7 Free Landmarks To Experience In Akaroa

If you’re an Instagram lover like us, or on a budgeted New Zealand experience, we thought you would appreciate a list of all the ’go-to’ FREE spots in and around Akaroa, to snap of our tantalising town while you’re here! We’ve shared some fellow Instagrammers shots for a bit of inspiration, whom we’re super thankful for! #akaroa                                                                                                         

Ticking these 7 boxes is surely enough to fill a day here in Akaroa, all while saving your pennies!

 

• AKAROA LIGHTHOUSE

One of the most photographed areas in Akaroa is at our unique wooden Lighthouse, which is one of the few remaining examples of early lighthouses in New Zealand. Originally used for operation on Akaroa Head, guiding ships to and from the harbour for over one hundred years before it was moved to the township in 1980.

On cruise ship days and occasional weekends it is open to the public for just a gold coin donation. More for information click here.

• IN THE WATER

On a summers day, with the glorious sunshine, there’s nothing quite like a paddle in the ocean. It’s even better in Akaroa Harbour though, well sheltered from most winds and people-friendly.  So if you plan on completing the list and get a sweat on, just dip your toes in for a cool down or go for a full kiwi cannonball off Daly's wharf.

• WAR MEMORIAL

You will most likely spot this striking gothic style War Memorial on your first drive/walk through Akaroa, etched with the names of men lost during world war 1 & 2, it is a cool place to wander through. For more information click here.

• VIEWS FROM ABOVE

See the fresh beauty of Banks Peninsula from up high! If you don’t fancy hiking for a well-earned view, just take a drive along summit road and you’ll still be gasping.

• AKAROA WHARVES

An artistic capture or cute pose at one of Akaroa’s old wharves has got to be the most popular choice for the next Instagram background. I mean you can’t go wrong, they look great whether it’s stormy, sunny, starring or in the middle of a sunset!

• ONUKU CHURCH

A hidden gem over on the other side of Akaroa, a 5km meandering drive to be exact, and well worth it. A quiet spot to have a picnic on the water's edge, admire the traditional Maori architecture and take some more selfies. For directions click here.

• STARGAZING

If you decide to stay overnight and are lucky enough to catch a clear night. A) Check out what time the sunset is, because that is a must-see, watch the boats on the harbour become surrounded by breathtaking colours. B) Either stay up or wake up in the middle of the night and take a drive to a higher/back area of town, away from any light pollution. Just sit outside and take it all in! Whether you see galaxies with mystery or the great southern lights, it is beautiful. 

Written by Sophie Wadley