PADDLING & COASTEERING IN AKAROA

Jo Taylor
Jun 19
3 min read

If you are looking for a coastal paddle close to Christchurch that makes you feel like you are worlds away from a big city, get yourself down to the Banks peninsula. The drive down to Akaroa alone is just spectacular, through rolling fields and hills, with beautiful coastal views. The Banks peninsula is a region formed by ancient volcanoes in Canterbury, and its utterly beautiful.

This is the Akaroa Marine Reserve so this is a protected habitat and no fishing or removing shells/driftwood. Keep your eyes peeled for Hector dolphins, the smallest dolphins in the world, albatrosses, petrels, and lots of sea birds.

There is an abundance of paddling to do be done around here, depending on how far you want to go and the wind conditions. This blog is offering just a short paddle of around 6km but you can easily extend this if you want. My friends Nick and Craig and I headed to Wainui, a sleepy little coastal spot within Akaroa harbour. It was a windy day so we weren't planning on going too far, this adventure was all about jumping off rocks! A 2.5km paddle through Anchorage bay takes you to Cape Three points, a very cool rocky outcrop hat offers a great spot for jumping!

We launched from Wainui beach from the shore. This paddle is not affected by tide but if the tide is in, the tide will dump waves on the rock so you can also use the boat ramp to avoid this. We paddled south along the bay, hugging close to the shore as the headwind was quite strong. We found shelter at Cape Three points, where we pulled the boards up on the rocks and built up our courage for jumping! There are three heights to jump from into a deep pool so something for those who are not so good at jumping off things (like me!).

Paddleboard in Akaroa, New Zealand, from Wainui

The way the water pools underneath the rocks gives it the nickname the Washing Machine, as it swirls you around and about in there before spitting you out. It is safe (although parents should be present) and strong swimmers only. Wearing your buoyancy aid for jumping here is advised to float out. This is better on a mid and high tide than at low tide. Once we had our fill of jumps, this is a gorgeous spot to chill in the sun before paddling back the way you came. It is also a great spot to practice riding waves on your SUP too! The headwind on our way out was now a tailwind so we had fun downwinding home, catching waves all the way back. Yay!

route

PADDLING INFO for AKAROA, CHRISTCHURCH

RATING

Easy ocean paddle

ROUTE & conditions

Be aware of southerly swell here, that can create large waves, and northerly winds can blow you offshore towards The Heads.
From the launch spot in Wainui, you can also paddle north to Tikao bay, where there are two small caves to explore and paddle into.
To make this paddle longer, you can continue paddling south to check out the next bay (Ohinepaka bay). Or you can head across Akaroa Harbour to explore the Akaroa Lighthouse and Akaroa town, a former French settlement that feels very French still! The crossing is 3km and should only be attempted by strong paddlers in good conditions, with thorough route planning.

WHERE TO PARK & LAUNCH

Launch point from Wainui beach near the entrance to the village. 792-730 Wainui Main Road, Wainui 7582. There are toilets in the mid section of the Wainui beach. No parking restrictions. https://maps.app.goo.gl/SMMXoztBaDZs1h358. Egress at the same point.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

There is nothing in Wainui but here's a couple of options close by. If you head to Akaroa harbour town, you will be spoilt for choice, with a lot of French food to choose from too.
- French Peak Vineyard - wine tasting and cheese platters, it would be rude not to.
- Duvauchelle Hotel - hearty pub with good atmosphere and friendly staff.

WHERE TO SLEEP

There are not a lot of options on this side of Akaroa Harbour, but I recommend:
- Wainui Campground, which has powered and unpowered sites
- Or for something very unique, Te Wepu Pods look like an awesome spot with wood burning hot tubs staying on a cattle farm.