement boats a large carved marae “meeting house” and small Maori church. © 2020 NZ Pocket Guide. Banks Peninsula native bush in it's natural state, all under the control … 84 reviews. Join me as I see as much of the South Island as I can. There are plenty of places to sit and there’s a path running a long much of it. Garden of Tane. Some are proper places (Akaroa Heritage Park) but some of the best views are when you pull over by the side of the road. The Hinewai Reserve is a 15-minute drive away from Akaroa. Location: Start from Children’s Bay or the boardwalk to Children’s Bay from the north side of Akaroa town waterfront. A travel blogger from New Zealand who has just returned home after 6 years abroad. There are great views from several points along the Onawe Pa Track and it’s an easy undertaking. 3. You’ll turn off at Duvauchelle if you’re doing the Onawe Pa Walk, which is a few minutes drive from the hotel. 1,241 reviews. Look out for animal sculptures along the way! For a dose of Maori culture, visit the small settlement of Onuku, just 6km south of Akaroa. Hector's dolphins are common here -- they are known for being the smallest marine dolphins in the world. Location: 8km inland from Akaroa along Long Bay Road. 4. 10 Things to Do in Akaroa with Kids. There are several beaches and bays near Akaroa and it’s worth checking out one of two of them as you drive the scenic hilltop roads. However, when you’re staying a while in the “French Capital”, or you’re travelling on a low budget, you’re going to want to find some free and cheap things to do in Akaroa. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in October. Alternatively, walk from Akaroa (30-45 minutes one way). See Dolphins, Penguins, Seals and More on a Wildlife Cruise. These are some of the most scenic coastal roads in New Zealand and there’s heaps to explore (stay tuned for my post about the drive from Christchurch to Akaroa for more info). The Newton’s Waterfall is in the Misty Peaks Reserve down a 10-minute walking track. Akaroa Museum. Looking for things to do in Akaroa can be time-consuming but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday.

things to do in akaroa

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things to do in akaroa 2020