What is there to do in Akaroa?
The Top Things to See and Do in Akaroa and Banks Peninsula, New Zealand
- A wildlife cruise of Akaroa Harbour. Natural Feature.
- Kayaking in the Pohatu Marine Reserve.
- Walking and cycling.
- The Giant’s House.
- Okains Bay Māori and Colonial Museum.
- Akaroa Museum Te Whare Taonga.
- Akaroa Lighthouse.
- Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese.
What is Akaroa known for?
Akaroa is a small town on Banks Peninsula in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand, situated within a harbour of the same name. Akaroa is a popular resort town. Many Hector’s dolphins may be found within the harbour, and ‘swim with the dolphins’ boat tours are a major tourist attraction.
What does Akaroa mean in English?
Akaroa is the South Island form of Whangaroa and the generally accepted meaning of both is the literal one, “long harbour”.
What is there to do in Akaroa for kids?
10 Things to Do in Akaroa with Kids
- See Dolphins, Penguins, Seals and More on a Wildlife Cruise.
- Find Rhinos and Other Surprises on the Children’s Bay Walkway.
- Check Out the Akaroa Museum…
- 4. …
- Have a Beach Day.
- Enjoy a Penguin Safari with Pohatu Penguins.
- Stroke Fluffy Alpacas at Shamarra Alpacas.
- Explore the Garden of Tane.
What is so special about Banks Peninsula?
Banks Peninsula is one of New Zealand’s most unique landforms. With endless hills, bays and hidden bush, this is Nature’s Playground right on Christchurch’s doorstep. Akaroa and its surrounds are steeped in Māori and settler history, adventures and unique experiences.
How old is Akaroa?
Akaroa, a colourful place which was founded by the French, “stolen” from the Maoris in 1839 and two years later placed under British sovereignty by the Treaty of Waitangi, has never been this busy before.
Where is Banks Peninsula in New Zealand?
eastern South Island
Banks Peninsula, peninsula in eastern South Island, New Zealand, extending 30 miles (48 km) into the Pacific Ocean. It is bounded by Pegasus Bay (north) and Canterbury Bight (south) and has a total land area of about 500 square miles (1,300 square km).
Is Banks Peninsula a volcano?
The Banks Peninsula Volcano is an extinct volcanic complex to the east of Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island.
What is the population of Akaroa 2020?
Akaroa is home to about 600 people, but its population increases by 4000 during the peak of the cruise season. Residents have been vocal about potential problems for years, but the chaos may continue until a $67 million cruise berth is completed at Lyttelton Harbour in 2020.
Why is Banks Peninsula important?
The hills are farmed, but tourism now has more economic importance. Cheese was one of the first products exported from Banks Peninsula (to Australia) and a small cheese factory remains at Barrys Bay. Akaroa is the principal town.
What are the best things to do in Akaroa?
Dolphin watching is easily one of the best things to do in Akaroa and is the main reason to visit outside of the old town. Dolphin watching trips depart almost every day and you have a great chance of seeing dolphins (we saw a dozen or so on our trip).
How to swim with dolphins in Akaroa New Zealand?
You have several options for swimming with dolphins in Akaroa, including Black Cat Cruises (check them out of Viator and Tripadvisor), EcoSEAker and Onuku Farm Hostel. All have wetsuits and snorkel gear, as well as instructions on how to interact with the dolphins in a safe and ethical way.
Where is the Information Centre in Akaroa New Zealand?
In spite of this unexpected turn of events, the French settlers decided to stay on. Akaroa’s French street names and charming colonial cottages are their legacy. The best way to explore Akaroa is on foot. Begin at the information centre, which is on the corner of Rue Lavaud and Rue Balguerie.
When is the French Festival in Akaroa New Zealand?
Keeping with the French theme, the city likes to embrace its heritage and promotes it once a year during the Akaroa French Festival. Every October, locals and tourists alike dive into a caricature of the French culture. “Fromage” and “vin” are served everywhere in a fun celebration of the town’s 19th-century history.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5hF-EGAjAU