Sunny days, holidays, or just for the fun of it, a trip to the seaside town of Akaroa is a favourite with Cantabrians, no matter the season. The quaint Gallic port of call is well known for its French roots, cuisine, marine and wildlife, and as a place to explore.

The town’s French connection dates back to its origins in 1840 as a planned French settlement on Banks Peninsula. While the British ultimately claimed the area, there was already such a large French influence that it has had a lasting influence on Akaroa’s culture and architecture.

The name Akaroa is a Kāi Tahu Māori name meaning “Long Harbour”. French settlers called it Port Louis-Philippe after the reigning French king Louis Philippe I. Many street names are French-related, such as Rue Balguerie and Rue Lavaud, and the town has a host of French-inspired eateries and boutiques.

Nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano, Akaroa is the main town in Banks Peninsula, and a starting point for numerous commercial and free activities. One of New Zealand’s most unique landforms, its endless hills, bays and hidden bush, make it nature’s playground right on Christchurch’s doorstep. A short drive from Christchurch, the area is steeped in Māori and settler history, adventures, unique experiences, and creative events.

Walking Banks Peninsula

Dust off the walking boots and get yourself out and about in the beautiful outdoors of Banks Peninsula for a range of great nature and history walks to suit all interests and abilities.

While there are dozens of walks of every length and variety on offer at Banks Peninsula, Metropol suggests these three as as a starting point:

French cemetery long loop – 90 minutes
Discover Akaroa’s French past at a secluded cemetery tucked amid bush, cottages and the Catholic church.
Directions: Start at Rue Brittan, turn left into Rue Pompallier and then walk five minutes uphill on the steep bush track, turning right at the T-junction to the cemetery.

Continue up toward Settler’s Hill through bush and then up the tar-sealed road. At the Settler’s Hill track, turn left up wooden steps into the bush. Bear left into the bush when the track meets the road again, and stay to the left of the reservoir building skirting along the top of the olive plantation.

Cross over the gate for old dogs, and alongside a chain link fence. Turn left downhill at the end of the fence and follow the track weaving downhill, eventually over the stile into ‘Alpaca’s bedroom’. Keep dogs on a short lead here – there are alpacas around. Continue down and turn left when you reach Rue Grehan to return to Akaroa.

Garden graveyards – 1 hour loop
Combine a visit to Akaroa’s historic and romantic Roman Catholic, dissenters, and Anglican cemeteries, with a bush walk through the Garden of Tāne.

Directions: Start at the Roman Catholic cemetery and walk down through the dissenters (an old term referring to sects such as the Presbyterians and the Methodists). Leave by the gate at the bottom to enter the Garden of Tāne. Turn left and follow the bush track signposted to the Anglican cemetery. Browse the upper graves and take the little track from the
carpark and then turn left on Onuku Rd to return to the start.

Boardwalk to Childrens Bay – 10 minutes
Enjoy a waterfront walk to a tiny beach at the northern end of Akaroa with lovely views of the town and harbour.

Directions: The walk starts beside the Boat Compound at the northern end of the Recreation Ground car park. Follow the track under the Ngaio trees and onto the boardwalk. When the boardwalk finishes turn left and walk along the quiet gravel road to the little beach. From the beach, you may continue on the Childrens Bay Farm Walkway across private farmland but wear sturdy footwear and remember strictly no dogs on the farm.

Finally, go find a café or pub… for more walks, go to bankspeninsulawalks.co.nz.

Arts, Accommodation and Eating Out

Fashion, jewellery, and unique handcrafts can all be found in the exciting array of shops and boutiques that line the picturesque streets of Akaroa. Snuggled between them are tempting local eateries serving up delightful culinary experiences.

An all-girl weekend away, a family holiday, a fishing trip or a romantic getaway, Akaroa offers it all. The town’s French vibe makes it a lovely destination for couples, with quaint accommodation options, delectable secluded dining, and dreamy photo backdrops.

Hold hands with your significant other, and stroll the picturesque boulevards, indulge in a pastry from a charming French-style bakery, savour a coffee here and there, and indulge yourself in this unique colonial town.

Opportunities abound to experience its culture, history, and ambience. Take a museum tour and learn more about the history, visit the lighthouse and take in the amazing views, or settle in with fresh fish and chips at the beach.

Eating out
Dining seaside is always a lovely experience, and Akaroa offers breakfast, lunch and dinner dining set against its sparkling waters. Seafood is on many menus, as is French cuisine in a nod to its Gallic origins, along with local and international fine wine. Remember to book ahead, especially for dinner, or you might miss out.

Accommodation
Accommodation options range from luxury to hotels, motels, pubs and comfy bed’n breakfast places. Relax with beautiful land and sea views, all within walking distance to town and the various eateries. From waterfront apartments to historic B&Bs, quaint colonial cottages to farmhouse stays, welcoming hosts are waiting.

Art
If art is on your wish list, Akaroa is home to several vibrant galleries, set in magical gardens, and creative spaces, both in the township, and the bays surrounding it. Take home a piece of Akaroa in the form of a painting, handcrafted ornament, or a stunning piece of jewellery. Akaroa is home to several artful jewellery business, including some specialising in unique paua pearl pieces.