Location: Akaroa
Top Things to do in Akaroa
What to do and see in Akaroa, South Island: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
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 Akaroa Cooking School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 85 reviews
We offer one day cooking classes for small groups using fresh local, seasonal ingredients. Our one day scheduled classes are mainly demonstration where you will recieve a folder with the recipes and the chef will demonstrate each dish from start to finish. Everyone is then seated at the large dining table and eats each dish with matching local wines. Our classes generally run from 10 - 4pm. We also offer private classes and corporate team building days and these are tailor made to suit your needs.
Reviewed By 795michelleq - Auckland, New Zealand
A great day experiencing Lou and Ants hospitality. Learning new things and remembering old with fresh local produce. A great first day of a girls weekend away in Akoroa
2. Fire & Ice - Gemstone Jewellery Specialists
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 120 reviews
We specialise in handcrafted gold & silver gemstone jewellery featuring natural gemstones and pearls. We also carry a large selection of New Zealand Blue Paua Pearls displaying brilliant colours and unique designs. For the gemstone collector we have gemstones, crystals and minerals from around the world. Our onsite Aromatherapist manages our range of pure essential oils, creating exclusive essential oil blends and massage oils. If you're unable to visit us, you can shop online - we offer worldwide courier service. We welcome your visit to our shop when you are next in our beautiful seaside village of Akaroa, South Island, New Zealand
Reviewed By HazelL457
Excellent jewellery makers and excellent customer service! Very speedy delivery as well and I would recommend Fire and Ice to anyone seeking top quality jewellery and service in NZ and abroad. Don't go past this business!!
3. Blue Pearls Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Eyris Blue Pearls® come only from New Zealand abalone, aka paua, cultured right here in Akaroa harbour. On the Main Wharf in Akaroa, in the Blue Pearls Gallery, our jewellers create unique Blue Pearl pieces right in front of you. You can see the entire creation process from start to finish—from sketch, to Eyris pearl setting, to the completed piece. “This is how Blue Pearls should be exhibited in all their iridescent glory”, says the owner of the Blue Pearls Gallery, Jack Pawlowski. Come in and enjoy these unique Kiwi pearls!
Reviewed By 473susanr - Ottawa, Canada
Before my holiday, I had seen a documentary in Canada which informed me about Akaroa's blue pearl industry. The shop itself features informative videos about the farming of blue pearls. They have a good selection of jewelry in a wide range of prices so that it's possible to leave with a piece that doesn't break the bank. The woman who served me took time not to rush the sale, was very friendly, told us about their pre-quake Christchurch location and shared a story about Ian McKellen (his photo with shop owners is on the wall) visiting their store when it was in Christchurch. I hope her Christmas stockings from the US arrived for the holidays! Thank you again, Blue Pearl Gallery.
4. 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
5. Woolworx
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
6. Orion Powerhouse Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By zhuhai2007 - Christchurch, New Zealand
For such a small town, Akaroa has a wealth of attractions and the Powerhouse Gallery is one. Hidden down a side street it is run by volunteers & open nearly every day with ever changing exhibitions. The current Yin & Yang exhibition contrasts very different works by local artists.
7. Akaroa Cinema Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By karentL5898RC
Great wee cinema, comfy seats, can take in drinks that are for sale there, & a lovely dog to greet you.
8. Lava
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Gallery/gift store showcasing local made jewellery, pottery, art, and unique giftware. We endeavour to sell as many products New Zealand made and pride ourselves on supporting local artisans. (around 20% of our products are sourced elsewhere). Quirky , unique and original.
Reviewed By LeonKiwi - Christchurch, New Zealand
If you are after great kiwi, retro art and household items, this is your place! Great friendly owner and they have a shop at Northlands too.
9. 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.
10. 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!
