Akaroa from Christchurch

How far is Akaroa from Christchurch, and how long does it take?

About 84 km, or 75 to 90 minutes each way without stops, on State Highway 75. Allow two hours with a photo stop or two.

The route runs south-west out of Christchurch through Tai Tapu, past Lake Ellesmere and Lake Forsyth to Little River, about 53 km. From there it climbs to the Hilltop and drops down to the harbour: another 27 km. SH75 itself is 76.9 km long and ends in Akaroa.

The first hour is flat and easy. The last half hour isn't. Guests on the Akaroa Dolphins cruise warn about it too: "Make sure you leave sufficient time to travel from Christchurch to Akaroa as the 70klms take roughly 90 mins."

What is the drive over the Hilltop like?

Winding and steep for about 15 minutes each side of the summit, with a big view of the harbour at the top. Take it slowly; there are few places to pass.

From Little River the road climbs in tight bends to the Hilltop, about 64 km from Christchurch, where the whole of Akaroa Harbour opens below you. Stop at the lookout. Then it's a twisting descent to Barrys Bay and Duvauchelle and a flat run along the shore into town.

For the scenic version, turn onto the Summit Road just after the Hilltop. It follows the crater rim for about 26 km, roughly 40 minutes, according to Trip Ideas NZ, with turn-offs down to Okains Bay and Le Bons Bay. It's narrow, partly gravel and no place to rush. Do it on the way home if your cruise has a fixed time.

Can you get to Akaroa from Christchurch without a car?

Yes, by shuttle or on a tour. The Akaroa French Connection runs daily at 9 am from Christchurch and leaves Akaroa at 4 pm, at NZ$80 return.

• Akaroa French Connection: departs Christchurch 9 am, arrives 11 am; leaves Akaroa 4 pm, back in Christchurch at 5:45 pm. NZ$80 adult return. During the wharf works it picks up in Akaroa at the Old Post Office, 80 Rue Lavaud.
• Akaroa Shuttle: lists daily 8:30 am departures from Rolleston Avenue and a 3:45 pm return, 25 October to 31 March, at NZ$56 adult return. Its site still shows an old suspension notice, so confirm by phone.
• Tours with transport: the small-group day, the private day tour and the swim day trip all collect you in Christchurch.

Taxis and ride-share cars are scarce in Akaroa. Plan the trip home before you go.

Your own driver-guide from your Christchurch door: the museum, the Giant's House and Barrys Bay, at your pace. Add the cruise yourself.

★ 5.0 · 7 to 8 hours · from $154

Explore the private Akaroa day tour → Tour details

Which Akaroa day tours from Christchurch include the dolphin cruise?

Only the swim day trip includes a boat trip in the price. The small-group tour offers the cruise as an optional extra, and the private day tour leaves it out.

This is the one thing to check before you book:

On the private and small-group days, book the cruise yourself for a time inside your Akaroa stop. The small-group tour gives you about 3 hours in Akaroa, enough for a 2-hour cruise plus check-in; the Black Cat cruise at 1:30 pm or Akaroa Dolphins at 12:45 pm usually fit. Ask the guide which one before you pay.

How do you time a day trip around the cruise?

Pick the cruise first, then work backwards. The 12:45 pm and 1:30 pm sailings suit a relaxed morning start from Christchurch.

Sample timings for a self-drive day, with a 20 to 30-minute check-in:

By shuttle, the 11 am arrival leaves time for the 12:45 pm or 1:30 pm cruise and a late lunch before the 4 pm bus. Nothing earlier fits. If the cruise is cancelled for weather, both operators offer another date or a full refund, so put the boat on day one of a two-day stay if you can.

Where should you stop on the way to Akaroa?

Barrys Bay Cheese on the harbour road, the Hilltop lookout, and Little River for coffee. Birdlings Flat is a short detour to a wild pebble beach.

• Barrys Bay Cheese: on SH75 at the head of the harbour, open 9 am to 5 pm every day except Christmas Day. From September to May you can watch cheese being made through a window on weekdays (akaroa.com). The swim day trip and the private tour both stop here.
• The Hilltop: the lookout at the top of the climb, with the harbour spread out below.
• Little River: a small village halfway, with a café and the end of the Little River Rail Trail.
• Birdlings Flat: a long shingle beach on the open coast, the first stop on the small-group tour.

What is there to do in Akaroa besides the dolphins?

The free Akaroa Museum, the Giant's House mosaic garden, the lighthouse walk, and the Māori and French history of the bays. Two or three hours covers the village.

• Akaroa Museum: free, 71 Rue Lavaud, open 10:30 am to 4:30 pm from October to April (4 pm in winter).
• The Giant's House: a hillside mosaic garden at 68 Rue Balguerie. NZ$35 adults, NZ$20 children 2 to 15; open 11 am to 4 pm from October to April, 3 pm in winter.
• The lighthouse: built in 1880 on the headland and moved to Cemetery Point in 1980. A short walk along the shore from the town centre.
• History: the French settlers landed in August 1840, two days after HMS Britomart arrived to claim British sovereignty. The nature and history tour takes you to Takapūneke and the church at Ōnuku, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in May 1840.

Drive yourself or take a tour?

Drive if you're comfortable on narrow, winding roads and want to set your own clock. Take a tour if you'd rather look at the view than the next bend, or want lunch and a guide sorted.

• Self-drive is the cheapest with two or more people and the most flexible. Book the cruise direct or on Viator, and leave the Summit Road for the way home.
• The small-group day ($337) suits couples who want lunch, a guide and back-road stops. Add the cruise when you book.
• The private day tour ($154 per person) suits families and groups who want their own car without driving.
• The swim day trip ($224) suits strong swimmers 8 and up, October to April. See the dolphin swim guide before you book.

Christchurch to Akaroa with eight guests at most: lunch, coffee, a local guide and about three hours in the village.

★ 5.0 · 7 to 8 hours · from $337

Explore the small-group Akaroa day → Tour details

Frequently asked questions