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Akaroa

akaroa location mapThe Banks Peninsula Track follows the coastline of the bays to the south east of Akaroa, the historic French settlement on Banks Peninsula in the South Island of New Zealand.

The charming and picturesque seaside village of Akaroa is a scenic 85kms from Christchurch.

It has many restaurants, cafes, craft shops, supply stores, museum, cinema, in addition to a wide range of great accommodation making Akaroa a delightful and much loved destination for locals and international visitors alike.

It is particularly noted for its old cottages, gardens, and nature tourism opportunities.

A good range of the Akaroa area accommodation and activities can be found through our links below.

Akaroa audio guide

Discover historic Akaroa through the Akaroa 'Audio Guide'.
Registered Track walkers receive a 20% discount off the $10 rental price of the audio guide from Akaroa Information Centre.The Audio Guide starts at the Information Centre in the historic heart of Akaroa, includes 18 points of interest and ends at the Main Wharf. The 1.5km walk takes about 90 minutes to complete. The dramatic story of Akaroa's role at the birth of New Zealand unfolds as you listen to a rich tapestry of tales and find the town's most beautiful buildings.

Akaroa audio guide website

Getting here

By private vehicle.

Akaroa is a scenic 85km drive from Christchurch on State Highway 75. Leave Christchurch at the south eastern corner of Hagley Park along Lincoln Road. Allow 90 mins for the journey.

Petrol and refreshments are available at Tai Tapu, Little River, and Duvauchelle along the way, and Little River Gallery and Barrys Bay Cheese factory are well worth a visit.

Free Car parking (also suitable for campervans) for track walkers is provided at Mt Vernon Lodge - allow an additional 30 mins to walk to the Information Centre for bus pick-up. The end of your track walk will take you past Mt Vernon as you arrive at Akaroa.


Public Transport from Christchurch to Akaroa (and return)

Regular bus services are provided (up to 3 per day) by

Akaroa Shuttle            0800 500 929

French Connection       0800 800 575

Taxi bus services are provided at good rates by

Outer bays tours           027 489 7200

Akaroa Tours and Taxi        027 695 6981 Rosemary Lyon
e-mail rosemary@akaroanz.co.nz

All the bus/taxi services drop you off within 50m of Akaroa Information Centre.


Transport to Track from Akaroa.
From Akaroa there is free bus transport to the first hut at Onuku Farm.. The Banks Peninsula Track bus departs the information centre at 5.45pm for the fifteen minute bus trip out of Akaroa to Onuku Farm Trampers Hut.

Airport pick-up

Christchurch/Airport Pick Up

Christchurch has an international airport with direct flights to all the major Australian cities as well as many other international destinations. As the major South Island airport, it also has good connecting flights to almost all other NZ destinations.
Outer bays tours offer the tracks bus, or a van for smaller groups, to charter for groups arriving in Christchurch. Paul can pick you up from the airport or city mid afternoon and deliver you to Akaroa, and return you to Christchurch/airport upon finishing the track. The cost is competitive with any other transport operator and the service convenient as the same bus takes you and your gear out to the first hut that night.


Van for up to 6 people - Bus for 7 to 16 people. 

Their charge is: Group up to 8 : $160 per trip each way ($320 return)
Group 8 - 12 : $200 per trip each way ($400 return).
It may be possible to consolidate your group with others. Please contact direct to arrange.
Paul Chandler e-mail pchandler@xtra.co.nz
Ph. (03) 304 7573. Cell ph. 027 489 7200.

Akaroa Information and Weather forecast

Akaroa Accommodation

Akaroa Activities

NZ walking websites