Things to do in Akaroa with kids

Things to do in Akaroa with kids start with animals and the outdoors: a harbour cruise to look for dolphins and seals, penguin colonies on the outer coast, short walks with sculptures and playgrounds, and a museum for wet days. Akaroa is 86 km and a 1.5-hour drive from Christchurch, and most of what suits children is a short trip from the village. It is one slice of the wider things to do in Akaroa.

Wildlife trips on the harbour and the outer coast

Wildlife is the easiest win with children, and the harbour cruise is the gentlest version. On a trip such as the Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise, the catamaran has high rails and suits families, and children under 5 sail free, though young ones should be supervised at all times. Hector's dolphins, the world's smallest dolphin, and New Zealand fur seals are what everyone is looking for.

Farm animals add a second kind of wildlife day. A 4WD safari out to the penguin colony, such as the Pohatu Penguins 4WD Safari, lets children feed the pet sheep by hand and wear camouflage gear while they look for penguins. Sea kayaking suits older children, generally from around 11 years old, in a double kayak with an adult.

Easy walks, playgrounds and wet-weather days

Children's Bay Walk, often called the Rhinoceros Walk, is a gentle climb through farmland and native bush to a metal rhinoceros sculpture, with a view over the township and the harbour. Kids can hunt for the metal sculptures in the long grass along the way.

Garden of Tāne Scenic Reserve, at the south end of town, has a playground at the start of its short tracks, with bellbirds, tui and fantails calling from the trees. When it rains, Akaroa Museum is the wet-weather option, with exhibits on Banks Peninsula history, early Māori history and the town's French heritage, including an original French cottage.

Evening trips: penguins and stargazing

Evening penguin tours visit the nesting sites around sunset, with camouflage gear and binoculars supplied. Walkers need to manage uneven ground in low light, and flash photography is not allowed, so they suit children who can walk steadily. The Evening Penguin Tour is one example, and the penguins are not seen from the end of February to early April.

Stargazing is the quieter evening option. A guided tour such as the Akaroa Guided Stargazing Tour is a 90-minute session in a small group, with two telescopes, hot drinks and blankets, and child tickets cover ages 5 to 15.

Farm animals and gardens

Shamarra Alpacas, at Wainui, outside town, lets children meet, feed and pat the herd, and a visit takes about an hour, which suits short attention spans. The Giant's House is a mosaic garden of sculptures, fountains and walkways in the village, with a café on site.

Planning Akaroa with children

Mix one animal outing with one easy walk and leave room around them. The drive from Christchurch ends with a 50-minute run on a hilly, windy road, so allow time for a break before the first outing.

For the full range of days out, Akaroa tours cover the cruises and penguin trips, Akaroa water sports cover the paddling, and 4WD safaris from Akaroa cover the gravel road to the penguins.

Frequently asked questions

What can kids do in Akaroa?

Kids in Akaroa can go on a harbour cruise to look for dolphins and seals, join a penguin tour, walk Children's Bay Walk to find the metal sculptures and play at the Garden of Tāne playground. Akaroa Museum is the indoor option for wet days.

What ages can go on the Akaroa dolphin cruise?

Children under 5 sail free on the Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise, and child tickets cover ages 5 to 15. The catamaran has high rails and suits families, and children should be supervised at all times.

Can kids go sea kayaking in Akaroa?

Sea kayaking in Akaroa generally suits children from around 11 years old, in a double kayak with an adult. No kayaking experience is needed on guided trips.

Is there something for kids to do in Akaroa when it rains?

Akaroa Museum is the main wet-weather option for children, with exhibits on Māori history and the town's French heritage. Penguin tours and harbour cruises are outdoor trips, so pack waterproofs for them.

Is there a stargazing tour in Akaroa for families?

Akaroa has a guided 90-minute stargazing tour for small groups, with child tickets for ages 5 to 15 and infant tickets for ages 0 to 4. Guests use two telescopes and get hot drinks and blankets.

How far is Akaroa from Christchurch with children?

Akaroa is 86 km from Christchurch, a 1.5-hour drive, and the last stretch is a 50-minute run on a hilly, windy road. Plan a break on the way if children get carsick.

Pair an animal outing with an easy walk in Akaroa, and add an evening trip if the children can stay up for it.