What's on in Akaroa

Whats on in Akaroa – December 2018

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Merry Christmas!!!

Who cares whats on it’s Christmas once again!! Its the time to get out, eat to much, have a lemonade or two and enjoy the company of your friends and family. What better place to spend Christmas but in Akaroa. BBQ on the beach or singing carols in the park it’s the time of year to just get out of the city and enjoy the serenity that the Peninsula has to offer.

Our family would just like to thank all our fabulous staff who have helped us out at the motel this year, all the guests who have come to stay with us, the tradies who have dropped their tools to help us out when deadlines are short and our friend and family who are always there to roll up their sleeves and chip in.

Best wishes and Merry Christmas

Alex, Jane and family.

Whats on in Akaroa – Movember 2018

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Our pick of this months top reasons to stay over in Akaroa.

Banks Peninsula Walking Festival 2018

Banks Peninsula Walking Festival
Location: All over Banks Peninsula
Dates: Weekends only between 3-25 November 2018

Lets your mostache experience fresh air this Movember with some great walks and tramps on Banks Peninsula. Let yourself be guided by some knowledgeable and remarkable people through landscapes you wouldn’t normally get the chance to experience. Many walks are full now, so secure the last spots before it’s to late! This is one of the best ways to explore the Peninsula with some expert local guides.
Bookings are very very essential for all walks and are available through Eventfinda

Inside Out - Akaroa House & Garden Tour 2018

Inside Out’ – Akaroa & the Bays House & Garden Tour
 Location: All over the Peninsula
Date: November 17th  & 18

This is a not to be missed event. This year the ‘Inside Out‘- Akaroa & the Bays House & Garden tour has a range of 14 wonderful houses and gardens to visit over the weekend.  Peak inside some world famous locations with this fantastic opportunity to visit some of the Peninsulas best kept homes and gardens. Tickets are limited so book now and don’t miss out. This is a community fundraiser and with tickets a steal at $30 for the whole weekend.

The French Connection
Location: The Gaiety
Date: 1pm, November 25th Sunday

By now your mustache should be looking amazing and what better way to entertain your new pride and joy than with a few enticing orchestral masterpieces by the Resonance Ensemble from Christchurch (aka, the big city). Conductor Tony Ryan has chosen music that will appeal to everyone and hopefully everything, mustache included.

More information about the concert can be found at on the resonance website.

Tickets are only available at the door.$20 for adults and $10 for kids should you feel the need to drag yours along on a hot Sunday afternoon when they would much rather be at the beach.

 

Whats on in Akaroa October 2018

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Spring is well in truly here. With events nearly every weekend, the first cruise ship docking in the harbour, school holidays and plenty of sunshine forecast this October should see a good start to the summer season.

Farmers Market
Location: Maderia Carpark
Date: Every Saturday morning until April
Wake up and wander down to the the local Akaroa farmers market and start your day with a couple of crepes or freshly baked french pastry. The market brings to town so of the best local producers. Smoked salmon, olive oil and baked goods just to name a few. The first market for the season is on October 6th and runs every Saturday morning through the summer from 9.30am- 1pm

Takehe to Akaroa road relay
Location: Finish line at Recreation grounds, Akaroa
Date: Saturday October 6th
This year the annual road relay race is also the national championships and will see approx 900 competitors battle it out over the hill to Akaroa. The first runners are expected in about 2pm and prize giving will be at 4pm. Good luck to all competing.

Don McGlashan
Location: The Gaiety
Date: Friday October 19th
Don McGlashan strolls into town with his Free Flight NZ Tour. Sounds like it could be sponsored by Air New Zealand but probably isn’t. Check out his website for full tour info and where to buy tickets. Price is $44 and kicks off at 7:30pm

 

 

Whats on in Akaroa – September 2018

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Spring is finally upon us once again and it’s time for everyone to awaken from their winter slumber, remember there is a world outside and start exploring. With school holiday starting late this year and the first cruise ship arriving early October it’s the perfect month to enjoy the serenity that Akaroa has to offer. Take your time on the way over; stop Little River to check out the art gallery, pause in Cooptown to enjoy the blossoms and stretch the legs at the hilltop while admiring the view.

Should you need a reason to visit here is a few of the not so many things going on this September:

Whitebait Talk
Location: The Gaiety
Date: Saturday, 15th September, 7pm

The guest speaker is Dr Mike Hickford. For those who don’t know him he inspired the Takamatua Stream project that is protecting & enhancing our local inanga spawning site. Mike is a whitebaiter and a scientist at University of Canterbury- with more than 20 years of research. “Our freshwater fishes are interesting critters (and tasty fritters)”.  Of the five species of fish that make up whitebait, three of the species are “at risk & declining”, and one is “threatened”. The government is undertaking a review of the fishery to ensure its sustainability into the future. The future of whitebaiting? “Let’s not wait, save the bait”!

Adam McGrath
Location: The Gaiety
Date: Friday, 28th September, 7.30pm

Larger than life Mr Adam McGrath is joined this time by a small but mighty rhythm section, The Roaring Days.
A folk singer/songwriter, McGrath is at home with bluegrass, blues, country and rock and roll as much as folk and is known for the intensity, passion, love and humour of his performances.
$20 a ticket at the Akaroa Museum.

Banks Peninsula Glitz & Glam Ball
Location: The Gaiety
Date: Saturday, 29 September

Banks Peninsula RFC is delighted to host the Glitz & Glam Ball 2018. Last year was a huge success, this year will be even better. Urban Rumours will be on stage. There will be great canapés and plenty of refreshments available from the cash bar.Limited tickets available so buy yours now to be part of this great event!
Red carpet open from 7:00 – 8:00pm. $80 per ticket via iTicket

Information provided by Akaroa District Promotions

Whats on in Akaroa – August 2018

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This month is all about the food. With Akaroa’s restaurants all back up and running after their Euopean holidays and some great personal courses where else would you rather be this August….

Butchery Course
Date: Sunday 5th of August
Location: Akaroa Area School

Spend a day with the world famous team from Akaroa Butchery. They will demonstrate how to break down a whole pig carcass and you get the opportunity to make your own pork sausages. The course runs from 10am – 2:30pm and the cost is $170.00
For further information or to book call Brendan on 03 304 7038

High Tea
Location: Pigeon Bay hall
Date: Sunday 5th of August

If the idea of spending a day rolling around in porky goodness doesn’t appeal to you then perhaps the more refined environment of the Pigeon Bay hall surrounded by pots of hot tea and scrumptious cakes would be a more suitable alternative. The talented Debs will be preparing a high tea with the usual selection of delicious cakes and sandwiches. High tea is on from 11am – 3pm and as always bookings are highly recommended. For further information or to book contact debs on 03 3046708 or debs@cakeakaroa.co.nz

Akaroa Cooking School
Location: 81 Beach Road
Date: Weekends throughout August

Feel like just sitting still and watching some top chefs create some super tasty food for you then you can’t go past the Akaroa Cooking School. With a only few spaces left during August you will need to be in quick. Check out their website for the courses and dates available.

Whats on in Akaroa – July 2018

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Little Bistro – Test Kitchen
Location: 33 Rue Lavaud, Akaroa
Date: Thursdays nights July & August
Each Thursday night in this July & August the team at Little Bistro create a one off 3 course menu that is sure to be the topic of conversation around the water cooler on Friday. So organise a baby sister and let the Little Bistro remind you what child free nights were like. The three course menu is $49.00 and bookings are essential.

Oil Painting Classes with Siene de Vries
Location: A mystery location in Akaroa
Dates: 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th July from 10am – 4pm each day
The Akaroa Community Arts Council bring a course for all abilities to Akaroa this July. There are a limited number of spaces available and all materials are provided. $260 for the 4 day course. Contact Lesley 021 527184 or lesleyburkesharding@gmail.com for a registration form.

Pigeon Bay Mid-Winter Party
Location: Pigeon Bay Hall
Date: Saturday 21st July
Have two left feet, no rhythm or just out of practice then this is a must event for you. Come early (6pm) and get a couple of local dancers (Tim and Faye) will  ensure you are swinging around the dance floor. You will learn some Ballroom, Latin and Rock and Roll
The dance begins at 7pm and the band gets things moving at 8pm. Bringing back the local tradition of dances held at the Pigeon Bay Hall, with its sprung dance floor.
So, bring something delicious that can be shared for super later on and if necessary something to quench your thirst.
To book please email pigeonbaysocialclub@gmail.com with names of those coming or ring Jane 03 3046722

Information supplied by Akaroa District Promotions

Whats on in Akaroa – June 2018

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Winter Stillness Workshop in Wainui
Location: Wainui Bay Community Centre
Date: Saturday 9 June, 10am – 3pm

This is all a bit cryptic really but if you are into yoga, dance, food and art then this is most likely the place for you on the 9th of June. This is a Ways of Wellness (WOW) Workshop Series run by Lisa Mills who is a yoga teacher, creative therapist and movement facilitator; and by Kathy Guidi a passionate cook and WOW girl. As winter is now upon us so join them for a day of movement, creativity, nourishment, restoration and community.
$85 includes lunch, art materials & hearty log-fire. Bookings essential, limited to 18 participants Contact Kathy Guidi: birdsongretreat@gmail.com, ph 021 202 2954. More information go to: www.birdsongretreat.nz

Art Appreciation – A Gallery Forum With Nancy Tichborne:  “From Realistic to Abstract”
Location: Akaroa Orion Gallery
Date: Saturday, 23 June 4pm to 6pm

Nancy Tichborne – a local Akaroa artist with a national & international following – is giving her personal view on the appreciation of art.
The venue holds a limited number so to reserve your place please contact Mary Farrell via 304 8776 or 027 610 7561. $10 door sales;  forum members free.

Akaroa Area School Fundraiser
Location: The Gaiety, Akaroa
Date: Saturday 30th June

The Akaroa Area School presents “Live Kiwi Music” fundraising concert with music from Rodney Fisher & Gareth Thomas [GOODSHIRT] and Akaroa Rhythm Method Ensemble.
Tickets are $50 and supper is included. The bar will be operating with Eftpos available, NO BYO. Doors open At 7pm, Tickets can be purchased from Akaroa Area School

Information provided in part by Akaroa District Promotions

Whats on in Akaroa – May 2018

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The nights are getting longer – winter is coming, so they say. Despite that here are our top three events this May in good old Akaroa.

The Akaroa Gallery’s 2018 Quiz with Quizmaster Bob Masefield
Location: The Maderia Hotel
Date: May 11th, Friday @ 7pm

Test your general knowledge against the towns brightest minds. Topics include but not limited to: music, books, authors and artists. Get your 4 person team together now. Raffles & Prizes throughout the night.
For further information (such as entry fee) contact: anthea.penny@xtra.co.nz

Mother’s Day High Tea in Pigeon Bay
Location: Pigeon Bay Hall.
Date: May 13th, Sunday from 11am-3pm.

Let’s celebrate all those wonderful Mums out there with yet another day to make them feel special.  What better way than with lovingly freshly made cakes and tea in the beautiful surroundings of Pigeon Bay. Pile the entire extended family in the car and enjoy a relaxed High Tea in the historical Pigeon Bay Hall.  High Tea will be a selection of savouries, individual cakes, scones and tarts specially selected for pamper the Mums. There is also a variety of loose leaf teas and coffee to choose from.
Bookings essential.  Debs: 022 3079974 / 03 3046708. debs@cakeakaroa.co.nz

Marcel Lucont Comedy Night
Location: Ma Maison Restaurant & Bar
Date: May 14th, Monday @ 8:30pm

Marcel Lucont brings his acclaimed tour show to Akaroa for one-night only, serving up a unique Whine List from his audience’s woes, as always “excellently dry” (The Times, UK) and “fresh, accessible and hilarious” (The Guardian, UK). A kind of group therapy where everyone potentially leaves more depressed. Tickets on Eventfinda.

Information provided by Akaroa District Promotions & eventfinda

Whats on in Akaroa – April 2018

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Winter has come earlier but this shouldn’t stop you getting out and about…..

Cruising out party

Location: The Brasserie
Date: Thursday 12th of April
While the last cruise ship has been actually cancelled due to mechanical issues this is not going to stop the annual Cruising out party from lighting up Akaroa. The party is always a sign summer has past for another year and a calm will once again descend upon the town. Come celebrate with the locals. Things kick off at 5:30pm and last drinks at 11pm

Olive Copperbottom

Location: The Gaiety
Date: Friday 20th April @ 8pm
This musical adaptation of a Dickens Tale by Penny Ashton revolves around love, gin and the pox. Two of those three sound pretty good. Tickets are $20 and more information can be found at eventfinda

Little River Pumpkin Festival

Location: Little River
Date: Sunday 22nd of April
Well it’s probably a bit late in the day to start growing a pumpkin for this years event but there is nothing stopping you checking out this years entries.  The festival runs from 11am – 3pm with the winners announced at 3pm. Admission is by donation with proceeds going to the Little River School. For all you need to know about pumpkin festivals visit their page.

 

Whats on in Akaroa – March 2018

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Our pick of the top things to do this March. We might see you there……

Seaweek

Loaction: Various places around Akaroa
Date: 3rd – 11th March
Time to get yourself immersed in everything sea related. Specials on harbour cruises, sea kayaking adventures, exhibitions, discussions and competitions. For the full programme and how you can get involved check out seaweek

Le Race

Location: Finish line on Rue Levaud
Date: Saturday 24th March,
One of the pinnacle events on the Akaroa calendar this annual 100km cycle race from Christchurch to Akaroa brings some of the countries best cyclists and a number of weekend warriors to town. There are plenty of amazing vantage points to watch the race unfold. Grab a spot near the hilltop and watch them struggle up the last incline before the downhill run to Akaroa or sit yourself down with a caramel latte and watch them battle it out for line honours on the home straight. Whatever you decide come and support these hard athletes.
Full details at Le Race
Start time from 8am
Finish time from approximately 10:30 onwards

Akaroa Lions Club – Paddy’s Market

Location: Recreation Ground
Date: Saturday 31st March
What better way to round out March than with the annual Paddy’s Market. Pick up some crazy bargains as over 100 lots go under the hammer. Kicks off at 10:30 and runs until everything has gone!!