Akaroa Scenic Highlights

Akaroa | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

A medley of stunning scenery and diversity, Akaroa, New Zealand is an unmissable experience. No visit is complete without seeing the penguin colonies, swimming with the dolphins or exploring the boutique heritage.

Akaroa Scenic Highlights Overview

Explore the beauty and diversity of Akaroa, New Zealand. From rugged coastline, beautiful beaches and surrounding bays to a wide range of eco-tourism attractions, you will be in awe of beautiful Akaroa.

A one-and-a-half-hour drive south-east of Christchurch, Banks Peninsula is the result of violent eruptions from three ancient volcanoes. The spectacular coastline of Akaroa Harbour and the surroundings bays are the legacy of the earth's fury.

Flea Bay Penguin Colony

Nestled in Flea Bay, a short drive from Akaroa, is a large colony of tiny blue penguins. The colony is located at Pohatu Marine Reserve, between dramatic volcanic headlands.

You can join a four wheel drive tour to the colony or you can access the colony via a sea kayaking experience.

The best time for penguin viewing is the breeding season between end of August and January.

Swimming with Dolphins

Get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures. Join a harbour cruise or kayak into the Akaroa Harbour for a view of the Hector's dolphins - the world's smallest and rarest dolphins.

Your will also be able to view fur seals sunbathing on the rocks, little blue penguins, marine salmon and paua pearl farms and a variety of fascinating sea birds including five species of cormorant, black-backed gulls, red-billed gulls, shearwaters, terns, prions, mollymawks, petrels, skuas, oystercatchers, albatross and more.

» Akaroa and Banks Peninsula Information

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