6 Things to Do in Akaroa for Foodies© NZPocketGuide.com
6 Things to Do in Akaroa for Foodies

6 Things to Do in Akaroa for Foodies

© NZPocketGuide.com

Food Tours and Activities in Akaroa

Want to complement your visit to Akaroa with some foodie experiences? You’ve come to the right place; not just in reference to Akaroa as a destination but to this list of things to do in Akaroa for foodies!

Akaroa boasts a French heritage where the cuisine still reflects the French cuisine! Wine tours and cheese tastings are just some of the foodie experiences here, while learning about sustainable farming or mingling with the local producers at the farmers’ market are more ways to add some taste to your trip.

Check out some of the food tours in Akaroa in the list below, and get more advice in The Foodie Guide to Akaroa and 10 Best Accommodation in Akaroa for Foodies.

1. Experience the Akaroa Farmers’ Market

A good place to start for a comprehensive artisanal experience in Akaroa is the Akaroa Farmers’ Market, happening every Saturday morning between October and April. Browse a wide array of stalls, many adorning French flags with pride, to sample and/or buy locally grown fruit, vegetables, herbs, honey, olive oil, olives, nuts, preserves, pickles, jams, sauces, bread, pastries and more! Catch the farmer’s market between 9.30am and 1pm. See more like this in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Akaroa.

Location: St Patrick’s Catholic Church grounds, 29 Rue Lavaud.

6 Things to Do in Akaroa for Foodies© NZPocketGuide.com

2. Tour the Boutique Wineries

In the true spirit of the French heritage of Akaroa town, there are a few boutique wineries nearby, including Meniscus, French Peak and the Akaroa Winery. Either visit their cellar doors independently during the high season (late-October to April) or make it simple by booking onto The Bonjour Wine Tour. Learn about the geological history of the area that creates the unique taste of the wines while visiting various boutique wineries and vineyards. With each tasting, you’ll also get to sample other local artisan treats. See more like this in the 10 Romantic Activities in Akaroa for Couples.

Location: Meniscus Wines – 43 Lighthouse Road. The Akaroa Winery – 59 Long Bay Road, approximately 4km (2 miles) from Akaroa town centre. French Peak Wines – 79 French Farm Valley Road, French Farm, approximately 16km (10 miles) from Akaroa town centre. Bonjour Wine Tours – Wildside Booking Office, 8/2 Rue Balguerie.

6 Things to Do in Akaroa for Foodies© NZPocketGuide.com

3. Do a Private Wine Tour of the Akaroa Winery

If you want to delve a little deeper into the Akaroa wine region, why not book a private tour of the Akaroa Winery at the Takamatua Valley Vineyards? While the cellar door is open for tastings from Wednesday to Sunday, those who call ahead can also enjoy a tour of the winery to learn about the organic methods used by Takamatua Valley Vineyards. The experience concludes with a guided tasting.

Location: 59 Long Bay Road, approximately 4km (2 miles) from Akaroa town centre.

6 Things to Do in Akaroa for Foodies© Pxhere

4. Try Award-winning Cheese at Barrys Bay Cheese

Now onto the cheese, a must-do for foodies on the way to or from Akaroa is stopping by the factory store of Barrys Bay Cheese. Sample handcrafted award-winning New Zealand cheeses, with some favourites being Havarti, Maasdam, Aged Gouda, Rinded Cheddar and Peninsula Blue. Watch the cheesemakers in action (on weekdays) through the viewing window of their factory shop, where you can also pick up local wines, craft beer, preserves and more.

Location: 5807 Christchurch Akaroa Road, Duvauchelle, approximately 13km (8 miles) from Akaroa.

6 Things to Do in Akaroa for Foodies© NZPocketGuide.com

5. Visit the Hikuika Permaculture Hazelnut Farm

Learn about eco-friendly and sustainable farming at Hikuika Permaculture Hazelnut Farm. Located in the scenic Puaha Valley near Little River, the hazelnut farm grows and processes all of its own hazelnuts. Pick a packet up at the Peninsula General Store, Little River Cafe or Tai Tapu Challenge gas station or call/email ahead to plan a visit to the farm.

Location: 9 Harmans Track, Little River, approximately 23km (14 miles) from Akaroa town centre.

6 Things to Do in Akaroa for Foodies© Pixabay

6. Dine on French Cuisine and Seafood at Akaroa’s Restaurants

French cuisine and seafood are the highlights of this little town on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, with one of the French highlights including The Little Bistro offering Akaroa’s closest thing to fine dining. You can also pick-up French treats or dine in at the Sweet As Bakery or French pate from La Boucherie & Deli. A must-do while in Akaroa is grabbing some super fresh fish and chips from either Murphy’s On The Corner or Akaroa Fish and Chips and sitting on the waterfront to eat it. Breakfast, lunch or coffee meet-ups are best done at the cute Peninsula General Store set among a quirky grocery store, while end-of-the-day drinks are best enjoyed at the trendy HarBar Beachfront Cafe. See more recommendations and links to even more recommendations in The Foodie Guide to Akaroa.

Location: The Little Bistro – 33 Rue Lavaud. Sweet As Bakery – 63 Rue Lavaud. La Boucherie & Deli – 67 Rue Lavaud. Murphy’s On The Corner – 7 Church Street. Akaroa Fish and Chips – 59 Beach Road. Peninsula General Store – 40E Rue Lavaud. HarBar Beachfront Cafe – 83 Rue Jolie.

6 Things to Do in Akaroa for Foodies© Pixabay

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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