Annette’s guidebook
Activities for Kids in Akaroa
I have been holidaying in Akaroa with my kids since they were babies up to now (the oldest being 7 at the moment) so have a few recommendations on what has worked through different seasons and weather!
This is a cute cafe and restaurant located right by the Akaroa Playground, which has plenty of climbing equipment, swings and slides. You can easily grab a coffee or a wine here and sit outside to watch the kids play. They also do handy little kids pack lunches, although I find the adult menu to be a bit pricey :)
19 polecane przez mieszkańców
Ma Maison Restaurant
6 Rue BalguerieThis is a cute cafe and restaurant located right by the Akaroa Playground, which has plenty of climbing equipment, swings and slides. You can easily grab a coffee or a wine here and sit outside to watch the kids play. They also do handy little kids pack lunches, although I find the adult menu to be a bit pricey :)
There is a little known walk which leaves from Children's Bay - it is a very pretty and well established track which is predominantly uphill (kids would need to be at least 3 and up I would say, and even then I still had my then-three year old on my back some of the way). Going at a steady pace it would take about 30-40 minutes up but is so incredibly worth it for both the views and the incredible life-size sculptures you encounter of a crocodile, giraffes and a rhino at the very top! You can drive to to the start point and leave your car there.
Childrens Bay Road
There is a little known walk which leaves from Children's Bay - it is a very pretty and well established track which is predominantly uphill (kids would need to be at least 3 and up I would say, and even then I still had my then-three year old on my back some of the way). Going at a steady pace it would take about 30-40 minutes up but is so incredibly worth it for both the views and the incredible life-size sculptures you encounter of a crocodile, giraffes and a rhino at the very top! You can drive to to the start point and leave your car there.
Recreational Ground
You will find this large green field on your right as you enter Akaroa. What you might not immediately see is all it offers:
- asphalt tennis court (free to play)
- basketball court (free to play)
- mini golf
- small BMX track
- skate park (behind the pavillion)
The 'Rec Ground' as its locally known is fantastic for getting the kids out for a run with a kite or playing soccer. There is a cafe on the corner to provide you with your coffee hit before and after also :)
18 polecane przez mieszkańców
Akaroa
Recreational Ground
You will find this large green field on your right as you enter Akaroa. What you might not immediately see is all it offers:
- asphalt tennis court (free to play)
- basketball court (free to play)
- mini golf
- small BMX track
- skate park (behind the pavillion)
The 'Rec Ground' as its locally known is fantastic for getting the kids out for a run with a kite or playing soccer. There is a cafe on the corner to provide you with your coffee hit before and after also :)
My kids just love taking rocks out on the wharf to throw off, and many older kids (and adults) enjoy jumping off there in the warmer months.
Daly's Boat Ramp
1 Rue BalguerieMy kids just love taking rocks out on the wharf to throw off, and many older kids (and adults) enjoy jumping off there in the warmer months.
Set right on the water, Ōnuku Marae showcases a stunning carved Whare Tīpuna (ancestral house), a new and contemporary wharekai (dining room) and a beautiful original church on lush peaceful grounds.
Although it is not considered appropriate to go onto the Marae grounds without a formal welcome from the local tribe, it would be well worth a quick drive out to see. It is about a 10 minute drive from the house.
Ōnuku Marae
389 Onuku RoadSet right on the water, Ōnuku Marae showcases a stunning carved Whare Tīpuna (ancestral house), a new and contemporary wharekai (dining room) and a beautiful original church on lush peaceful grounds.
Although it is not considered appropriate to go onto the Marae grounds without a formal welcome from the local tribe, it would be well worth a quick drive out to see. It is about a 10 minute drive from the house.
Bully Hayes would be my number one pick for food for adults and kids every time! Their portions are very generous and the quality of food excellent.
I particularly recommend the omlette for breakfast and the house salad or chowder for lunch!
The kids platter is the best I have ever seen offered anywhere and should tempt most palates!
If your kids are old enough, it is very relaxing to sit at a table out the front with coffee, wine or cider and watch them throw rocks and play around the old whale pots across the road.
21 polecane przez mieszkańców
Bully Hayes Restaurant & Bar
57 Beach RdBully Hayes would be my number one pick for food for adults and kids every time! Their portions are very generous and the quality of food excellent.
I particularly recommend the omlette for breakfast and the house salad or chowder for lunch!
The kids platter is the best I have ever seen offered anywhere and should tempt most palates!
If your kids are old enough, it is very relaxing to sit at a table out the front with coffee, wine or cider and watch them throw rocks and play around the old whale pots across the road.
This is a magical place between the township and the lighthouse and my kids have loved exploring the many tracks which lead off it. Definitely a place you can sell the fairy and elf story! There is a little playground at the top as well but can get quite damp as it doesn't get a lot of sun.
10 polecane przez mieszkańców
Garden of Tane
Rue JolieThis is a magical place between the township and the lighthouse and my kids have loved exploring the many tracks which lead off it. Definitely a place you can sell the fairy and elf story! There is a little playground at the top as well but can get quite damp as it doesn't get a lot of sun.
Akaroa Area School
141 Rue JolieFantastic playground for the kids enroute to township.
The cutest little cinema you will ever visit! Great rainy day option and keeps up with new cinema releases.
8 polecane przez mieszkańców
Akaroa Cinema Cafe
4 Selwyn AveThe cutest little cinema you will ever visit! Great rainy day option and keeps up with new cinema releases.