Akaroa

Akaroa is a charming harbourside town on the eastern side of Akaroa harbour, in southern Banks Peninsula in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. Its early settlers were French and British. It was the only French settlement in New Zealand. Aspects of its French heritage remain, such as names of streets and businesses.

Understand
"Akaroa" is Maori for "Long Harbour". The village is snuggled into a wide bay on the eastern side of the rugged harbour, with Onuku Marae a little further south. The permanent population of around 600 (2013) in this historic village swells significantly over summer.

Akaroa's harbour is home to an array of wildlife, most notably the rare Hector's dolphin. Cruises and dolphin swimming are popular attractions.

By car
Akaroa is 85 km (80– to 90-minute drive) from Christchurch on SH75, which winds over the hills of the rugged Banks peninsula with breathtaking views.

By bus

 * Akaroa French Connection bus departs Christchurch daily at 9AM. Departs Akaroa daily at 4PM. $45 return.
 * Akaroa Shuttle bus departs from Christchurch at 8:30AM (all year) and 1:30PM (Nov-Apr). It departs Akaroa Adventure Centre, 74 Rue Lavaud, at 10:30AM and 3:45PM (Nov-Apr), and 3:35PM (May-Oct). $35 one way, $50 return.

Both buses depart Christchurch from Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Ave.

By ship
Akaroa is a tender port for cruise ships anchored in the harbour. Tenders bring passengers to the shallow-water main wharf in the centre of town. The small town can be easily walked and explored in several hours. To get to the centre of town, walk north on Beach Rd with the French Bay waters on your left for about 10 minutes to get to Rue Balguerie. On cruise ship days, a free shuttle operates every 15 minutes from the main wharf to the centre of Akaroa (Akaroa Tourist Information Centre) and to the Recreation Ground (end of town).

Akaroa is the base port for excursions to Christchurch (the port of Lyttelton has been closed to cruise ships since being badly damaged in the 2011 earthquake). Christchurch city is 1.5 hours drive away. Shuttle services: Akaroa Shuttle (white and red) and French Connection (CityLine) buses to Christchurch leave from the main wharf.


 * Akaroa Shuttle Christchurch Direct Shuttle bus departs Akaroa at 9:45AM and travels to Rolleston Ave, close to Hagley Park, Botanic Gardens, Punting on the Avon, and the Museum. Departs Christchurch at 3PM and arrives back at Akaroa at 4:30PM. $45 return.
 * Akaroa French Connection Christchurch Direct Shuttle bus departs Akaroa at 9:30AM, arrives in Christchurch within walking distance of the Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Art Gallery, Punting on the Avon and local cafes, and arrives back at Akaroa at 4:25PM. $45 return.

See

 * The Akaroa Historic Area along the waterfront of Akaroa Harbour is easily explored by foot. The main axis comprises all of the Rue Lavaud, part of Beach Road, and includes streets and areas to the east of these two principal arteries. The axis of the area runs roughly north and south with the northern end beginning at the junction of the Rue Lavaud with Woodills Road, and the southern end terminating at the Garden of Tane, about a half an hour walk end to end. The eastern boundary of the area includes the L'Aube Hill Reserve and French Cemetery, and Stanley Park. The western boundary is the French Bay, marked by Dalys Wharf at the end of the Rue Balguerie and by the Main Wharf at Beach Rd and Church St.