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Flight Centre

Backpackerdeals

Looking for things to do in Akaroa? Flight Centre can help! Check out our range of tours and activities and book your South Island adventure online today!

New Zealand Tours, Travel Deals & Activities | Flight Centre

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Things to Do in Akaroa - Flight Centre

<p>Akaroa is beautiful all year round, with each season bringing something different. However, we believe the best time to visit this stunning location is during the summer months from December to February. During this time, the weather is warm and the days are longer, making it the perfect time to explore the great outdoors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Akaroa is a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Christchurch, which is the nearest city that international visitors can fly into. Travellers can easily rent a car, join a guided tour, or take a shuttle bus to Akaroa from their accommodation or the Christchurch Airport. If you&rsquo;re feeling adventurous, you could even take a scenic helicopter flight from Christchurch to Akaroa and back again!</p>

<p>Hector&rsquo;s Dolphins are endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand&rsquo;s coastal waters and cannot be seen in the wild anywhere else in the world. An endangered species, these small dolphins are mainly found around the South Island, with Akaroa Harbour boasting one of the highest population densities in the country.</p>

<p>To truly experience all that Akaroa has to offer, we&rsquo;d recommend spending at least 2-3 days in the area. However, if you&rsquo;re pressed for time or just passing through, a day trip to Akaroa is a great way to see all the highlights!</p>

Day Trips & Excursions

Water Activities

Wildlife & Nature

Whale & Dolphin Watching

Kayaking

<h3 style="line-height:1.38; margin-top:21px; margin-bottom:5px"><u><a href="https://www.backpackerdeals.com/new-zealand/akaroa/wildlife-nature-tours" target="_blank">Scenic Nature Tours:</a></u></h3>

<p>Dive into the rural side of Akaroa with a scenic nature tour through the region&rsquo;s lush landscapes. Trek along Akaroa&rsquo;s vibrant coastline, paddle over its calm seas, and discover an enchanting natural world teeming with life and breathtaking scenic views. Whether you&rsquo;re exploring the serene beauty of the countryside or the hidden wonders of the harbour, these nature tours guarantee a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.</p>

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<h3><u><a href="https://www.backpackerdeals.com/new-zealand/akaroa/walking-biking-tours" target="_blank">Hiking and Biking Trips:</a></u></h3>

<p>Hike over rolling hills, bike along scenic cycling trails, and take in the vast beauty of Akaroa on a hiking or biking tour. Spend the day exploring the countryside and looking out over the harbour from some of the best vantage points in the region. Whatever your dream adventure may look like, you&#39;re sure to find a number of different tour options to suit your needs.</p>

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<h3><u><a href="https://www.backpackerdeals.com/new-zealand/akaroa/kayaking" target="_blank">Kayaking Tours:</a></u></h3>

<p>Looking to explore Akaroa&rsquo;s beautiful marine reserves? Why not embark on a sea kayaking tour? Paddle through crystal-clear waters, explore hidden coves, and discover the area&rsquo;s rich marine life, including the incredible Hector&rsquo;s Dolphins that call Akaroa home. With options to suit both beginner and expert kayakers, these tours are perfect for all nature lovers and adventure seekers.</p>

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<h3><u><a href="https://www.backpackerdeals.com/new-zealand/akaroa/whale-dolphin-watching" target="_blank">Wildlife Encounters:</a></u></h3>

<p>Set out on an unforgettable adventure and get up close and personal with Akaroa&#39;s diverse marine life! Home of the rare Hector&rsquo;s Dolphin, Akaroa offers wildlife encounters like no other, allowing you to get up close with this adorable species on a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready as you discover a magical underwater world and swim alongside some of the ocean&rsquo;s most incredible creatures.</p>

Discover Akaroa’s stunning coastline, spot all kinds of local wildlife, and immerse yourself in the area’s natural beauty with this 2-hour nature cruise.

A large tour boat cruising along the blue waters of Akaroa Harbour. Two small dolphins are leaping out of the water next to the boat in the foreground of the shot, and a steep grassy cliff can be seen in the background behind the boat.

Explore the waters of Akaroa Harbour and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins in their natural habitat.

A person in a black wetsuit floating in Akaroa's calm grey-blue waters. Their hair is wet, and their head and shoulders are above the water. They are looking at a small dolphin swimming very close to them.

Take in picturesque countryside views and meet Akaroa’s cutest (and fuzziest!) residents on a guided tour of the charming Shamarra Alpaca Farm.

A group of white, beige, and brown alpacas lined up facing the camera in a grassy field. Akaroa Harbour and the township can be seen in the background beyond the field.

Journey through the towering cliffs, deep-sea caves, and vibrant reefs of Pohatu Marine Reserve on a scenic kayaking tour from Akaroa.

Two people sat in tandem in a two-seater yellow kayak floating on the calm blue waters of the Pohatu Marine Reserve. A steep rocky landscapes surround the edges of the water. Another pair of kayakers in the same type of kayak can be seen slightly further away paddling nearby.

Enjoy a 24-hour escape into nature and discover the diverse wildlife and fascinating history of Akaroa with this unique overnight farm stay.

Two lambs with black and white wool standing on a slight incline in a grassy field. Their bodies are facing side on but they have their heads turned to look at the camera. The field has some shrubbery and rocky surfaces but is mostly made of green grass.

Take to the skies and marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of Akaroa from above on an epic scenic helicopter tour from Christchurch.

A blue and white helicopter flying over Akaroa's township out towards the brilliant blue harbour. The harbour waters are so still that the surrounding hills and the clouds in the sky can be seen reflected on the surface of the water.