Akaroa New Zealand
New Zealand
28
Cruises availables
At departure or passage at this port
Azamara Club Cruises (2 Cruises)
Regent Seven Seas Cruises (13 Cruises)
Seabourn Cruise Line (10 Cruises)
Seabourn Quest
10 Cruises
Silversea Cruises (3 Cruises)
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The ship anchors in the calm water of the drowned volcanic crater and tenders make the fifteen to twenty minute crossing to the main wharf, right in the middle of the village.
Akaroa sits on Banks Peninsula, southeast of Christchurch. This is a village call, not a city one: anyone wanting to see Christchurch needs a full-day excursion.
A roughly two-hour nature cruise to see Hector's dolphins, then the village on foot: French street names, the local museum, gardens and a table by the water. It all fits inside two kilometres.
Because a handful of French families landed here in 1840 to found a colony, weeks after the British Crown established sovereignty. London prevailed, but rues Lavaud, Balguerie and Jolie remained.
The smallest dolphin in the world, recognizable by its rounded dorsal fin, and a species found only in New Zealand. The waters of the Akaroa crater are among the best places to see it.
On nature cruises leaving from the main wharf, about two hours around the harbour: dolphins playing at the bow, fur seal colonies, little blue penguins in season and lava cliffs. Book early on busy days.
Yes, completely. Tenders land in the middle of the village, and the waterfront street, gardens, galleries and cafes follow one another over less than two kilometres. No logistics needed.
A terraced garden where sculpture and bright mosaics climb among the flowers. Plant lovers may prefer the Garden of Tane, a native forest crossed by paths where tui birds sing.
The New Zealand dollar, and English — Māori is also an official language. Cards are accepted everywhere, even for small amounts; cash is rarely needed.
Fish of the day, New Zealand lamb, peninsula cheeses and Canterbury wines. If you are in a hurry, take fish and chips in a cone facing the bay, under the interested gaze of the gulls.
