Akaroa
Village
Just a five minute walk or a shuttle from Caldera Vineyard Estate, Akaroa is an historic French colonial settlement and that picture-perfect place of your imagination. This is a popular tourist destination, right on the edge of the harbour and ringed by hills – the remnants of the ancient volcanic landform that gave form to Banks Peninsula, and from which Caldera has taken its name.
Akaroa is a delightful place to wander, explore, and relax. If a little adventure is appealing you could kayak the harbour; investigate the incredible bays; swim with the dolphins; dive for crayfish; view the rugged peninsula coastline by boat or helicopter; or walk or cycle the hill trails. The city of Christchurch is less than 1.5 hours by road and a mere 15 minutes by helicopter.
Akaroa’s old pier is a favourite spot for swimming, fishing and boating.
Find fun and relaxation on the soft sand and sparkling waters of the sun-soaked beach in the centre of the village.
Enjoy the local fare and tantalising treats of Akaroa’s inviting café scene.
Akaroa offers a range of amazing nature tours including the opportunity to see native Kororā penguins up close in their natural habitat.
Cruise out to the majestic coastal cliffs and swim with Hector’s dolphins, the smallest and rarest dolphins in the world.
The Giant’s House features original artworks, sculptures and mosaics and renowned terraced gardens.
Once the sentinel of the seas, Akaroa’s hexagonal lighthouse is today a waterfront icon and popular tourist attraction.
Enjoy leisurely strolls along a picturesque waterfront and streets lined with boutique shops, cafés and charming heritage architecture.
Beautiful walking tracks and cycleways through the stunning hills, bays and forests around Akaroa invite exploration and adventure.