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Things to do in Akaroa start on the water. Cruise the harbour looking for Hector's dolphins, kayak a marine reserve with seals and penguins, or visit the penguin colony at Pohatu Bay in the evening. After dark, there's stargazing too. Akaroa is about 90 minutes from Christchurch, and every experience here makes an easy gift.
Akaroa is a small French-flavoured village about 90 minutes' drive from Christchurch, set on a flooded volcanic harbour. Most of what there is to do here involves the water or the wildlife around it: dolphins in the harbour, penguins on the bays and seals on the rocks.
The harbour is the best place to start. The nature cruise at Akaroa Harbour is two hours on a catamaran, looking for penguins, Hector's dolphins and seabirds while the guide tells you about the harbour's history. Sightings are never guaranteed because the animals are wild, and cruises depend on the weather. Browse more cruises.
Pohatu Bay, a short drive from Akaroa, is home to what the operator bills as the largest colony of Little Penguins on mainland New Zealand. The evening guided penguin tour takes you to the nesting sites, and the guide explains the conservation work. Penguins can't be seen from the end of February to early April, so check the season before booking.
For daytime, the two hour scenic nature safari winds through the Wild Side Conservation area, with views over the harbour and the chance to hand feed pet sheep. To stay on site, the 24 hour escape in Pohatu Bay is a night in a cosy unit in the middle of the colony for two, with an evening penguin tour and a walk along the Banks Track. Food isn't included, so bring enough for 24 hours. See more animal experiences.
Sea kayaking is the closest you'll get to the marine reserve. The scenic 4WD and sea kayaking tour drives you over the rim of an extinct volcano, then paddles past cliffs, reefs and sea caves with seals, penguins and dolphins for company. No kayaking experience is needed, but you should have a good level of fitness.
Want to see more? The kayak and penguin evening combo adds the penguin tour to the end of your paddle for a full day. The forest hike and guided kayak combo starts with a morning walk through forest with 400 year old trees, then paddles in the afternoon. See more kayaking and canoeing.
After dark, the stargazing tour at Akaroa Heritage Park is 90 minutes with an astronomer and professional telescopes. Warm drinks and blankets are provided, and you leave with a digital souvenir photo.
Staying a few days? Browse more things to do in Christchurch, head north to Kaikōura or Hanmer Springs, or see the wider Central South Island. If food and wine are your thing, browse wine tasting and tours.
Akaroa is about a 90 minute drive from Christchurch, so it works as a day trip or an overnight stay.
Penguin tours at Pohatu Bay can't see the penguins from the end of February to early April. Outside that window, evening tours visit the nesting sites, and sightings depend on the day.
Yes, with limits. On the Pohatu kayak tours, children need to be over five or six depending on the tour, and a parent must be able to manoeuvre the kayak on their own. Check the product page before booking.