Akaroa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Akaroa which includes mountains
Akaroa
Akaroa featuring a house
Akaroa featuring swimming and general coastal views as well as a large group of people
Akaroa which includes tranquil scenes

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 Waterfront Motels

Akaroa Waterfront Motels

4 out of 5
56-64 Rue Jolie, Akaroa
The price is AU$151 per night from 19 Sept to 20 Sept
AU$151
19 Sept - 20 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach motel in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (512 reviews)
Lovely view and very eco friendly
"Bed was most comfortable from trip sofar, and fresh new linen. Very clean. Not using plastic bin liners and having a compost bin was so nice to see. Thought and effort has gone into this. They wash bins out and save on plastic.. well done!!"

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

Akaroa Waterfront Motels
Akaroa Village Inn

Akaroa Village Inn

3 out of 5
81 Beach Road, Akaroa, Canterbury
The price is AU$134 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
AU$134
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (116 reviews)
"Fantastic spot!"

Reviewed on 24 July 2025

Akaroa Village Inn
La Rochelle Motel

La Rochelle Motel

4 out of 5
1 Rue Grehan, Akaroa
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$130 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
AU$130
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified motel in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (275 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 10 Sept 2025

La Rochelle Motel
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (116 reviews)
"Fantastic spot!"

Reviewed on 24 July 2025

Akaroa Village Inn
Akaroa on the Beach Apartments

Akaroa on the Beach Apartments

3.5 out of 5
229 Beach Road, Akaroa
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Britomart Monument and Akaroa Lighthouse are located ...
"Great wee spot, basic but all we needed for a comfortable stay. Clean, tidy, good location, beautiful view!"

Reviewed on 30 Dec 2024

Akaroa on the Beach Apartments
Akaroa Vista

Akaroa Vista

3.5 out of 5
77-79 Beach Rd, Akaroa, Canterbury
Stay at this 3.5-star beach apartment in Akaroa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Akaroa Wharf and Akaroa Lighthouse ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (28 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay. Confusion initially as we did not receive info about check-in. It wasn’t until later that I saw it in my Spam mailbox! However Peter was easily contactable and very pleasant to talk to. The unit was well furnished and very comfortable. Would thoroughly recommend."

Reviewed on 22 May 2025

Akaroa Vista
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

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
35
5 - Excellent 78%
4 - Good
6
4 - Good 13%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Really enjoyed harbour cruise

5/5 - Excellent

Jenny

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

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

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

The most stunning scenery. Well worth a visit

Cities near Akaroa

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