Location: Akaroa
Top Things to do in Akaroa
The 10 Best Things to do in Akaroa, South Island
The French are known as the world’s most romantic people, so it makes sense that Akaroa—site of New Zealand’s first French settlement—is an ideal spot to set the scene for love. Hold hands with your paramour and stroll along the provincial harbor, where dolphins, penguins, and seals bob and chatter in the sparkling ice-blue water. First-class accommodations, quaint French bakeries and succulent restaurants are the perfect ingredients for a romantic getaway.
Restaurants in Akaroa
1. Hinewai Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By Dotty919
Wonderful place, filled with a variety of native trees. Fabulous bird song as we walked the tracks. Glorious views.
2. Catholic St. Patrick's Akaroa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By LibbyG152 - Christchurch, New Zealand
This is a beautiful church. IT is in a stunning location. It has a timeless atmosphere and beautiful furnishings. Definitely worth the walk
3. The Giants House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,284 reviews
The Happiest Garden on Earth..! Garden of International Significance.. A Josie Martin creation.. Colourful, beautiful balance between garden and art. Don’t miss the fun DVD playing in the contemporary art gallery. Terraced gardens with sculptures and incredible mosaics. Very Unique. A creative feast and a wonderful experience. Only a few minutes walk from the centre of Akaroa.terraced gardens are full of surprises -expect the unexpected at The Giant's House!
Reviewed By FranG1 - Auckland, New Zealand
What an incredible spot every corner you turn just takes your breath away, how people can comment that the entrance fee is too pricey is beyond us, it’s just incredible and photos don’t do it justice.
4. Garden of Tane
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By lcj1031 - Auckland, New Zealand
We happened upon the Garden of Tane as we were walking to the lighthouse and went back the next day as we had a little time to kill. It was a nice easy walk through some cool woodlands and is obviously something Akaroa is proud to have. The children's playground has a large slide - something I haven't seen for a while.
5. Banks Peninsula War Memorial and Grounds
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By Luvinspoonful - Rotorua, New Zealand
Very attractive and gentle garden with thoughtful inscriptions memorialising those that gave up their lives. A very quiet and introspective example of a countries gratitude
6. French Peak Wines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Our 3.5 hectares boutique vineyard is located in the centre of an ancient volcano, on the shore of Akaroa harbour, Banks peninsula. Run organically by French Vigneron, Renan Cataliotti, to respect our soil and handcraft the best Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Pinot gris and Rose from our very unique and special terroir Cellar door open Monday to Saturday, from 11pm to 5pm
Reviewed By N5351IVelizabethd - Half Moon Bay, New Zealand
This little winery was recommended to us so we stopped in for a wine tasting and platter. Nice casual, friendly service and a chance to taste four local wines that were excellent. Their rose, a Chardonnay, Reisling, and Pinot Noir. It didn’t take long - 1 hr. Go visit it! The whole bill was $80 for one person having wine tasting, a platter for 2, a glass of wine for 1, and 2 bottles of their very lovely rose for us to take away. I will be looking for French Peak Rose in the wine shops back in Auckland.
7. Meniscus Wines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Come and enjoy unforgettable wine tasting, stunning views and behind-the-scenes tours of our wine cellar and Butterfly Santery. Breath in the breathtaking views over the small town of Akaroa, an historic French and British settlement nestled in the hear of an ancient volcano. Book in advance and enjoy light refreshments on the terrace or in the cellar. Akaroa is a small town on the Banks of Peninsula in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand and our vineyard is perfectly positioned to not only grow award-winning wines but to also provide lifetime memories of your visit.
Reviewed By jwpetersnz - Akaroa, New Zealand
I live in the area (half hour drive away). I always take my friends and visitors to Meniscus. The view of Akaroa Village is the best I have discovered. The wines are brilliant..the gold medal riesling was way the best I have ever tasted. ... yum ...(I am not a red drinker so I dont know about those)The hospitality of the owners is beyond wonderful ,..... friendly and personal ..and you literally sit on their terrace,immediately adjacent to the entrance to their home. There is also a butterfly room and if Gay is at home (she usually is!) you will be taken on a very informative tour and you will become much more aware of these beautiful creatures. All my friends said it was one of the most wonderful experiences of their lives...says it all!
8. Akaroa Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 255 reviews
Reviewed By cybersuezee - Mangawhai, New Zealand
Well worth a visit. A donation is required for entry. Included is the old courthouse building (where you can watch an informative doco on Banks Peninsula) and an original settler's cottage (unrestored). Museum is well laid out with lots of interesting exhibits and information.
9. Akaroa i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 80 reviews
We provide a comprehensive, impartial information and booking service for Akaroa, the Canterbury Region and New Zealand for accommodation, activities, attractions and travel bookings. Furthermore we do have a large gift store where you can find a large selection of clothing, jewellery, including hand carved New Zealand made pounamu (greenstone), New Zealand made creams and soaps, sun glasses and much more.
10. Akaroa Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 239 reviews
Reviewed By 965bridgetp - Pahiatua, New Zealand
The lighthouse is well within walking distance of the town. The views from the lighthouse are stunning and are well worth the short walk.
