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When a girls’ weekend was on the cards, Akaroa was the perfect pick. We packed our bags, hit our favorite roady playlist, and set off for a weekend of fun, adventure, and a touch of French charm.
Day 1: Exploring Akaroa’s Charms
The drive to Akaroa was stunning, with the Banks Peninsula unfolding before us like a painting. As we arrived, the village’s quaint, French-inspired architecture greeted us, colorful cottages lining the harbor. Our stay at The Bruce Waterfront Apartments offered views that were nothing short of breathtaking.
After settling in, we were eager to explore.
We began with a leisurely stroll along the Akaroa Heritage Walk, taking in the historical charm of sites like the Akaroa Museum and the Langlois-Eteveneaux Cottage. The walk gave us a perfect introduction to the village, blending history with stunning coastal views.
Photo credit: - Ma Maison as ours were blurry! (Thanks Ma Maison!)
Lunch at Ma Maison was a treat—fresh seafood enjoyed right by the water, where the harbor sparkled under the afternoon sun. With energy to spare, we decided to take a short walk along the waterfront, breathing in the sea air and admiring the picturesque scene.
Dinner at The Little Bistro was the perfect end to our first day, with farm-to-table dishes that reflected the season and the region. A moonlit stroll along the harbor capped off the evening, leaving us ready for the adventures to come.
Day 2: Dolphin Adventures and Creative Wonders
Day two began with a wildlife cruise with a Kayaking and Safari Tour in Akaroa. The sight of penguins waddling along the shore was adorable, but the real adventure started when one of us tried to snap a selfie with a seal, only to be “photobombed” by a particularly cheeky penguin that seemed to think it was the star of the show. It was one of those unexpected, laugh-out-loud moments that made the day unforgettable.
Photo credit: The Giant House https://www.facebook.com/thegiantshouse
After drying off, we headed to The Giant’s House, a fantastical garden filled with vibrant mosaics and whimsical sculptures - an absolute 'must-see!" Every corner was a photo opportunity, and we spent the afternoon exploring this creative wonderland.
We rounded out the day with a moderate hike on the Flea Bay to Pohatu section of the Banks Peninsula Track. The rugged coastal views were nothing short of spectacular, and the fresh sea breeze added an invigorating touch to the walk.
Dinner at The Brasserie was relaxing - eating and drinking a rose amongst a garden setting and a perfect way to unwind.
Day 3: Relaxation and Farewells
Our final day began with fresh croissants from L'Escargot Rouge, and a fresh coffee as we sat and chatted on the waterfront seats. The weather was awesome so we walked to the Akaroa Lighthouse and continued up to Newton's Waterfall which was peaceful and serene..
Akaroa has a diverse range of shops from crafts and curios to designer jewellery and clothing which took up the rest of our day. They also have a Farmers Market so be sure to follow their page for dates around your trip. Also, each October they have a French Festival which includes, food, wine, activities for the whole family and live music.
As we drove back, we knew that this wouldn’t be our last visit to Akaroa. The village had charmed us completely, with its mix of adventure, relaxation, and plenty of fun. It was the perfect girls’ getaway, and we couldn’t wait to return.
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