Location: Akaroa
Top Things to do in Akaroa
Countries
Things to do in Akaroa, South Island: The Best Food & Drink
The French are known as the world’s most romantic people, so it makes sense that Akaroa—site of New Zealand’s first French settlement—is an ideal spot to set the scene for love. Hold hands with your paramour and stroll along the provincial harbor, where dolphins, penguins, and seals bob and chatter in the sparkling ice-blue water. First-class accommodations, quaint French bakeries and succulent restaurants are the perfect ingredients for a romantic getaway.
Restaurants in Akaroa
1. The Akaroa Cooking School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 85 reviews
We offer one day cooking classes for small groups using fresh local, seasonal ingredients. Our one day scheduled classes are mainly demonstration where you will recieve a folder with the recipes and the chef will demonstrate each dish from start to finish. Everyone is then seated at the large dining table and eats each dish with matching local wines. Our classes generally run from 10 - 4pm. We also offer private classes and corporate team building days and these are tailor made to suit your needs.
Reviewed By 795michelleq - Auckland, New Zealand
A great day experiencing Lou and Ants hospitality. Learning new things and remembering old with fresh local produce. A great first day of a girls weekend away in Akoroa
2. Takamatua Valley Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Akaroa Winery is a beautiful Mediterranean style venue, overlooking the stunning Akaroa inlet. Nestled in Takamatua Valley, the first and only Certified Organic family-owned vineyard and Winery Estate on Banks Penninsula is located on the north facing slopes of the lush hills overlooking Takamatua Bay. We produce the highest quality grapes with every aspect of our growing and planting dedicated to the environment, using sustainable farming techniques. We believe that our fruit makes superior wines. We are focused on creating extraordinary age-worthy wines in our modern wine making facility that express the unique characteristics of the fruit from Takamatua Valley. The rugged terrior of our vineyard produces wines with great intensity and finesse. Taste some of the many vintages available while touring the amazing grounds and see the "dirt to bottle" experience first hand. Enjoy...
Reviewed By 373paigeb - Armadale, Australia
We had the most amazing experience with Allan guiding us through our wine tasting experience. From the moment we walked through the door his welcoming hospitality and passion for wines was obvious. We tasted 8+ delicious wines (so many we lost count!) while he told us all about his organic wine making process. We even got an impromptu tour of the where the magic happens out the back. This is a small, owner-operator business that is genuine and down to earth and definitely worth a visit when in Akaroa! * Less than 5min drive from the center of town * Very reasonable prices * Excellent, knowledgeable host
3. Meniscus Wine Lounge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Cellar door and terrace of the Meniscus vineyard overlooking the town of Akaroa
Reviewed By henrytN6791OI
Our group thoroughly enjoyed a tasting by the relaxed and charming owner/ wine maker David. The lounge and experience had an interesting and unassuming atmosphere, after tasting four wines it was availible thereafter by the bottle and glass. There were beautiful views over the bay, and was well worth the 15 minute walk uphill from the seafront. It was a shame we couldn't take a few bottles home due to luggage!
4. French Peak Wines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Our 3.5 hectares boutique vineyard is located in the centre of an ancient volcano, on the shore of Akaroa harbour, Banks peninsula. Run organically by French Vigneron, Renan Cataliotti, to respect our soil and handcraft the best Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Pinot gris and Rose from our very unique and special terroir Cellar door open Monday to Saturday, from 11pm to 5pm
Reviewed By N5351IVelizabethd - Half Moon Bay, New Zealand
This little winery was recommended to us so we stopped in for a wine tasting and platter. Nice casual, friendly service and a chance to taste four local wines that were excellent. Their rose, a Chardonnay, Reisling, and Pinot Noir. It didn’t take long - 1 hr. Go visit it! The whole bill was $80 for one person having wine tasting, a platter for 2, a glass of wine for 1, and 2 bottles of their very lovely rose for us to take away. I will be looking for French Peak Rose in the wine shops back in Auckland.
5. Meniscus Wines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Come and enjoy unforgettable wine tasting, stunning views and behind-the-scenes tours of our wine cellar and Butterfly Santery. Breath in the breathtaking views over the small town of Akaroa, an historic French and British settlement nestled in the hear of an ancient volcano. Book in advance and enjoy light refreshments on the terrace or in the cellar. Akaroa is a small town on the Banks of Peninsula in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand and our vineyard is perfectly positioned to not only grow award-winning wines but to also provide lifetime memories of your visit.
Reviewed By jwpetersnz - Akaroa, New Zealand
I live in the area (half hour drive away). I always take my friends and visitors to Meniscus. The view of Akaroa Village is the best I have discovered. The wines are brilliant..the gold medal riesling was way the best I have ever tasted. ... yum ...(I am not a red drinker so I dont know about those)The hospitality of the owners is beyond wonderful ,..... friendly and personal ..and you literally sit on their terrace,immediately adjacent to the entrance to their home. There is also a butterfly room and if Gay is at home (she usually is!) you will be taken on a very informative tour and you will become much more aware of these beautiful creatures. All my friends said it was one of the most wonderful experiences of their lives...says it all!
