Akaroa is 82 km southeast of Christchurch. The drive takes around 90 minutes and is genuinely spectacular: from Christchurch, the road climbs onto the Banks Peninsula via either the Summit Road (longer but with panoramic views) or the quicker inland route through Little River. Either way you drop down through steep green hills to the harbour.
There is no train service. The Akaroa Shuttle runs a daily bus service from Christchurch city centre, timed to allow a day visit and return. Several Christchurch tour operators also offer day trip packages. For independent travellers, a hire car is the most flexible option and allows you to stop along the Summit Road.