Just southeast of Christchurch on the South Island of New Zealand, along the eastern bounds of Akaroa Harbour on the Banks Peninsula, the small waterside community of Akaroa sits at the base of long-dormant volcanoes. The stunning, rugged landscape that surrounds the town is covered in mountainous forests with snow-capped peaks, rocky cliffs, and rolling grasslands. Settlers from France who helped build the village have left their mark on the bright facades and gabled rooftops of many buildings, as well as in the pastries, cheeses, and dishes served at local cafes and restaurants.

Stroll along Akaroa’s vibrant harborside drag, and you can spend hours perusing boutiques and galleries, breaking to enjoy tea and scones. Outside the village, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to hike in areas like Mist Peaks Nature Reserve and explore the tranquil harbour waters in a kayak, paddleboard, or sailboat.

Akaroa has pleasant conditions for much of the year, with only minor variations between the seasons. However, remember that New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, so summer months range from December to February, while the winters run June to August. The summers in Akaroa are pleasant and warm, with long sunny days that provide excellent conditions for wandering the town, swimming, and dolphin-watching. While the winter months are certainly colder, temperatures are only a bit lower than the summertime, with a moderate increase in rainfall. Packing a light waterproof jacket year-round, with some extra layers in winter, is a good idea when traveling to the region. If you’re visiting Akaroa in April or May, you may catch the Akaroa French Festival, which celebrates the town’s heritage with parades, a French market, and live music.

Hinewai Reserve

Steep forested mountains, rolling brushlands, towering waterfalls, and miles upon miles of trail systems run through Hinewai Reserve. Located just 15 minutes inland from Akaroa, the reserve is dedicated to preserving the area’s natural ecologies and the reforestation of places that have been harmed by previous human activity. Hiking trails of varying intensity meander through old-growth forests, grasslands, and cliffside vistas.

Okains Bay Museum

Set amid the stunning Banks Peninsula, Okains Bay Museum houses preserved, relocated cottages and traditional heritage items. Near the museum entrance, you’ll find a working blacksmith shop and waka shed with traditional Maori canoes and watercraft. One of the more impressive exhibits is the taonga Maori collection, which has been classified as a Collection of National Significance due to its immaculately preserved wood carvings, bone and shell work, and textiles.

Kayaking and paddling the French Bay

Akaroa curves around the shallow French Bay, one of several small bays on the edge of Akaroa Harbour. Exploring the bay on kayak or paddleboard will bring you to hidden beaches, secret coves, and dramatic cliffs overlooking the gentle waters. Observant adventures may spot wild dolphins frolicking through the water and white-flippered penguins lounging among the black coastal rock formations.