LOCAL  ACTIVITIES

Enjoy a two-hour harbour cruise to view or swim with the world's smallest and rarest marine dolphin, the Hector's dolphin. During the trip you will also visit a New Zealand fur seal colony and explore some caves and natural blowholes with an accompanying commentary on the history of the Banks Peninsula and all the wildlife you see. We would be more than happy to book a trip for you with one of the tour operators.

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From short one-hour walks to the three-day Banks Peninsula Trek, there is something for everyone in this spectacular crater rim. For all the walks to do in and around Akaroa, see the detailed map here!

There is a beautiful Marae in Onuku which is just a short drive out of Akaroa. You are not allowed to enter the Marae unless invited by someone, but it is worth visiting just to admire the beautiful carvings. There is a small church next to it looking over the bay which you can enter freely. 

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Join one of the many classes offered at the Akaroa Cooking School, named in the Lonely Planet guide as one of the top 10 places to learn to cook local cuisine in the world! In a relaxed and fun environment, watch and then savour every dish from the class with matching NZ wines. All participants need to bring are their culinary interest and a good appetite.

There is an award-winning penguin nature reserve in Flea Bay. To visit these beautiful birds in their natural habitat you can take a tour with Pohatu Penguins. 

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The Giant's House is just a ten minute walk from French Bay house and is well worth a visit. It's garden has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence from the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a garden of national significance. Meander through the breathtaking garden and admire the decades of work in creating the gigantic mosaic sculptures. A photographer's paradise, this is a work of art not to be missed!

There are some award-winning vineyards in Akaroa that are well worth a visit. You can do some wine tasting whilst admiring the view and then purchase some bottles to take home with you. French Peak Winery and Akaroa Winery are both notable. 

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There are many great restaurants to choose from in Akaroa, our favourites being Rona's and Ma Maison. There is also a fantastic bar on the harbour wall called Harbar which is perfectly positioned to watch the sun set. 

A ride on a jet boat is a must when you are travelling in New Zealand and we have our very own jet boating company here in Akaroa. Critter will take you on a hair raising trip around the harbour with spins and turns you will find hard to forget. Definitely wear some wet weather gear!

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