Akaroa Harbour Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Akaroa Harbour
A slice of paradise nestled in an ancient volcanic crater, Akaroa is a treasure trove of attractions.

The rarest of Akaroa's residents are the cute Hector’s dolphins who call the waters of this natural harbour home. Say “kia ora” to them while taking a peek at the magical coves, caves and coastline on an unforgettable cruise or kayak. Back on dry land step inside the town’s heritage-listed buildings, from the days of French and British settlement, to find boutiques and cafés. Beyond the town there are dairy farms, wineries and the winding coastal walk of the Banks Track.

Akaroa Criterion Motel
Akaroa Criterion Motel
4.5 out of 5
75 Rue Jolie, Akaroa
The price is AU$141 per night from 17 Jun to 18 Jun
AU$141
per night
17 Jun - 18 Jun
Stay at this 4.5-star eco-certified motel in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (502 reviews)
"Good size room, comfortable and clean. Really nice bathroom supplies (Ashley and Co). Reception staff friendly and location easy walk to very nice restaurants and cafe"

Reviewed on 29 May 2024

Akaroa Criterion Motel
Akaroa Waterfront Motels
Akaroa Waterfront Motels
4 out of 5
56-64 Jolie Rue, Akaroa
The price is AU$152 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
AU$152
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 4-star beach motel in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Artisans Gallery and Akaroa Museum are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (424 reviews)
Great place to stay in Akaroa!
"Perfect location, located right on the water. Clean and comfy. Owners very accommodating and welcoming."

Reviewed on 31 May 2024

Akaroa Waterfront Motels
Tresori Motor Lodge
Tresori Motor Lodge
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Rue Jolie & Church St, Akaroa
The price is AU$142 per night from 17 Jun to 18 Jun
AU$142
per night
17 Jun - 18 Jun
Stay at this 4.5-star motel in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Akaroa Wharf and Akaroa Lighthouse are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (288 reviews)
"Very peaceful local people were very pleasant"

Reviewed on 28 Apr. 2024

Tresori Motor Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Akaroa Village Inn
Akaroa Village Inn
3 out of 5
81 Beach Road, Akaroa, Canterbury
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Akaroa Wharf and Akaroa Lighthouse are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (72 reviews)
"Excellent property and manager Daryl just so lovely, We wouldn't stay anywhere else. Room was amazing with great views. Thanks"

Reviewed on 23 May 2024

Akaroa Village Inn
Bruce Waterfront Apartments
Bruce Waterfront Apartments
4 out of 5
81 Beach Rd, Akaroa, Canterbury
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free grocery shopping service. Popular attractions Akaroa Wharf ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (71 reviews)
Excellent townhouse location
"We have stayed at this property several times and is our first choice for Akaroa. Our four night stay on a wet chilly week was very comfortable due to the underfloor heating. Its location is excellent on the waterfront and the on site parking is at the door but can be a little limited at busy ..."

Reviewed on 14 May 2024

Bruce Waterfront Apartments
Les Troupes Apartments
Les Troupes Apartments
3.5 out of 5
5 Church St, Akaroa
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Akaroa Wharf and Akaroa Lighthouse are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (63 reviews)
"Can’t find the check-in office at the property. No txt to let me know I have to walk to another place to check-in"

Reviewed on 15 Sep. 2023

Les Troupes Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Akaroa Harbour

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
35
" "5 - Excellent 77.77777777777777%
4 - Good
6
" "4 - Good 13.333333333333334%
3 - Okay
4
" "3 - Okay 8.88888888888889%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 May 2020

The water was smooth, calm, and beautifully reflective in the evening

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
19 Dec 2019

Really enjoyed harbour cruise

5/5 - Excellent

Jenny
12 Dec 2019

Akaroa is a must see if you visit NZ's South Island. The views are amazing. Take a drive up Lighthouse road. The vistas are spectacular!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
5 Dec 2019

was particularly looking for a kiwi christmas tree decoration- only one shop had something remote like the kiwi bird - thought shops would have more Christmas decorations. A true French bakery?? The smoked salmon shop was closed

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 Nov 2019

Can't wait to return. We had a wonderful trip on lake to see the amazing dolphins and other wildlife on the rocks around the lake leading out to the sea. Loved seeing the sheep grazing on the green hills too and the bird calls. Nature at its best

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
19 Nov 2019

The most stunning scenery. Well worth a visit