The Travel Guide to Akaroa on a Budget

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Free Activities in Akaroa

Explore the sights of the French-influenced Akaroa and tackle the walking trails in the surrounding Banks Peninsula for free! One of the quick landmarks to check out is the Akaroa Lighthouse, a picturesque lighthouse moved from its original standing to, unusually, inside the Akaroa Harbour where it’s preserved for generations to come. Simply follow Beach Road in Akaroa to find the lighthouse.

For noteworthy walks, check out the Children’s Bay Walkway located on a boardwalk from the Akaroa Recreation Reserve. This one-hour return walk or three-hour circuit winds up the headland with spectacular views across the bay. Along the way, look out for surprises that you would expect to see on an African safari, rather than the coast of New Zealand!

On your way to Akaroa, stop by Barrys Bay Cheese for tastings of artisan cheese! While it might be free to taste the cheese, this can easily turn into a cheap activity once you’ve sampled some award-winning Havarti, creamy blue or aged gouda and can’t resist buying some to gorge on later.

And for a rainy day alternative, check out the Akaroa Museum. The museum set across several historical buildings tells the story of the Banks Peninsula’s Maori, French and British history through well-presented exhibitions with interesting artefacts. There are pioneering relics used to shape the land, nautical tools used by the early explorers of New Zealand, as well as more context on Akaroa’s vibrant marine wildlife.

For more free activities, check out the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Akaroa.

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Cheap Activities in Akaroa

If wildlife cruises are a bit out of your budget, there are other ways to get out on the water for a chance to see wildlife. Akaroa Adventure Centre offers affordable kayak hire at around NZ$20 for one hour or NZ$50 for half a day. Kayakers are often lucky having interactions with Hector’s dolphins.

If you prefer to stay on dry land, some of the art and cultural activities might appeal to you. The Giant’s House is a real hidden gem, a large whimsical-themed garden with all sorts of mosaic art, water features, art gallery and cafe wrapped up into one creative package. At only around NZ$20 entry, it’s affordable enough to be worth checking out.

Finally, if you’re travelling with friends or family, enjoy some affordable bonding at the local mini golf course! The Jurassic Steampunk Sculpture Park & Mini Golf offers one of the most uniquely themed mini golf courses in the country. Putt your way to victory under the watchful eye of bizarre steampunk sculptures nestled in native plantings. A game costs around NZ$15 per person.

For more affordable experiences, check out the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Akaroa.

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Cheap Eats in Akaroa

Although cooking for yourself in your self-catering accommodation is a good way to stick to your budget in Akaroa (and considering there are some decent French bakeries in town to get supplies), you still have a few options for dining out to sample the local favours.

Murphy’s On The Corner (7 Church Street) is legendary in Akaroa, serving ultra-fresh fish and chips with the fish changing daily according to the latest catch. They also serve coffee and hearty burgers. Alternatively, Akaroa Fish and Chips (59 Beach Road) is a worthy competitor. Try both and compare!

French cafes are kind of a big deal in this French-influenced town and the Sweet As Bakery (63 Rue Lavaud) is one of your most affordable options, serving fresh baguette sandwiches, croissants, eclairs, as well as kiwi favourites like savoury pies and pizzas.

Finally, head to the hole-in-the-wall The Coffee Stop (75/1 Beach Road) for your favourite drinks and service with a smile.