Akaroa
in New Zealand

Akaroa

Akaroa is a small town on the Banks Peninsula in the Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island. Located approximately 80km from Christchurch, Akaroa is the gateway to the beautiful Banks Peninsula and is a popular tourist destination for its stunning scenery, abundance of wildlife, and rich history.

The area around Akaroa was first settled by the Māori people in the 12th century. The Māori named the area “Te Waihora”, which translates to “the sea that sparkles”. In 1838, the French explorer Jean François Langlois arrived in the area and established the first European settlement. The settlement was named Akaroa, meaning “long harbour” in the Māori language.

Akaroa is situated on the Akaroa Harbour, which is a large, sheltered bay with stunning views of the surrounding hills. The harbour is home to a variety of wildlife, including the rare Hector’s dolphins, which can only be found in New Zealand. There are also a number of seabirds, such as gannets and shags, which can be seen from the shore.

The town of Akaroa is known for its distinct French-influenced architecture, which can be seen in the many historic buildings around the town. There is also a selection of cafés and restaurants that serve French-inspired cuisine. Akaroa is also home to a range of art galleries and craft shops, as well as a number of walking and cycling trails.

Akaroa is an important part of New Zealand’s history and is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning scenery, abundance of wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.

Experience Akaroa with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Akaroa. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.

The climate in Akaroa

Akaroa, New Zealand has a temperate climate with mild temperatures year-round. In summer (December-February), temperatures range from an average high of 21°C to a low of 13°C. Spring (September-November) is mild and wet, with temperatures ranging from a high of 17°C to a low of 9°C. Autumn (March-May) is generally mild and dry, with temperatures ranging from a high of 18°C to a low of 9°C. Winter (June-August) is cool and wet, with temperatures ranging from a high of 15°C to a low of 6°C. Overall, Akaroa has mild weather with some seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation.

Cruise weather for Akaroa

Our weather forecast for Akaroa helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.

Galery: Akaroa

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