Summer in Akaroa: Our Guide to the Perfect Stay

Summer in Akaroa: Our Guide to the Perfect Stay

There’s something special about Akaroa in summer. Long, warm days, sparkling harbour views and plenty of reasons to spend as much time outdoors as possible.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or settling in for a few days, the best way to experience Akaroa is not to over-plan it. Pick an adventure or two, leave room for a long lunch, and make sure there’s plenty of time to simply enjoy being here.

Here are a few of our favourite ways to spend a summer stay.

Get out on the harbour

You can’t come to Akaroa without experiencing the harbour from the water.

A nature cruise is a wonderful way to explore the coastline and spot some of the wildlife that calls Banks Peninsula home. Keep an eye out for Hector’s dolphins, seals and seabirds along the way. On a beautiful summer day, there are few better places to be.

Wander through Akaroa

One of the best things about Akaroa is that there’s no need to rush.

Take a slow walk along the waterfront, visit the Akaroa Lighthouse, browse the local shops and galleries, then find somewhere for coffee or lunch. The town is compact enough to explore on foot, which makes an afternoon with no particular plan one of the nicest ways to discover it.

Meet some of the locals

Not all of Akaroa’s locals live in the harbour.

A visit to Shamarra Alpacas is a lovely way to spend a few hours, with the chance to get up close to the alpacas while taking in some spectacular views across Banks Peninsula.

Between the dolphins, seals, birds, sheep and alpacas, wildlife lovers certainly won’t be short of company.

Take the long way around

Summer is the perfect excuse to pull on your walking shoes and explore more of the landscape surrounding Akaroa. There are coastal and hillside walks throughout the area, ranging from gentle strolls to longer adventures. Pack some water, take your time and stop often, the views are half the reason for going.

Settle in for a long lunch

Summer holidays call for lunches that accidentally stretch well into the afternoon.

Make time to enjoy the local food and wine, whether that means finding a table in town or heading out to Caldera Vineyard Estate for seasonal dishes, local wines and beautiful views across the harbour. No schedules. No rushing. Just good food, good wine and nowhere else you particularly need to be.

Stay out after dark

The day doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down.

Away from the bright lights of the city, Banks Peninsula offers beautiful night skies. Head outside and spend some time looking up, or make an evening of it with a local stargazing experience. It’s a very different side of Akaroa and one that’s easy to miss if you head straight to bed.

And leave time for absolutely nothing

Perhaps the most important part of your itinerary.

Come back to Newton Heights, pour a glass of wine and find a spot overlooking the harbour. If you’re staying in one of our apartments, sink into your private spa. Read a book. Watch the light change over the hills. Or simply sit for a while.

Because the perfect summer stay in Akaroa doesn’t need to be packed with things to do.

Sometimes, the luxury is having nowhere else to be.