What's on in Akaroa

Whats on in Akaroa – August 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

Whats on in Akaroa – February 2018

Waitangi Day @ Okains Bay

Location: Okains Bay
Dates: 6th February from 9am
The annual Waitangi Day celebrations once again take place at Okains Bay. A great array of activities to entertain all the family. The waka paddling starts at 9:30am and the powhiri at 10:30am. Entry is $10 for adults & $2 for kids (Cash Only)

Dragon Boat Racing

Location: Children’s Bay boat ramp
Date: 11th February
The fun and colours of the dragon boats hit the beach at Childrens Bay for the 5th year in a row. Come and check out this spectacle as teams battle it out over a variety of races. Teams entry fee is $100 per boat and all spectators are free.

Ben Waters and Friends

Location: The Gaiety
Date: 17th February @ 7pm
Once again this musical maestro returns to Akaroa to entertain the masses. Tickets are $100.00 and can be found via eventfinda

 

Whats on in Akaroa – January 2018

Akaroa Scarecrow Trail

Location: Around the Akaroa township
Date: Is on for all of January
A great activities to help entertain the kids these school holidays. Head to the Akaroa i-Site, buy a map for $10 and search for the TV characters around Akaroa. If you get them all correct you will go in the draw to win a prize!  All proceeds go to Duvauchelle School. We have done this with the kids over a couple of days and was a great way to explore the town. Visit the Scarecrow Facebook page for further info.

The International Akaroa Music Festival

Location: Various venues around Akaroa
Date: 12th – 28th of January
Akaroa is once again blessed with some of the finest up and coming musical talent in this years 11th Akaroa Music festival. Check out Akaroa Music Festival for who is play where and when.

Duvauchelle A & P Show

Location: Duvauchelle
Date: 13th January
The 149th Duvauchelle show kicks off this January and it’s gonna be a good one. Fine weather is predicted and it will be the place to be on Saturday the 13th.
Competitions begin 8.30am including Equestrian Section, Children’s Pets, Shearing and Indoor competitions. Make sure you check out the beer section and see if Jane has won again with her latest batch of home brew.
Trade and Food stalls galore plus entertainment for adults through to little ones. Including pony rides, bouncy castle, gumboot toss, cold beer @ the bar and music.
The event of the day is always the terrier racing just before the Grand Parade – bring your terrier and win great prizes for your dog. This year there is a Pet Dog section so bring in your pet dog and enter on the day (All dogs must be kept on a lead).
Further info check out Duvauchelle Show 2018

Information provided in part by Akaroa District Promotions

Whats on in Akaroa – December 2017

Akaroa Photographic Competition

Location: Wherever you are on the peninsula
Date: All throughout summer
akaroa.com’s annual photography competition is on again. This year the competition revolves around the theme “Life in the Crater”.  Submit your best pic of life in and around Akaroa harbour to win some amazing prizes. The competition closes 28th of February 2018.
Further information and the list of prizes can be found at akaroa.com

High Tea

Location: Little Bistro
Date: Sunday 10th December
High tea hits Rue Lavuad this December. Take time out from your Christmas shopping and enjoy a lovely selection of freshly baked scones, individual cakes and savoury goodness.
A full High Tea option ($20pp) or a simple Cream Tea ($12pp) of sweet and savoury scones with clotted cream and home made lemon curd.
Bookings essential please.  Contact Debs on email or phone debs@cakeakaroa.co.nz  022 3079974.

Christmas Picnic in the Park

Location: Akaroa Playground, Rue Jolie
Date: Sunday 17th December @ 3:30pm.
A Christmas Family Day in the Park. Bring a picnic and park up with family. Be entertained by a selection of local musicians! All welcome. A Community Christmas Event. Awesome entertainment from the world famous Mullet Man to the jolly fat man in red pants (aka Santa). Also face painting and more music.

 

Whats on in Akaroa – November 2017

Banks Peninsula Walking Festival

Location: Throughout Banks Peninsula
Dates: Various
The walking festival in once again being held this month with amazing guided walks to be held all over the Peninsula. If you love the outdoors and want to learn more about our slice of heaven then this a must do. Booking are necessary and many walks are already heavily booked. Check out eventfinder for further information and prices.

Akaroa Classic & Traditional Boat Regatta

Location: Akaroa Recreation Ground
Date: 11th & 12th of November
If you are into all things nautical then this biannual event is going to be a treat for you. Put on your sailors cap, check out pieces of history, see all the things you can’t afford and maybe even learn some new skills. The Akaroa recreation ground and harbour will be filled with sails as a multitude of vessels are displayed and shown off. Visit Akaroa classic for further information

Akaroa Farmers Market

Start your Saturday with a leisurely walk down to the local market. Enjoy a freshly made crepe and wash it down with a strong coffee or perhaps pick up some locally smoked salmon to fill your lunchtime baguette. The market is on every Saturday until Easter at the Maderia hotel.

 

Information provided in part by Akaroa district Promotions