Akaroa & The Bays

Sea. Food. Ma Maison is one of Akaroa's hidden gems. The dining area is decked out with an open fire and bi-fold doors, so the breathtaking waterfront views overlooking Daly's wharf and the Akaroa Harbour remain uninterrupted. Our menu is a culinary expression of this region. The focus is on freshness and simplicity, using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. Our intent is to create a delicious home cooked meal worth leaving your own house to enjoy.

Aihe, Akaroa's Newest waterfront restaurant! Specializing in modern European cuisine with a strong emphasis on seafood. Serving from 9am if you are looking for a delicious selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner options or just a drink then Aihe is a must on any visit to Akaroa

This is my story first

The story of a place. Whangaroa. Hakaroa. Akaroa.

But my tale begins millions of years before names, when two mighty volcanoes rose from the sea. Flows of lava spilled down their flanks, forming land.

Over time my fire ceased. Wind and water ground down my vast volcanoes. The rising ocean flooded my extinct calderas, forming the harbours of Akaroa and Lyttelton. My island became a peninsula, connected to Te Wai Pounamu by rocks and sands washed down from the Southern Alps.

The land and the sea

My slopes became green and thickly forested. My hills rang with the songs of kiwi, kākāpō, parakeets and tūī. Moa roamed. My oceans thronged with dolphins, whales, penguins and kai moana in abundance.

Gods & people

I sat with Maui as he fished up Te Ika a Maui. He buried a troublesome giant under my mountains. I feel him stir from time to time.

I was here when the first humans came. The Waitaha paddling their waka from Polynesia. Ngāti Māmoe and Ngāi Tahu built their pā and planted their gardens. I was here when Te Rauparaha bought fire and blood to the harbour. I watched the Ngāi Tahu chiefs Iwikau and Tikao sign Te Tiriti o Waitangi at Ōnuku Marae. I saw the British plant their flags and the disappointment on Capitaine Langlois’s face as he returned too late to claim me for the French crown.

The essence of Akaroa

Many have told my story. But only one has distilled the essence of this place to make poems that run over your tongue. Songs that sing in your mouth.

Every bottle is a taste of this place. Kelp gathered in Wainui, lavender from Little River, rosehips from Little Akaloa, wild thyme from French Bay. Locally grown grapes, lemons, and botanicals for gins that are a true evocation of this beautiful place.

Akaroa Craft Distillery. Tales of the harbour told in gin.

We proudly opened the doors to the Akaroa Craft Distillery Tasting House at 45 Rue Lavaud on March 31 2022. The Tasting House has been lovingly restored to become a place that feels like home; somewhere relaxing and memorable for our guests to sample our gins and learn about our story. We are excited to have the doors open for you to enjoy and look forward to seeing you soon.

Akaroa’s Premier Waterfront Dining Spot. Relax and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of Akaroa Harbour whilst you dine in any of our indoor and outdoor areas. We also offer a sheltered courtyard garden with a children’s play area for families. Extensive menu focusing on fresh New Zealand produce with an innovative mix of traditional and modern flavours. The menu offers a large variety of seafood, award-winning cuisine [2019 beef and lamb excellence award] at prices to suit any budget.

To complement your dining at any time of the day we have a comprehensive beverage list with New Zealand Wines, “Monteith’s” and “Tuatara” craft beers on tap and in bottle, cocktails and a large range of non-alcoholic drinks.
Bully Hayes Restaurant & Bar bringing together great food and beverages with stunning harbour views, welcoming friendly service making your dining experience a memorable and relaxing one.  Something for everyone!

At Bully Hayes we also cater for specialty and tour groups for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
We have a variety of set menu options available these are available on our website. If you have any questions, 
Please contact us as we try to accommodate where we can 

Muni & Shomika, a Fijian husband and wife team, have an irrefutable passion for food. They designed a menu to truly feed the soul with a blend of pacific indian flavours with the best of traditional european food. Our beautiful restaurant and garden are a short walk away from most central accommodation providers.

Just an hours drive from Christchurch, The Grand Hotel Akaroa is beautifully situated at the north end of town and is the first hotel as you enter our picturesque township. With panoramic views of the wooded hills and the jaw-dropping Harbour The Grand is well appointed to offer everything you would need for your stay in town.

For those wishing to stay the the Grand has newly renovated ensuite hotel rooms which come in the option of Queen, King or Family, All rooms are well appointed with the usual amenities and with spectacular views; Peace and quiet is guaranteed.

With a long and well established history in Akaroa, There has been a hotel on the site since 1860 when C.J Waeckerle was granted the first liquor license in the township.The current building was designed by Thomas Cane whose other notable buildings include the Christchurch Art Centre and the Former Time-ball Station in Lyttleton, Designed in the stunning Renaissance Palazzo style the building fortunately still retains many of its original period features.

We look forward to welcoming you to the venue soon!

Step through our gates and come and relax in our tranquil garden setting to escape the hustle and bustle outside. Our focus is on fresh local seasonal ingredients from our cottage kitchen, friendly service, great Allpress coffee, relaxed atmosphere, live music, al fresco dining and boutique beers and wines

Open for Breakfast & Lunch every day from 9am. Open for Dinner Wednesday to Sunday till late.

• Happy Hour 4-6pm. $10 cocktails, discounts on Stoke tap beers and Scott Base house wines. • Check our Blackboard or Facebook page for other specials.

Bookings welcomed or Take Away - Ring us on 03 304 8585.

Founded in 1872 by Antonio Rodriguez, a Portuguese immigrant, the Madeira keeps the colonial heritage of Akaroa alive and ticking! Right in the centre of Akaroa, with the contemporary gastro pub below, with dining room, bar and beer garden and above is the accommodation. Perfect for Backpackers and tradies you can stay with your large group or retire after a night down in the pub. Comfortable, affordable rooms and convenient breakfast and lunch options. you can rest assured your workers will enjoy their stay at the Madeira Hotel.

The Madeira Hotel has a contemporary, gastro pub offering. Popular for our steak and burgers, we have all the pub classics with a range of great small plates. Try our chef’s signature lamb rump dish or some locally sourced bangers & mash or steamed mussels. Enjoy our sun-trap beer garden or newly renovated dining room with our wines, craft beers and cocktails. The Madeira is the late night hub of Akaroa with a regular program of live music and humming nightlife. Founded in 1872 by Antonio Rodriguez, a Portuguese immigrant, the Madeira keeps the colonial heritage of Akaroa alive and ticking

Ethels Cinema, Café and Bar is Akaroa’s twin screen movie experience featuring the latest blockbuster, foreign and arthouse films. Each cinema features plush seating with a table for your snacks, coffee or glass of wine. As well as the latest movies, Ethels offers delicious dine-in and takeaway handcrafted hot and cold food including daily baked savoury and sweet treats.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Ethels is the place to be for Akaroa's best Italian Pizza, fresh salads, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

 The fully licenced bar offers boutique wines, craft beer, Vivace Espresso, t leaf T, milkshakes, ice creams, popcorn, Karma sodas and organic juices. You can dine in Ethels garden patio or settle inside for a relaxing meal.

 Ethels is available for corporate events, private screenings, group bookings, Christmas functions, adult and children's birthday parties. Our in-house chef would love to cater your next function and can provide tasty finger food or a tailored sit-down dinner menu.

We generally take cinema bookings for groups between 17 and 36 people on a Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. Event bookings for Thursday, Friday or Saturday nights are available by negotiation.

 For the latest screening times and to book tickets online visit the Ethels website, call into the cinema or call the ticket office on 03 304 7777. We’re here to make your experience a memorable one, it's Your Place...so pop in soon.

Great country meals at a reasonable price.

If you want to watch sport in a relaxing environment the Duvauchelle Hotel is the place to be.

Child Friendly and if you wish to bring your dog we are happy to have them in our outdoor area.

Available for private functions and also group bookings.

Great beers on Tap and a great wine selection at reasonable prices.

We also offer coffee tea and a wide range of non alcohol drinks.

Wednesday is Happy Hour from 5pm and Thursday is our $15 Burger Night from 5.

Bookings are not essential but Recommended.

Trading Hours:

Monday & Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday & Thursday: Open from 4pm

Friday - Sunday: Open from midday 

For all your breakfast & lunch needs. Open daily from 7.00am year-round

Large selection of freshly made deli style food to eat in or to go. Enjoy a croissant, croque monsieur or a pain au choc with your morning coffee while taking in our picturesque harbour.

Great selection of lunch sandwiches, quiches, pies, salads, sweets, cakes and to finish it all off a fruit flow frozen yoghurt or a decadent kapit ice-cream in the afternoon sun

“A little taste of France in Akaroa”