Things to do in Akaroa

1. 2 Hour Nature Safari

This activity is ideal for visitors to Akaroa on a day excursion! This option allows you to learn more about the Pohatu Penguins while also giving you an opportunity to tour this historic town.
Pohatu's unique penguin protection programme, as well as the area's rich history, local flora and animals, will be discussed.

2. Meet Alpacas

Come meet these friendly, award-winning alpacas, who are full of attitude, seriously cute, and very, very photogenic. Shamarra Alpaca Farm is located on the picturesque Banks Peninsula, across the harbor from Akaroa, and is only one hour from Christchurch. With over 170 grazing alpacas, you're sure to meet some new friends while taking in the breathtaking vistas. Visit our farm and shop, which sells only our luxury Shamarra alpaca knitwear manufactured in New Zealand.

3. Discovery Tour

Plant your own unique tree to aid with the regeneration of our native ecosystem and leave your stamp on the history of our newly founded "Mable Hope reserve."

You will acquire an understanding of the value of New Zealand's native forest and explore some of the crucial connections created with our native fauna on a stunning scenic drive over an ancient volcano, accompanied by our experienced guide.

In Pohatu Bay, you'll find a wonderful blend of thriving sheep farms, penguin colonies, and native woods.

This farming family's conservation efforts have helped the penguins grow throughout the years, but they've also designed their agricultural operations to balance economy and ecology in order to conserve the biodiversity in their backyard.

4. Evening Penguin Safari

You will find the calm beauty of Pohatu Bay after a magnificent panoramic trip from the office in a 4WD minibus through the extinct volcano crater rim of Akaroa.

Once you've arrived at the bay, you'll go for a walk and talk around the colony to keep an eye on nesting places and ensure that our Little Penguins are doing well. You'll be able to view them up close and hear about their habits, as well as how our 30-year conservation efforts have kept the Flea Bay colony alive.

5. Kayak Adventure Akaroa

This is an excellent choice for those who are up for a challenge and want to spend more time in the natural surroundings of Pohatu Bay. You will be picked up in Akaroa and driven to the start of a 3-hour hiking trek in a 4WD minivan. With a map and directions from your guide, you may walk down part of the famed Banks Track to Pohatu Bay at your leisure, passing through historic red beech tree forest and tree ferns.

6. Penguin Colony tour

It's penguin cruise time! So, why not go sea kayaking, hike the magnificent bush, and see a stunning waterfall on the well-known Banks Track? To top it all off, a visit to the Akaroa Heads Lighthouse Reserve's stunning clifftops!

Look up at the Milky Way at night, and wake up to the sound of songbirds, lambs, and the sea.

7. Akaroa Lighthouse

The Akaroa Lighthouse provides a fantastic view of Akaroa that is also very accessible. This lighthouse is curiously located inside the port because it was preserved from being dismantled when it was no longer in operation by lighthouse enthusiasts. The Akaroa Lighthouse is a superb photo opportunity in and of itself, since it is placed at a fantastic vantage point. From the town center, the lighthouse is easily visible, so you can simply go visit it anytime!

8. Hinewai Reserve

The Hinewai Reserve is a must-see for anybody who enjoys the great outdoors. The reserve has about 12 kilometers of walking trails, with Stony Bay Peak as the primary attraction. It's an excellent site to take in the landscape, as it's 800 meters above the Banks Peninsula.

9. Misty Peaks

Hiking is, of course, a free activity in Akaroa, and the Misty Peaks walk is another wonderful alternative. This 3-hour return hike takes you along the ridgeline of the Banks Peninsula, with views of Akaroa and surrounding bays. For as low as NZ$35 for four hours, you can rent a bike for this mountain biking track from the adventure center on Akaroa's waterfront.

10. The giant's house

Enter a garden that appears as if it belongs in a fairy tale. The Giants House is a local artist's work, with mosaic art, water features, and more adorning the garden. There is a cafe and an art gallery on the premises. It's one of the cheaper things to do in Akaroa, at NZ$20 per person.