Location: Akaroa
Top Things to do in Akaroa
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What to do and see in Akaroa, South Island: The Best Free Things to do
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. Hinewai Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By Dotty919
Wonderful place, filled with a variety of native trees. Fabulous bird song as we walked the tracks. Glorious views.
2. Fire & Ice - Gemstone Jewellery Specialists
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 120 reviews
We specialise in handcrafted gold & silver gemstone jewellery featuring natural gemstones and pearls. We also carry a large selection of New Zealand Blue Paua Pearls displaying brilliant colours and unique designs. For the gemstone collector we have gemstones, crystals and minerals from around the world. Our onsite Aromatherapist manages our range of pure essential oils, creating exclusive essential oil blends and massage oils. If you're unable to visit us, you can shop online - we offer worldwide courier service. We welcome your visit to our shop when you are next in our beautiful seaside village of Akaroa, South Island, New Zealand
Reviewed By HazelL457
Excellent jewellery makers and excellent customer service! Very speedy delivery as well and I would recommend Fire and Ice to anyone seeking top quality jewellery and service in NZ and abroad. Don't go past this business!!
3. Blue Pearls Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Eyris Blue Pearls® come only from New Zealand abalone, aka paua, cultured right here in Akaroa harbour. On the Main Wharf in Akaroa, in the Blue Pearls Gallery, our jewellers create unique Blue Pearl pieces right in front of you. You can see the entire creation process from start to finish—from sketch, to Eyris pearl setting, to the completed piece. “This is how Blue Pearls should be exhibited in all their iridescent glory”, says the owner of the Blue Pearls Gallery, Jack Pawlowski. Come in and enjoy these unique Kiwi pearls!
Reviewed By 473susanr - Ottawa, Canada
Before my holiday, I had seen a documentary in Canada which informed me about Akaroa's blue pearl industry. The shop itself features informative videos about the farming of blue pearls. They have a good selection of jewelry in a wide range of prices so that it's possible to leave with a piece that doesn't break the bank. The woman who served me took time not to rush the sale, was very friendly, told us about their pre-quake Christchurch location and shared a story about Ian McKellen (his photo with shop owners is on the wall) visiting their store when it was in Christchurch. I hope her Christmas stockings from the US arrived for the holidays! Thank you again, Blue Pearl Gallery.
4. Catholic St. Patrick's Akaroa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By LibbyG152 - Christchurch, New Zealand
This is a beautiful church. IT is in a stunning location. It has a timeless atmosphere and beautiful furnishings. Definitely worth the walk
5. Woolworx
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
6. Orion Powerhouse Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By zhuhai2007 - Christchurch, New Zealand
For such a small town, Akaroa has a wealth of attractions and the Powerhouse Gallery is one. Hidden down a side street it is run by volunteers & open nearly every day with ever changing exhibitions. The current Yin & Yang exhibition contrasts very different works by local artists.
7. Garden of Tane
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By lcj1031 - Auckland, New Zealand
We happened upon the Garden of Tane as we were walking to the lighthouse and went back the next day as we had a little time to kill. It was a nice easy walk through some cool woodlands and is obviously something Akaroa is proud to have. The children's playground has a large slide - something I haven't seen for a while.
8. Banks Peninsula War Memorial and Grounds
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By Luvinspoonful - Rotorua, New Zealand
Very attractive and gentle garden with thoughtful inscriptions memorialising those that gave up their lives. A very quiet and introspective example of a countries gratitude
9. Lava
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Gallery/gift store showcasing local made jewellery, pottery, art, and unique giftware. We endeavour to sell as many products New Zealand made and pride ourselves on supporting local artisans. (around 20% of our products are sourced elsewhere). Quirky , unique and original.
Reviewed By LeonKiwi - Christchurch, New Zealand
If you are after great kiwi, retro art and household items, this is your place! Great friendly owner and they have a shop at Northlands too.
10. 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.
