Akaroa is a village on Banks Peninsula in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand. It is 82 kilometers by road from Christchurch. According to the March 2001 New Zealand census of population and dwellings, the permanent population was 576, a decrease of 69 since 1996. The village has a high (31%) ratio of residents aged over 65 years.
Set on a beautiful, sheltered harbor and overlooked by craggy volcanic hills, Akaroa is a popular resort village. In summer the temporary population can reach 7,000 which places stress on the water supply which is entirely dependent upon rainfall on the hills. Many Hector's Dolphins may be found in the harbor, and 'swim with the dolphins' boat tours are a major tourist attraction.