Akaroa

The unique stop over gem

Akaroa is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most loved towns, famous for its French cuisine, spectacular harbour, sightseeing, and rare dolphins.

This small seaside town on Banks Peninsula has an interesting history. This former French settlement was founded in 1840 to be an administrative centre for the French annexation of the South Island. Things didn’t work out that way, but the French left a splendid legacy on the town’s culinary scene.

Dolphin watching

Discover the adorable and playful Hector’s dolphins. Easily spotted by their distinguishable rounded dorsal fins, the Hector’s dolphins are only found in New Zealand waters.

Black Cat Cruises

Encounter the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin, Hector’s dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, coastal birds and more as you cruise through the majestic surrounds of an extinct volcanic crater.

Akaroa Fox II

Sail with the dolphins in the crater of an extinct volcano on New Zealand’s oldest gaffed rigged ketch and enjoy the wildlife of Akaroa Harbour up close.

Fishermans Bay Garden

Fishermans Bay Garden is a haven in the rugged and dramatic landscape of the Banks Peninsula coastline. The structure and texture of New Zealand native plants combined with a diverse array of non-native plants are used to create a truly New Zealand ambience. Winding paths and a varied landscape have inspired a garden with many parts, including a traditional flower border, herb garden, farm garden, fern garden, a shaded stream-side valley and exposed rock garden.