What a lovely day! We set off at a relaxed pace this morning, heading towards Akaroa via the “Scenic Route” — a slight detour, but absolutely worth it. The views were stunning, dodging cows strolling across the road. Classic rural New Zealand!
Things to do
1. Take the Scenic Route to Akaroa
Don’t let Google Maps fool you into taking the fastest way and take the “Scenic Route ” from Christchurch to Akaroa. You’ll see the highway splitting on google maps into a thicker and thinner line- off course you take the thinner line. This drive takes you through farmland with views over the beach and hills. It’s slower, yes, but mainly because you stop the car every 5 minutes for photos. Watch out for cows crossing the road 🙂
Plan ~2.5 hours from Christchurch if you take it slow
Best photo ops: “The Hilltop”, “Pigeon Bay”
2. The Giant’s House – Josie Martin’s Living Museum
Artist Josie Martin has turned her home into a massive open-air museum. Every surface is covered in color: stairs, flowerpots, life-sized figures, and entire walls. Her garden is a mix of sculpture park and fairy tale jungle. There, you can enjoy some home-made lemonade or a coffee with the cutest cakes too!
68 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa
Entry: ~$20 NZD
Open daily, usually 10:00–5:00
Don’t miss: Her self-made video in the art gallery. Absolute chaos. Pure genius.
3. Visit a Local Pearl Shop (and Try Not to Buy Everything)
Akaroa is famous for its coloured “New-Zealand” pearls — not the standard white ones you see everywhere, but natural gems in shades of pink, green, silver, and deep blue. These pearls come from New Zealand’s unique paua shells. I ended up with a stunning pair of shell earrings that shift colours in the light — magical. Post-hoc: I lost my earring (two years later), guess I have to go back now…
📍 The Blue Pearl Gallery (in the harbor on the dock)
💡 Prices vary from 30 to €300+ depending on design and material
4. Go Dolphin Spotting (or Dream About It)
Akaroa is one of the only places on earth where you can see Hector’s dolphins — the smallest and rarest marine dolphins. They’re tiny (about 1.5 meters long), super social, and have adorable rounded fins. Several local operators offer boat tours or kayaking trips where you can see them up close, sometimes even swimming alongside the boat.
Full honesty: the tours are expensive (around €100 per person), so we passed this time… and consoled ourselves with flashbacks to dolphin-watching in Bali.
Book tours from the Akaroa harbour
5. Wander the French Quarter (and Laugh at the Signs)
This former French settlement still has a Gallic flavour, with streets named Rue Jolie and Rue Balguerie, and shop names like “Le Boutique,” “Le Boulangerie,” and my personal favourite: “Le Thai.” Spelling accuracy is optional, charm is guaranteed. Grab a crêpe, visit the old French cemetery, and just enjoy the quirky blend of small-town Kiwi life with a wannabe-Parisian twist.
Rue Lavaud is the main street for wandering
Don’t miss: The French Cemetery and St Patrick’s Catholic Church
6. Onawe Peninsula
This peninsula is worth a small hike, It’s a peninsula IN a peninsula, what about that! Views are great as well.
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