Welcome to Akaroa

Akaroa is a unique town, founded and settled by a small group of French settlers in 1840. The town’s French-influenced historic buildings, narrow streets, fluttering tricolores and bilingual signage are reminders of Akaroa’s French heritage.

Famous for its Hector’s Dolphins and nature cruises, Akaroa has grown as a tourist destination over the past decade and now offers a great selection of accommodation, activities, restaurants, cafés, shops and galleries. But Akaroa is not just about the dolphins!

Akaroa Wharf

Akaroa Wharf

Akaroa French Wave

On the harbour you can also jet boat, hire a boat, take a fishing charter,go sea kayaking and sail on a classic 85 year-old, 50ft gaff rigged ketch or a modern sloop.

For those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of activities to enjoy – guided tours to the inner and outer bays, a penguin colony and seal colony and a Banks Peninsula country farm.

Go mountain biking, play petanque on the village green, or hire a moped or rental car and explore the back streets of Akaroa village and the many bays and settlements which fringe the harbour. Don’t forget your camera, and allow sufficient time for sightseeing along the way and in Akaroa!

Akaroa has two excellent museums. Okains Bay has one of New Zealand’s leading Maori artifacts collections and Akaroa Museum offers a unique insight into early New Zealand and the settlement of Akaroa.

With all this to do and see, don’t just come for the day – come and stay. A day’s not enough and many think the same of a week. And some just find it hard to leave!

What is Destination Akaroa?

Destination Akaroa is a new company founded in 2006 specifically to cater for independent travellers to the Banks Peninsula and provide exciting experiences in fishing and sailing along with vehicle rentals.

We are passionate about the Peninsula and have made our home in Akaroa. As the three principals of the company, we have 30 years’ experience in the New Zealand tourist industry and have great pleasure in welcoming you to our hometown. Take a break, come and share the magic with us and take home wonderful memories of a special place and holiday.