Things to Do in Akaroa with Kids
THE 10 BEST Family & Kid Activities in Akaroa
Things to Do in Akaroa with Kids
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
What travellers are saying
- Magda P18 contributionsBeautifully detailed mosaic garden! It's a magical place both for kids and adults. In fact, I have been several times and always enjoy it! However, going on a sunny day is definitely the best.Written 14 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- moonlotus18Hamilton, New Zealand2,004 contributionsWe stopped by at the Lighhouse during our visit to Akaroa. It is a pretty iconic landmark in town and up close its even more impressive. The views of the coves and open seas are stunning. Very picturesque. Highly recommended.Written 15 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CoastfansBlenheim, New Zealand219 contributionsWe came into this beautiful forest park from the historic cemeteries which in themselves are well worth a visit.
Easy, well maintained tracks, stunning specimen trees and a great playground kept us happily entertained in transit back to the village but we barely scratched the surface here and look forward to returning someday.
Perfect refuge from the heat and sun, relatively quiet with only a few other morning visitors and super accessible from town.Written 11 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - moonlotus18Hamilton, New Zealand2,004 contributionsWe strolled this memorial grounds while visiting Akaroa. Thoughtful memorial and peaceful grounds flanked by nearby shops. Would recommend a visit.Written 18 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Norton S2 contributionsThe views were wonderful, the staff were excellent and importantly the wildlife came out to show their beauty and skills.Written 4 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- lkrocksScottsdale, AZ361 contributionsAwesome tour and crew!!! Derek, max, Abi all rocked it…wonderful views and easy boat to see them from, great narration too.Written 21 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Katrina JChristchurch, New Zealand162 contributionsI've always wanted to visit Shamarra Alpaca Farm so on recent day trip to Akaroa we went for a day-after my birthday treat (please note you do need to book first, you can't just turn up).
Unfortunately, being July, although it wasn't raining at the time, it was damp underfoot and there was low cloud, so what I imagine would've been beautiful scenery was somewhat obscured. I'd highly recommend wearing gumboots during the wetter months. We didn't take a change of footwear and although there are brushes there to get rid of the excess mud, our shoes were still left a bit dirty which we were conscious of when we then went on to Akaroa. It's also a bit muddy in the winter months around the entrance to the farm shop so we traipsed mud into the car.
The road/driveway up to the farm is single lane, however the staff are awesome at ensuring you won't meet someone coming the other way.
The staff were all very friendly and polite. We learnt so much about alpacas. We got to get up close to a number of them, including some younger ones. To my surprise, the male alpacas are more sociable than the females.
Our tour group were small, we met a lovely family over from Sydney, I hope the rest of their travels around NZ went well. The hot drink and snack afterwards is a great idea.
I'd highly recommend this farm tour to anyone who likes alpacas. It would just be better to do it in summer.Written 22 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Elisabeth1 contributionLoved getting out and seeing the wildlife up close. We were shown around beautiful landscapes and Tony gave us a great account of the local history.Written 12 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- fsBangkok, Thailand1 contributionAmazing. Amazing. Amazing!
Steve and Beth are very friendly, knowledgeable and professional. The small group of people per trip made us feel safe and gave us a nice, cosy experience.
Got to swim with multiple pods of dolphins, coming right up to us. We had plenty of time in the water (40mins) with dolphins all around us at all times. There were so many! Saw other animals in their habitat such as fur seals too.
All-round, it was one of the top highlights of our trip.
Other notes:
- wetsuits are very clean and dry.
- boat is clean and safe. spacious.
- hot drinks and snacks after the swim was yum.
- part of what we paid goes into the hector dolphin reserve/research.Written 17 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - trenna FAmberley, New Zealand10 contributionsAn amazing trip my first time in a a kayak and our guide Lucia was patient and knowledgeable. I loved it, would highly recommend. A great way to spend and afternoon in AkaroaWritten 13 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 179lizziewChristchurch, New Zealand4 contributionsWe embarked on a two day carry our own pack option and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of a big first day. Stunning views, amazing weather and some steep climbs mixed with relaxing down hills. The overnight accommodations were fantastic with everything thought of and provided for in the cabins.Written 30 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BéatriceWHong Kong, China38 contributionsWhat an amazing experience! We started off our tour with a nice treat of feeding some little sheeps and went on with a bit of trekking to see the nesting huts. Then, we arrived at the observation points for penguin watching. Kevin was our guide. He is very knowledgeable and thanks to his eagle eyes, we managed to spot groups of little penguins swimming in the ocean. It was one of the most unforgettable experience to see these cute flippy waggers in the wild. And a big shout out to all the conservation initiatives they do to save these little native birds. Highly recommended and if you ever sign up for a penguin tour, make sure you wear good footwear as there will be some walking to find our dear penguins :)Written 24 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- John AndersonAuckland Central, New Zealand2 contributionsFox 11 was an amazing experience
We were on the 10.30am sailing on 25th February 2024.
The skipper was excellent.
Very informative about Hector Dolphins, early Maori history, geology and wildlife.
Beautiful sailing and excellent music choice.
Highly recommended.Written 26 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Global_GourmndsChicago, IL24 contributionsMarie's tour of Akoroa is immersive, historical, and deeply moving. It's also integral to the story of New Zealand -one that even many New Zealanders are not aware of. She brings this incredibly fascinating story to life. At the end, I felt as if Marie was not only a friend, but she that she had shared with me New Zealand's best kept secret. (Plus, the drive there is incredible. It's like traveling through the garden of Eden.)Written 18 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- A World TravellerOttawa, Canada25 contributionsThis small jetboat is the perfect way to see the Akaroa harbour with a passionate local tour guide AND get the exhilaration that you are looking for!
If you're up for the bumpy ride, and getting tossed around a little - the front 2 rows are definitely for you. If you want speed, with less bumps and sways, the back will likely be more what you're looking for.
In both cases you will explore areas of the harbour that are not explored by any other tours, as this boat is much smaller and faster that the others. It can go into the caves where the larger boats cannot, and with it's speed it can explore more of the harbour!
I was concerned about getting wet on the jet boat, but other than a few splashes at the end (which I will get to), you barely get sprayed at all. Think of this boat as more of a speed boat.
At the end of the tour, on your way back to the harbour, we did some pretty insane 360 degree spins in the boat! Definitely the most exhilarating part of the tour, and a great way to end on a high! This is the time when the front section gets pushed around the most - but if you brace yourself, you'll be totally fine!
We had tourist and locals of all ages on our boat ride, so if you're up for some fun, this is definitely the tour for you!
The one downside is that due to the speed and size of the boat, you are not allowed to bring any belongings with you on the boat. You can bring your phone or a small digital camera that can fit in a pocket (as you will have time to take photos at certain stops), but you definitely do this ride for the EXPERIENCE - not for the photos you will leave with.
It is still without a doubt an amazing experience that I highly recommend!Written 24 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
