An event for every occasion and activities for every season. Akaroa and Banks Peninsula has an exciting calendar of events all year round.
Want to host your own event? Find out how Akaroa District Promotions can help organise and promote it here.
Ethels Cinema Weekly Timetable
4 May 2022 through to 31 Dec 2022
Akaroa Museum Exhibition - The view from Paris - Charles Meryon’s Pacific Etchings.
4 May 2022 through to 31 Oct 2022
Akaroa Museum Exhibition - The view from Paris - Charles Meryon’s Pacific Etchings.
4 May 2022 through to 31 Oct 2022
Here at the Museum we’ve got a new exhibition up from Easter – The view from Paris - Charles Meryon’s Pacific Etchings.
Accommodation and Penguin Tour with Akaroa Waterfront Motels & Pohatu Penguins!
1 Aug 2022 through to 31 Oct 2022
Accommodation and Penguin Tour with Akaroa Waterfront Motels & Pohatu Penguins!
1 Aug 2022 through to 31 Oct 2022
Accommodation and Penguin Tour
Package includes 1 night accommodation in a family unit and an evening penguins tour with Pohatu.
Package from $435 for 2 adults and 2 children.
Family unit options: 2 bedroom unit, Waterfront Family and Waterfront 3 bedroom, subject to availability. Room only.
The 3h penguin tour includes:
- 4WD transportation from Akaroa by 4WD minibus to and from Pohatu bay on some of Banks peninsula back country road,
- Welcome by rare sheep breeds that can be hand fed,
- A conservation walk and talk within the penguin habitat,
- Monitoring of penguin nesting homes to check on the colony,
- With camouflage gear and through binoculars and scope, watch penguin(s) in the middle of the bay, preening, resting and socialising,
- A likelihood of some birds coming ashore just under the hides as it get darker
The Evening penguin tour departure changes due to lengthening or shortening days so please check on the day our current departure time.
Possibility to add extra night or a third child in the booking.
Valid for stay between the 1st of August and 31st of October 2022, subject to availability, booking must be done at least 1 day prior arrival.
For more information and bookings, call us on 03 304 7484 or email us at info@akaroawaterfront.co.nz
Akaroa Wildlife Pass!
1 Sep 2022 through to 31 Oct 2022
Akaroa Wildlife Pass!
1 Sep 2022 through to 31 Oct 2022
The cutest animals are waiting around Akaroa harbour - the soft and friendly Alpaca at Shamarra, the playful Hector’s Dolphins with Black Cat Cruises and the White-flippered penguin, a unique variant of the Little penguins with Pohatu penguins.
Family Pass $575 (2 adults/3kids/infants free)
Double Pass $395 (2 adults)
Book Now
Shamarra Alpacas
"Full of attitude, seriously cute and very, very photogenic – come and meet our friendly award-winning alpacas.
Just one hour from Christchurch, you’ll find Shamarra Alpaca Farm on the beautiful Banks Peninsula across the harbour from Akaroa. With over 170 grazing alpacas you are guaranteed to make some furry friends while enjoying spectacular sea views. Tour our farm and visit our shop, exclusively stocking our luxurious New Zealand made Shamarra alpaca knitwear.
Black Cat Cruises
"Voted the number 1 wildlife activity in New Zealand, your award winning 2-hour nature cruise is packed with highlights including the rare, NZ native dolphin – the Hector’s dolphin, as well as seals, penguins and many coastal sea birds.
You’ll discover this wonderful wildlife as you cruise through the belly of an extinct volcanic crater and hear about Akaroa’s fascinating past. We also offer a Hector’s dolphin guarantee; if you don’t see any dolphins you can cruise again for free.
Pohatu Penguins
Step in our 4WD minibus and discover the Wildside of Banks peninsula, learn about the history of the area while standing on the edge of Akaroa volcano crater rim at 700 meters altitude. Visit the largest colony of Little penguins on mainland New Zealand and see them up close and personal as we monitor nesting sites and you learn, participate and help supporting 30+ years of conservation effort.
Live Music at The Grand Hotel in SEPTEMBER!
1 Sep 2022 through to 30 Sep 2022
The Seventh Generation Specials
1 Sep 2022 through to 31 Dec 2022
The Seventh Generation Specials
1 Sep 2022 through to 31 Dec 2022
Akaroa Nature and History Akaroa
Marie will take you to some of the nation’s most important historic sites and nature conservation projects and tell one comprehensive story that is easy to follow. Contact Marie directly on www.theseventhgeneration.org
Schools, Universities and Groups Tour
Flexible Duration | 25% OFF Group Bookings PROMO: LEARN25
Group tours uncover New Zealand’s history, nature and unique ecology. We can tailor trips to your needs and fit the NZ School Curriculum. Learn about some of the most important historical events by visiting and learning about the Brig Elizabeth Te Rauparaha massacre, Onuku Marae, Treaty of Waitangi, and Britomart Monument. Learn first-hand from a French descendant about the race-for-Akaroa and learn about the nature conservation projects and inspiring future of hope that Banks Peninsula has, directly from a conservation ecologist with decades of experience. Learn about the history and nature of New Zealand in an engaging way, so that you leave with more knowledge, a deeper sense and understanding of New Zealand and hope for the future.
Flexible Duration | Covd-Safe | 10% OFF Promo: PRIVATE10
Explore this special place at your own pace. Experience the unique beauty and fascinating history of Akaroa and Banks Peninsula with a Private Tour tailored to your personal interests and wishes. Popular activities include visiting Historical Sites, going for a walk in Hinewai Reserve, discovering the unique Wildlife, exclusive visits to Private beaches or a special Farm Experience. Get in Touch to build your own personal itinerary. Learn about the important history by visiting Takapuneke, the location of the Brig Elizabeth Te Rauparaha massacre, Onuku Marae where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, and Britomart Monument, the site of the British declaration of sovereignty, and for a glimpse of the future visit conservation projects.
To view all Seventh Generation tour options click here.
Black Cat Nature Cruise 2 KIDS Cruise FREE
1 Oct 2022 through to 16 Oct 2022
Black Cat Nature Cruise 2 KIDS Cruise FREE
1 Oct 2022 through to 16 Oct 2022
2 Kids cruise for free with one full price adult this kidsfest.
Pay $95 and save $80!
Make the most of the school holidays and some awesome family time with us in Akaroa.
Just use the promo code: FREEKIDS
And don’t forget we offer a Hector’s Dolphin guarantee and under 5’s cruise for free all year round with us at Black Cat Cruises.
*Please note that no special offer can be used in conjunction with any other offer
Akaroa's Eastern Bays Scenic Mail Run School Holiday Special!
1 Oct 2022 through to 16 Oct 2022
Akaroa's Eastern Bays Scenic Mail Run School Holiday Special!
1 Oct 2022 through to 16 Oct 2022
School Holiday Special!
Make sure to book directly with easternbaysscenicmailrun@gmail.com
Special available:
* 1 child travels free per paying adult
Takahe 2 Akaroa
1 Oct 2022 through to 1 Oct 2022
Takahe 2 Akaroa
1 Oct 2022 through to 1 Oct 2022
The iconic Takahe to Akaroa road relay incorporates the classic 8-person relay along with 2-person and 4-person options. All start from the Sign of the Takahe, and over to Governors Bay, through Gebbies Valley and onto Little River before climbing up to Hill Top. From there it is down into Duvauchelles via the Summit Road and into Akaroa along the main road.
Alongside this race is the 6-lap Allandale to Cooptown relay for our younger and older competitors, as well as those from the clubs and community who see this event as a more realistic challenge..
The Banks Peninsula Walking Festival
5 Nov 2022 through to 27 Nov 2022
The Banks Peninsula Walking Festival
5 Nov 2022 through to 27 Nov 2022
The Banks Peninsula Walking Festival will be running every Saturday and Sunday from 5th - 27th November 2022.
Planning for the 2022 Walking Festival is now well under way and there will be some wonderful events on offer.
To register on our mailing list for the 2022 Festival send your name and email address to: bpwalkingfest@gmail.com
Visit the Banks Peninsula Walks WEBSITE for updates and when tickets are to go on sale.
Inside Out Akaroa House and Garden Tour 2022
19 Nov 2022 through to 20 Nov 2022
Inside Out Akaroa House and Garden Tour 2022
19 Nov 2022 through to 20 Nov 2022
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Purchase your tickets online through Eventfinda and Akaroa I-site.
Purchase your tickets in-store at Akaroa Museum & Akaroa I-site.
Inside Out Garden Tour 2022
The wait is over! Akaroa’s extremely popular Inside Out Akaroa House & Garden Tour is on this November and it is bigger and better than ever with a fabulous range of houses and gardens, some never open to the public before. This is your chance to have a sneak- peek around some of the most beautiful gardens in the South Island, all with their unique character and situated in stunning locations. Held every two years, this is a not to be missed event, for anyone interested in beautiful homes and gorgeous gardens.
The Inside Out Akaroa House & Garden Tour takes place over 2 days on the weekend of Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th November 2022- with 13 amazing gardens to discover, at your own pace, on a flexible self-drive program. Why not plan to stay over in one of Akaroa’s cosy Bed and Breakfast, motels or other unique accommodation on offer and take the time to enjoy the restaurants, local produce, and café culture in this beautiful historic seaside village.
Gardens open from 10am – 5pm all weekend, and tickets are $45. Purchase your tickets at Akaroa Museum, Akaroa I-site, and online at Eventfinda and Akaroa I-site.
Keep an eye out for more updates on our Facebook page.
Download the brochure here.