Akaroa is a place that looks like you’d have to travel days to get to. It could be in any number of picturesque European villages, sitting along some famous coast, when really, it’s nestled in our very own Banks Peninsula.
A breezy sub-90-minute drive from the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch, Akaroa really is the ideal road trip destination and an ideal tonic for your city-bound blues. Take in sweeping views along the way, stop off for some snacks and once arrived, bask in the peaceful beauty of the former French Settlement.
Quaint streets, sparkling harbour views, and a vibe so chill you'll toss up selling everything you own and never returning home: Here's your essential 2025 guide on where to eat, play, and stay in lovely Akaroa.
Know Before You Go
Getting There
Road Trip
At roughly 86km drive from Christchurch City Centre—around 1 hour 25 minutes—the scenic route to Akaroa is half the appeal of visiting this remote wee town.
Once you escape the urban limits, you'll cruise through classic Cantabrian countryside, past Tai Tapu, then eventually Little River, the gateway to the peninsula. From here you'll climb above sea level, then drop down into the dramatic crater rim with harbour views that'll have you pulling over for pics every few minutes.
Travel Tips
- Leave early—there's a lot to see and stop for along the way. It's a windy rural road that you don't want to be driving back on in the dark.
- Fill up in Christchurch—petrol prices in Akaroa reflect its remote location.
- Stop at General Post in Tai Tapu to restock on road trip snacks.
- Use Little River as a way to break up the journey. The cafe, gallery and craft station are worthy of a wander. After you're done here, it's up over the hill and down into the views.
- Just before you round the first half of the crater, you'll stumble upon Barrys Bay Cheese, an artisanal cheese factory that's a crucial highlight for any Akaroa road trip worth its salt.
The Scenic Service
If you're keen on soaking in the vistas, rather than focusing on the road, then the Akaroa French Connection is for you. Offering daily bus shuttles with commentary—departing Christchurch at 9am and heading back from Akaroa at 4pm—the trip includes stops at Little River, key viewpoints and Barry's Bay Cheese factory. If peace of mind is important, why not leave it to the pros?
When To Go
I'm a big proponent of visiting a place regardless of the season. It's all about the colours and moods, and the fact of the matter is that Aotearoa's landscape is perennially beautiful.
With that said, the more favoured periods to visit Akaro are summer—December through February, which will offer the best conditions for water activities, hiking and of course, the clearest skies for those breathtaking views. Shoulder seasons always offer fewer crowds and a more comfortable climate for the more strenuous activities—March through May and September through November. Winter is cosy, quiet, and, if you're ultra lucky, there could be a light dusting of snow on the surrounding hills. One thing to remember is that Canterbury experiences frequent crisp, clear days with blue skies in winter, so you don't need to bank on summer just to avoid cloud and rain.
Pro Tip
The Akaroa French Festival is typically held in early October every year. A celebration of all things French in the most appropriate place across the motu, this springtime celebration is the perfect reason to head out there.
Eat
Cafes
Restaurants
Bars
Play
Dolphins, Penguins & Seals
Akaroa Bay is one of the few reliable locations to interact with the smallest and rarest dolphins on earth. What’s even more special is that through Black Cat Cruises, New Zealand’s first eco-tourism operator, you can actually get in the water with these delightfully social creatures. You'll still get a lot out of staying dry and keeping your eyes peeled, if swimming ain't your thing, with fur seals likely to be encountered as well as an abundance of coastal birds.
Through keen conservationists, Pōhatu Penguins, you can get back-stage access, so to speak, to Aotearoa’s largest mainland colony of Little Blue Penguins at Pōhatu Marine Reserve. This tour will take you through some stunning surrounding countryside and offers a very exclusive look at a truly marvellous example of successful conservation, funded by the tour itself.
Pro Tip
Book the morning departure for calmer seas and more active dolphins.