Day trips
1 April 2025
Akaroa day trips
Akaroa has been Ōtautahi Christchurch’s favourite coastal hideaway for yonks, largely for its remoteness and proximity to the city (1.5 hours from the city centre). It was first settled by the French, and it shows. From the street names to the cuisine, Akaroa oozes culture and flavour – a delightful mash up of European grandeur and Kiwi coastal vibes.
Akaroa day trip hot spots
With so much on offer it can be hard to narrow down your itinerary. Check out these day trip hot spots, or book yourself a room for a few nights and explore the town in depth.
Akaroa Dolphins
Embark on a luxurious 2‑hour cruise through the Akaroa Harbour with locally owned and operated Akaroa Dolphins. With an impressive success rate for spotting Hector’s dolphins, White‑flippered penguins, and New Zealand fur seals, every tour offers a memorable encounter with the region’s remarkable wildlife. Enjoy engaging, informative commentary, complimentary refreshments, and a wonderfully relaxed day immersed in the stunning scenery of Akaroa.
Giants house
It cannot be overstated how crazy the house and gardens are at The Giants House. Terraced lawns. Huge harbour views. Mosaic sculpture everywhere, and that’s just the garden.
Creative genius Josie Martin has created a truly unique destination that is undoubtedly at the top of our Akaroa must-do list.
Black Cat Cruises - Swimming with Dolphins
Swim alongside the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin on an unforgettable, small‑group adventure. With a maximum of 12 swimmers per trip, you enjoy an intimate, respectful encounter with the playful Hector’s dolphins in their natural habitat. Your experience is led by an expert Nature Guide and Skipper, who share rich insights and engaging commentary about the harbour’s wildlife, history, and unique environment.
Solar Explorer – Akaroa Stargazing
Take a peek at our closest star in the safest way possible. From the historic Akaroa Lighthouse, join a guided tour using solar scopes to spy sunspots and solar flares you’d never see with the naked eye.
Your guide will bring the science of stars to life with captivating stories and answers to all your questions. Inspiring, educational, and surprisingly cool. Enjoy daytime stargazing with no astronomy knowledge required.
Pōhatu Penguins – Sea Kayaking Safari
Explore Akaroa’s wild coast by kayak. After a scenic 4WD trip to Pōhatu Marine Reserve, paddle beneath towering cliffs, enter sea-caves andspot fur seals, penguins and seabirds while you’re at it!
No experience is needed with all the gear and guidance provided. As the only DOC-approved kayaking operator in Akaroa, Pōhatu Penguins guarantees seal sightings and delivers a safe, unforgettable adventure on beautiful Banks Peninsula.
Shamarra Alpacas
Rolling green hills filled with seriously fluffy alpacas, all among the clouds above enormous harbour views. Your mates will not believe the photos you take at Shamarra Alpacas are real.
The team here care for more than 170 grazing alpacas and have won awards for it. Feed the alpacas, pat them, give them cuddles. Cuteness awaits in the hills above Akaroa.
Ma Maison
Prime location, premium menu and pristine harbour views, Ma Maison is a hospitality staple in Akaroa.
There’s a playground right outside to entertain the kids and a fresh local menu to satisfy any and all cravings. A sure-fire pleaser is the fresh fish of the day, with myriad seafood options to complement the coastal vibe.
Tīni
This place is the closest you can get to the water’s edge in Akaroa while also sampling the region’s finest food and wine. Tīni sits on a seawall right in the middle of town with views of the wharf, the wildlife and the waves.
Get there for a pizza and a pint, or a platter and a pinot. Guest beers on tap, and the best of the local stuff too.
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