Akaroa Harbour

Cruise ship in Akaroa Harbour

Akaroa Harbour in the early 19th century

The Akaroa Harbour is one of two major inlets in Banks Peninsula on the coast of the Canterbury region on the South Island of New Zealand. The other is the Lyttelton Harbour.

It extends from the southern coast of the peninsula to the north, the name means in the language of Kai Tahu "Long Harbour ". The Ōnawe Peninsula at the end of the arm of the sea was once the site of a fortified settlement ( Pā ) of Māori.

Akaroa, Duvauchelle, Barry's Bay, French Farm and Wainui on the coast of the port. Occasionally, the estuary is visited by cruise ships, while passengers get ashore in Akaroa.