Local Activities - Explore the peninsula
Self cycle tour
Astronomy / stargazing
Onawe Peninsula walk
We provide bikes and helmets free of charge to our guests.
This is a great opportunity to explore the peninsula at your own pace. Bike to the local pub or shop, visit nearby historic spots, or tackle the Akaroa area hills for spectacular views.
Onawe Peninsula walk
Astronomy / stargazing
Onawe Peninsula walk
Walk up historic Onawe, where there was once a local Māori pa. Walk around the bay, see many of our local birds including shags, oyster catchers and spoonbills. Stand at the top and marvel at the stunning scenery as you look down the Akaroa harbour.
1.5 hours return. Check the tidal information before leaving.
Astronomy / stargazing
Astronomy / stargazing
Astronomy / stargazing
Barrys Bay and the Akaroa area is an excellent site for astronomy and stargazing. It is possible to observe satellites and the International Space Station passing overhead as well as plants and other constellations.
For predictions of visible passes of ISS over Barrys Bay in the near future click here.
Activities near the cottage
Visit historic Akaroa
Sailing adventure - the Fox ii
Harbour tour - Coast up Close
Uncover the heart of an ancient volcano filled with an oasis of sparkling colours and eclectic excursions. Surrounded by natural wonders, wilderness meets the edges of this historical French settlement.
Akaroa is the most French town outside of France, this small town is rich in history, supports many local artisans, and boasts a number of top-notch eateries.
Harbour tour - Coast up Close
Sailing adventure - the Fox ii
Harbour tour - Coast up Close
Explore Akaroa Harbour and cruise with local skipper and owner Tony. He has a real wealth of knowledge and will give you entertaining insights into the wildlife, history and geology of our beautiful backyard.
Daily trips over summer and available for private charter.
Sailing adventure - the Fox ii
Sailing adventure - the Fox ii
Swim with the dolphins - Ecoseeker
The Fox 2 is a gaffed rigged ketch built in 1922. Daily departures over summer provide the opportunity to Head out of the Akaroa Heads into the Pacific Ocean where there is incredible scenery and local wildlife can easily be seen.
Fox II is the perfect platform for the keen photographer. Private charters are available.
Swim with the dolphins - Ecoseeker
Swim with the dolphins - Ecoseeker
Swim with the dolphins - Ecoseeker
Swim with the dolphins or take a local wildlife cruise with this locally owned and operated company. A maximum of 12 guests per tour you can be assured of a more personal experience.
You can expect to see local wildlife in this Akaroa harbour cruise including Hector Dolphins, White Flippered Penguins, NZ Fur Seals, Albatross, Cormorants, Caspian Terns and lots more.
Eastern Bays Scenic Mail Run
Swim with the dolphins - Ecoseeker
Eastern Bays Scenic Mail Run
Jump in the Rural Post Van with Jeff and Suzi and explore the peninsula as they weave in and out of 10 bays from sea level to the crater rim, delivering mail to over 140 letterboxes across farms and settlements. One of the most popular local activities.
Akaroa Stargazing
Swim with the dolphins - Ecoseeker
Eastern Bays Scenic Mail Run
Explore the peninsula at night, Immerse yourself into the darkness of the Banks Peninsula and the wonders of the Southern Skies.
Small groups and hot drinks to stay warm a true one of a kind experience.
The Giants House
French Peak Vineyard
French Peak Vineyard
A historic house with a spectacular sculpture and mosaic garden. It was awarded 6 stars in the 2018 Garden of International Significance. One of the top local activities in Akaroa.
French Peak Vineyard
French Peak Vineyard
French Peak Vineyard
French Peak is the oldest vineyard in the Akaroa area. It is a unique terroir as it is based in the centre of an extinct volcano. It has been run using organic and biodynamic principles since 2016 and offers Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Rose.
Only 10 minutes away, you can take a self or hosted tour and enjoy a tasting.
Shamarra Alpacas
French Peak Vineyard
Barrys Bay Cheese
Make friends for life with our award-winning alpacas here at Shamarra Alpacas, Akaroa. Situated on the jaw-dropping panorama of the Banks Peninsula, your squeaks of delight as you cuddle one of our 170+ curious and cute critters will echo across the harbour.
Barrys Bay Cheese
Barrys Bay Cheese
Barrys Bay Cheese
Barrys Bay Cheese is a must-do.
Located only a few minutes down the road they have been making traditional handcrafted cheese since 1895. You can try taste and purchase from their onsite shop, or order online and pick up on the way through. One of the most popular local activities in the Akaroa area.
Local Walks
Hinewai Reserve
Department of Conservation
Banks Peninsula walks
Hinewai is a 1250 hectare ecological restoration project on Banks Peninsula, privately owned and managed by the Maurice White Native Forest Trust, but freely open the public on foot.
Hinewai and the adjoining Purple Peak Curry Reserve have a publicly accessible network of walking tracks of about 20km, linked to Akaroa by Purple Peak track and Curry Track, and by Long Bay Road and Stony Bay Road. All tracks and junctions are clearly signposted.
Banks Peninsula walks
Department of Conservation
Banks Peninsula walks
Explore the peninsula and all of the magnificent natural scenery in the Akaroa area
- Hinewai
- Purple Peak
- Curry Track
- Montgomery track
- Onawe Pa
Ask us for options.
Printed maps available for Curry Track and Hinewai.
Department of Conservation
Department of Conservation
Department of Conservation
Check out the Department of Conservation for outdoor activities in the Banks peninsula area and get a heads up on any alerts in the Akaroa area.