Location: Akaroa
Top Things to do in Akaroa
What to do and see in Akaroa, New Zealand: The Best Places and Tips
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. The Giant's House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 886 reviews
The Happiest Garden on Earth..! Garden of National 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 Ann-Marie N
The Giant’s House is a gorgeous mosaic wonderland of a garden. While the entry fee of $NZ20 initially feels steep, it’s well worth it to view the remarkable creations on display. I’ve never seen anything like it. I can’t recommend this enough. Worth every cent.
2. Banks Peninsula War Memorial and Grounds
Overall Ratings
4 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By Bob s - Bristol, United Kingdom
This memorial has been magnificently restored from the 'quake damage since our very first visit in 2013. The surrounding garden is beautifully maintained and it is a good place to stop ,ponder and be thankful.
As a visitor from the UK I have been impressed and humbled by all the memorials scattered throughout New Zealand reminding us of the sacrifices made by so many from this country to bring freedom to Europe.
3. Akaroa Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By Duquesadiner - Glasgow
The lighthouse in Akaroa is not in its original position but it is the real one that was sitting miles away from its current home. Apparently there was a bit of a debate what to do with this original lighthouse when it was replaced with an automated version. Happily some locals raised money and it was placed where it sits today. It is only a very short walk from the pier in Akaroa and if it is open it will cost you NZD 2.5 to get in. However someone will be there to tell you all about the lighthouse and I am sure you will come away thinking that was really good value for money.
4. Akaroa Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 161 reviews
Reviewed By Albywon - Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
A small museum with both permanent and temporary exhibits. A good place to start is the excellent video (on loop) in the original courthouse next door which gives an excellent history of the town. 2232
5. Hinewai Reserve
Overall Ratings
5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By Sarah P - Christchurch, New Zealand
Hinewai Reserve is the result of the vision of the extraordinary (yet humble) botanist Hugh Wilson who has nursed this old area of farmland back to a diverse botanical treasure. Explore the many tracks that Hugh and his team have built here and enjoy the diverse fauna and flora. There is even the option of hiring the Hinewai Lodge to stay the night there. A fantastic way to introduce children to the concept of kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the environment).
6. Catholic St. Patrick's Akaroa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Julia G - Gold Coast, Australia
A wooden Church that dates back to the early settlement of Akaroa in the eighteen hundreds. As the permanent resident population of the village is only around 600 the three churches have small attendance,but the community works together.
7. Saint Peter's Anglican Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Hecvanessa - Beijing, China
very easy and opened everyday. A pleasant and beautiful little church in this amazing and charming town of Akaroa. It's all wood and you have the story of the church written at the back. you can also stay there to pray in a peaceful atmosphere with the singing birds who come in and out.
8. Garden of Tane
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By Dojii - Ocean View, Australia
What a beautiful haven - obviously provided by keen local volunteers - in many ways walking through the entry to Tane Gardens is like Time Travel. Towering old trees planted in the 19th century, a charming old politically incorrect children's playground, a cemetry for Anglicans and another for dissenters (I'm with them). All the time, being there after heavy rains, was the sound of a hillside stream and the lapping of water in the harbour below. If you manage to find your way down to the lighthouse (we parked at the top near the entrance to the Anglican Cemetry), there is a viewing point for the harbour and Akaroa. It had been raining a lot so our study waterproof walking boots were essential, as the tracks were very muddy with some large mud puddles.
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