Harbar

Banks Peninsula


Sporadic opening hours, sometimes dictated by the seasons, weather and demand, should not deter you from attempting a sundowner at Akaroa's favourite waterside bar. There's no better location for a harbourfront tipple. Gourmet burgers, fish tacos and local Canterbury craft beers are other essential attractions. Check the Facebook page for notice of occasional live music.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Banks Peninsula attractions

1. War Memorial

0.02 MILES

Unveiled in 1923, the elaborate cupola, spire and flying buttresses of the Akaroa War Memorial are a grand tribute to locals who gave their lives fighting…

2. Akaroa Museum

0.07 MILES

An arduous post-quake revamp has rewarded Akaroa with a smart, contemporary regional museum. Learn about the various phases of the peninsula's settlement,…

3. Customs House

0.08 MILES

Erected in 1858 near Daly's Wharf, this diminutive historic building helped to control the smuggling of alcohol into the town.

4. St Peter's Anglican Church

0.08 MILES

Graciously restored in 2015, this 1864 Anglican gem features extensive exposed timbers, stained glass and a historic organ. Well worth a peek whether you…

5. St Patrick's Catholic Church

0.3 MILES

Akaroa's Catholic church (1863) is a cute, frilly edged old dear, featuring richly coloured stained glass imported from Stuttgart.

6. Old French Cemetery

0.31 MILES

The first consecrated burial ground in Canterbury, this hillside monument makes for a poignant wander. Follow the trail (up the hill) off Rue Brittan.

7. Giant’s House

0.4 MILES

An ongoing labour of love by local artist Josie Martin, this whimsical garden is really one giant artwork, a combination of sculpture and mosaics that…

8. Hinewai Reserve

3.1 MILES

Get a glimpse of what the peninsula once looked like with a stroll through this privately owned 1250-hectare nature reserve, which has been replanted with…