• Write a Review
  • Boards
  • Deals
  • Find a Cruise
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Cruise Tips

Cruises to Akaroa

143 Reviews
Akaroa (Photo:Nonthachai Saksri/Shutterstock)

About Akaroa

Sailing up the strait into Port of Akaroa is a not-to-be-missed experience. The name is a Maori word that means 'long harbour' and with green towering hills topped with craggy rock from a long extinct volcano, the arrival is reminiscent of the approach to the Norwegian fjords -- simply stunning.

Akaroa has been an alternative port for Christchurch since the 2011 earthquake destroyed the pier at the much-closer Lyttelton Harbour. Until a new cruise ship facility opens in the 2020/21 summer season, many passengers undertake the 1.5-hour drive to Christchurch, the third largest city in New Zealand.

But there's a lot to be said for staying in Akaroa. The tiny town is a former French settlement that oozes Gallic charm, from its French street names to its pretty painted timber cottages that house an abundance of galleries, local crafts, coffee shops and restaurants.

Home to about 700 locals, Akaroa blossoms to a bustling 1,500 over the summer season -- and a cruise ship visit can double that.

There is something to suit all the family: swimming with dolphins, sailing, fabulous nature walks, penguin encounters, motorbike tours and historical walks are just a few of the activities on offer. The view of the harbour -- and your ship -- from the surrounding hilltops is worth the hike or drive.

History buffs will note the bust of Frank Worsley, the skipper of Shackleton's Endurance Antarctic Expedition, looking out to sea in the small waterfront park. The nearby Akaroa Museum has a Worsley exhibition, Salute to Adventure, as Akaroa was Worsley's home town.

If you are not one for tours you can just enjoy the quaint village, which takes about an hour to explore. Once that's done you are free to grab a coffee or glass of local wine, sit back and take in the picture-perfect vista of sparking harbour waters surrounded by green rolling hills.

  • More about Akaroa

  • Why go to Akaroa?

  • Akaroa Cruise Port Facilities?

Loading...

We found you 21 cruises

Loading...
Loading...
Silver Shadow
Silver Shadow (Photo: Silversea)

132 Night
132 Night Expedition Cruise

274 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker
Azamara Journey
Azamara Journey

17 Night
Australia Cruise

809 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker
Silver Whisper
Silver Whisper

16 Night
Australia Cruise

218 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker
Norwegian Spirit
Norwegian Spirit

12 Night
Australia Product

2,086 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

14 Night
Australia Cruise

243 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

14 Night
Australia Cruise

243 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

12 Night
Australia Product

2,086 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

14 Night
South Pacific Cruise

240 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

7 Night
Australia & Pacific Cruise

22 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Price Tracker

7 Night
Australia & Pacific Cruise

22 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Price Tracker
Cruise Critic Favorite

14 Night
Bay Of Biscay & English Channel

148 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker
Cruise Critic Favorite

28 Night
Canary Islands & English Channel Gems

148 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

13 Night
Australia Cruise

218 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

39 Night
Expedition Cruise

274 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

19 Night
World Cruise

274 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

More about Akaroa

Why go to Akaroa?

Pros:

Pretty setting, interesting history and excellent nature experiences

Cons:

The small town takes only an hour to explore and additional tours can be expensive

Bottom Line:

An atmospheric former French settlement offering dolphin and penguin encounters

Akaroa Cruise Port Facilities?

Akaroa is a tender port and it is a just a couple of minutes' walk to the town centre. The wharf has places to book boat trips, tours and kayaks.

Good to Know?

Akaroa's pesky seagulls can be unrelenting if you are trying to enjoy your fish and chips on the waterfront.

Shuttle buses depart for Christchurch in the mornings, usually at 9.30 am and 10.30 am and return passengers to the wharf in time for their ship's departure.

Getting Around?

Akaroa is easily explored on foot. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from one end of town to the other.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The currency is the New Zealand dollar. The Bank of New Zealand has an Akaroa branch and an ATM (73 Rue Lavaud).

Language?

The language of New Zealand is English, spoken with a charming accent.


Akaroa Cruise Reviews
We took the long bus ride to Christchurch, but others stayed in Akaroa and enjoyed the marine life in the harbor.Read More
User Avatar
553Makai
Have never been to Akaroa so was nice to have a look thru the quaint little shops and gift shops, have a walk around the water and enjoy some lunch. Bit of a wait to get back on the tender boat to get back to the SRead More
User Avatar
jostoy
This is a beautiful location. We did our own thing as we had friends living in Akaroa. There is much to see around Akaroa and an organised excursion is worthwhile. The village of Akaroa itself is lovely with great giRead More
User Avatar
kingle
This was a tender port. We picked up our tender tickets out by the pool right before heading into the buffet for breakfast. The timing was perfect as our number was called just as we finished eating. Cruisers who havRead More
User Avatar
qqq266

Related Cruises

Cruises to Ocho Rios

Cruises to Ocho Rios

1,206 Reviews
Cruises to Newport

Cruises to Newport

250 Reviews
Cruises to Puerto Limon

Cruises to Puerto Limon

390 Reviews
Cruises to Saint John (New Brunswick)

Cruises to Saint John (New Brunswick)

435 Reviews
Cruises to St. Vincent

Cruises to St. Vincent

133 Reviews
Cruises to Santiago (Valparaiso)

Cruises to Santiago (Valparaiso)

124 Reviews
Cruises to Berlin

Cruises to Berlin

230 Reviews
Cruises to Portland (Maine)

Cruises to Portland (Maine)

382 Reviews
Cruises to Punta Arenas

Cruises to Punta Arenas

187 Reviews
Cruises to Salalah

Cruises to Salalah

34 Reviews
Cruises to Falmouth

Cruises to Falmouth

1,556 Reviews
Cruises to Saint-Malo

Cruises to Saint-Malo

14 Reviews
Cruises to Manila

Cruises to Manila

85 Reviews
Cruises to Suva

Cruises to Suva

125 Reviews
Cruises to Apia, Samoa (formerly Western Samoa)

Cruises to Apia, Samoa (formerly Western Samoa)

1 Review
Cruises to Gothenburg

Cruises to Gothenburg

87 Reviews
Cruises to Hvar

Cruises to Hvar

36 Reviews
Cruises to Tournon

Cruises to Tournon

35 Reviews
Cruises to Skagen

Cruises to Skagen

95 Reviews
Cruises to Pinhao

Cruises to Pinhao

38 Reviews
Want to cruise smarter?
Get expert advice, insider tips and more.
By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critic’s Privacy and Cookies Statement and Terms of Use.
About UsCruise DestinationsFirst Time CruisersFind A Cruise

International Sites

© 1995—2023, The Independent Traveler, Inc.

  • Privacy and Cookies Statement

  • Terms of Use

  • Site Map