Things to do in Tikao Bay
About Tikao Bay
From Christchurch take State Highway 75 towards Akaroa. At Barry’s Bay turn right onto Wainui Main Road. Drive about 5 kilometres along the road then turn left into Tikao Bay Road.
This peaceful little bay has a laid-back holiday vibe that will have you feeling relaxed in no time. Nestled in the bush around Tikao Bay are a smattering of baches and holiday homes. There are no shops or cafes, Duvauchelle Store is the nearest shop and sells a wide variety of groceries as well as wine and beer.
It is safe swimming bay with good water quality, there is a floating pontoon you can swim out to. You can fish off the small jetty located in the bay. There are many beautiful walks in the area and a private waterfall five minutes from the house.
The bay is perfect for taking out kayaks for a paddle. Plenty to explore around the rocky coast line, you might even see Hector's Dolphins who swim in these waters
There is no shop or garage in Tikao Bay.
The nearest fish and chip shop is in Akaroa. The Akaroa Fish and Chip shop is open from 11am to 7pm each day.
Cell phone coverage is limited in Tikao Bay.
History of Tikao Bay
In 1856 Tikao Bay was included in a reserve of 175 hectares known as Ōpukutahi or the Wainui reserve when the purchase of Banks Peninsula from Ngāi Tahu was completed. Only a small part of this reserve land (40.5 hectares) remains in Ngāi Tahu hands today.
The old Māori name for Tikao Bay is Ōkoropeke. Ōkoropeke literally means “to be doubled up”.
The bay was named to commemorate the death of an elderly chieftainness who died from the cold.
Hone Tikao lived at Tikao Bay and it is from him that the bay takes its more common name.
View of Tikao Bay from the house
Tikao Bay jetty
Tikao Bay from the stoney beach
Small boats ready to be launched at Tikao Bay
The beautiful Tikao Bay
About Akaroa
With Akaroa only a 20 minute drive away around Akaroa Harbour and plenty of things to do there. It is a beautiful harbour-side town with charming colonial architecture remnant of the French and British settlers who founded the area.
Akaroa's main wharf is situated on the south side of the town centre and is within metres of shops and cafes. Akaroa is very compact and everything is within walking distance. There are plenty of boutique shops with hours that vary, most are open from 9am - 5.30pm seven days a week.
WiFi is also available at various restaurants and cafes throughout town. The ATM is located at the Bank of New Zealand, 73 Rue Lavaud.
The Akaroa i-SITE Visitor Information Centre can provide plenty of helpful advice on local activities. It can be found at 65 Rue Lavaud.
Many bays around Banks Peninsula are accessible within 30 minutes' drive of Akaroa.
The foreshore
Akaroa lighthouse
Akaroa wharf
Akaroa shopping area
Other places to visit
French Farm (8min drive from house)
French Farm Winery is nestled in the hills of the French Farm valley in Canterbury, New Zealand.
With the abundance of native trees and birds, meanderings streams and beautifully maintained gardens, French Farm Winery is known for its distinctive French-provincial style and décor, is a venue like no other.
The bistro serves amazing food and is open year around with differing hours depending on the season.
Duvauchelle (14min drive from house)
This small settlement located on State Highway 75 at the head of Akaroa Harbour has a General Store, garage with fuel and Hotel serving bar meals and drinks.
Barrys Bay (9min drive from house)
Call into Barrys Bay Cheese Factory to sample traditional hand-crafted cheeses. Buy some tasty cheese or great gifts and hampers from the shop.Local cheese made by local people.
Next to Barrys Bay is the Onawe Peninsula bisecting the head of Akaroa harbour, Containing an ancient volcano and a sacred Maori site. Enjoy wonderful views and a lovely bush walk, but please refrain from eating on site in respect for its tapu status.
Okains Bay (30min drive)
A long, safe, sandy beach ideal for water sports and swimming. The camping ground has playground equipment for the children and public toilets. Next to the beach is a river estuary emptying into the bay.
The settlement itself contains the Okains Bay Maori and Colonial Museum. This museum is home to one of the largest and most well-preserved collections of traditional Māori artifacts in the country.
Drop in to the Okains Bay Store for an ice-cream at the longest continually operating store in New Zealand (which opened in 1873).
Robinsons Bay (15min drive)
The Robinsons Bay Story Trail is a lovely short walk with story panels, rustic displays and a historic school site. Off State Highway 75 turn into Valley Road and park by the Reserve sign about 100m further along. Walk back up School Road for about 100m then go through the gate and up the steps. Follow the loop track (approx 20mins) through the bush with interesting farm displays and panels explaining the history of the area. The Reserve is the former school grounds and the site of the old schoolhouse, makes a nice spot for a picnic with views across the bay. From here you can exit the Reserve back to School Road via a short farm track.
There is also Ngaio Point walk, a wonderful coastal walk visiting two beaches, making it an ideal family outing.
Wainui (8min drive)
A small rural settlement in a large sheltered bay ideal for swimming, water skiing and great for picnics with amazing views of Akaroa Harbour. There is a great little wharf to fish from. At low tide, the rock pools at the far end of the beach hide a myriad of treasures to explore.
French Farm winery & bistro
Duvauchelle
Okains Bay
Robinsons Bay Story Trail.
Wainui