On a recent visit to Akaroa we passed a road called Lighthouse Road, so obviously we had to go and have a look.

The original Akaroa lighthouse started operation on the headland of Akaroa Heads in 1880. A hundred years later, it was moved to Akaroa township and was replaced by an automated light. The foundations of lighthouse keepers’ family homes are all that remain. The 11 km road is narrow and steep in parts and the last few km are recommended for 4WD vehicles.

A bit hazy out to sea but a good view of Flea Bay from the top of the hill.

Looking towards Flea Bay.

The entrance to Akaroa harbour.

The entrance to Akaroa harbour.

Close to the carpark, the little white dot on the right of the power pole is the lighthouse.

An easy walk from the carpark to the lighthouse.

We could hear and see seals (through the binoculars) in the rock pool on the other side.

The next bay you catch a glimpse of through the hole is Flea Bay.

The lighthouse isn’t the most impressive one we’ve seen, but the scenery is stunning.

Looking South from the lighthouse and the entrance to Akaroa harbour.

Looking North from the lighthouse.

We were lucky, it was a nice warm, calm day.

Looking over Akaroa harbour on the road back to Akaroa.

How to get there:

Drive through Akaroa and continue on Beach Road. Continue on Onuku road then turn left into lighthouse road. Continue on lighthouse road for 9.9km. Total km from Akaroa is 11.2, the road is steep and narrow in places and suggested 4WD for the last 5km or so but it was a good gravel road with not much traffic.