Akaroa is a small town on Banks Peninsula in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand, situated within a harbour of the same name. The name Akaroa is Kāi Tahu Māori for "Long Harbour", which would be spelled "Whangaroa" in standard Māori.
It is set on sheltered harbour and is overlooked and surrounded by the remnants of a miocene volcano. Akaroa is a popular resort town and in summer the temporary population can reach 15,000 which places stress on the summer water supply, which is entirely dependent upon rainfall on the hills.
Cruising with Virgin Voyages
My wife and I recently sailed on the Scarlet Lady with Virgin Voyages in February 2025, and the entire experience was absolutely incredible — all thanks to DalilaFrom the moment we started planning, Dalila made everything effortless. She was knowledgeable, responsive, and truly took the time to understand what we wanted from our vacation. From choosing the perfect stateroom to securing dining reservations and recommending must-do shore excursions, every detail was thoughtfully handledWhat stood out most was Dalila’s personal touch...
By Paul
