Location: Akaroa
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What to do and see in Akaroa, South Island: The Best Private Tours
The French are known as the world’s most romantic people, so it makes sense that Akaroa—site of New Zealand’s first French settlement—is an ideal spot to set the scene for love. Hold hands with your paramour and stroll along the provincial harbor, where dolphins, penguins, and seals bob and chatter in the sparkling ice-blue water. First-class accommodations, quaint French bakeries and succulent restaurants are the perfect ingredients for a romantic getaway.
Restaurants in Akaroa
1. Private Day Excursion from Akaroa to Christchurch and Banks Peninsula
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
This is a private small group tour for up to 9 people. The route from Akaroa to Christchurch takes you over the old volcanoes of Banks Peninsula with varied scenery (farms, sheep, volcanoes, harbours, lakes, villages) and there is 1.5-2 hours driving time (90 km/50 miles) each way. We are happy to customise your tour to include attractions such as the International Antarctic Centre or Willowbank Wildlife Park (cost extra) , etc. We are locals and give an in-depth commentary covering the volcanoes, NZ and local history, earthquakes etc. The route is more or less like a figure "8" so the scenery is always changing and we cover a lot of places of interest on this day excursion to Christchurch and back. We have you back at Akaroa Wharf at least 1 hour before the last tender.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation
Exclusions: Lunch, Coffee and/or Tea
Reviewed By Karlie M
We booked E S Tours to do a tour from Akaroa to Christchurch when our ship arrived on March 14th. I had corresponded with Dermot via email prior to this. His responses were quick and much appreciated. We arranged to meet on the dock (we were a group of 11) and true to his word Dermot was waiting for us. We left the itinerary in his hands and we were not disappointed. His commentary and knowledge like the views we were seeing was amazing. I know I speak on behalf of everyone in our group and we could not recommend Dermot and E S Tours enough. Was the highlight of our cruise. Thank you Dermot
2. Akaroa - Christchurch City Tour - Akaroa (Private Tour) 2 People
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
This is a private transfer by a professional chauffeur. We can tailor your tour to meet any special requests within the time period. Our tour lasts for 6 hours and includes: transfer from Akaroa to Christchurch (90 minutes); transfer from Christchurch to Akaroa (90 minutes - depending time of day) and approximately a 3 hour tour of Christchurch including time for your lunch, morning or afternoon tea if required. Your driver will arrange to meet you in Akaroa, transport you to Christchurch for your tour and return you to Akaroa. Professional Chauffeur driven luxury vehicle / limo / limousine New Zealand Transport Agency licenced (this vehicle is not a taxi)
Inclusions: WiFi on board, Private transportation, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Happiness07929178734
Was gifted this transfer as a wedding gift as a transfer to and from Christchurch airport to go on our honeymoon. Lovely car and lovely people. Would recommend, they came to gate to meet us and took care of bags when we got backk.
3. Sailing and Wildlife Tour Akaroa Fox II Sailing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Sail in the crater of an extinct volcano with the rarest dolphins in the world. Long encounters and beautiful scenery. 3 hour trip on a quiet sailboat in nature. You can also see penguins, seals and albatross. The Fox II is a vintage sailboat, almost 100 years old! Made from wood, 2 masts and 6 sails. It is the oldes ketch in New Zealand. Has been in movies, TV shows and is famous all over the world. Visit amazing sea caves, cliffs, waterfalls and venture out into the pacific on this safe, quiet, truely memorable experience. Eco friendly, with minimal carbon footprint. Make the choice for a better future.
Inclusions: Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate and Biscuits, Local wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages for purchase
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Amer-wi
What a fantastic way to spend a day! Our friendly and knowledgeable hosts made the trip enjoyable and interesting. I have been on many similar trips and this one felt the most personal and friendly; more like spending the afternoon on a friend’s boat enjoying offers of wine and hot chocolate. It was an excellent experience for the whole family. I was with a large family group and we were all catered for, from my 3 year old nephew to my 17 year old son.
4. Akaroa Shore Excursion: Akaroa Harbour and Giants House Local Tour
Overall Ratings
4.4 based on 17 reviews
Enjoy a local 3 hour guided sightseeing shore excursion of Akaroa exploring the beautiful township, harbour, and this portion of the Banks Peninsula. After being picked up from the Akaroa Wharf, your coach will travel through township and the inner bays of the Akaroa before arriving at a local cheese factory, for tastings, and travelling along the old volcanic crater rim for some magnificent views of the harbour and peninsula. Afterwards, head back into Akaroa for a guided tour of the famous Giants House, with its beautiful gardens and mosaic sculptures. This tour is perfect for those looking for a short tour of the local sights and attractions!
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Port pickup and drop-off, Driver/guide, Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities (optional)
Reviewed By ClosesOnTour
Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.
5. AKAROA PRIVATE SHORE EXCURSION (Christchurch City & Banks Peninsula)
Enjoy your private Akaroa shore excursion & see what others miss! Travel in style & comfort of your very own chauffeur driven vehicle. Take a 90 minutes scenic drive on Banks Peninsula & visit the Garden City of New Zealand, Christchurch. Experience a vibrant destination in transition at your own convenience. Enjoy a guided tour of Christchurch Botanical Gardens on an electric caterpillar bus & meander down the Avon River in a traditional English Punt. Top the day-off with an ice-cream on us at Sumner Beach. This is the perfect way to experience & discover all that a cruise ship destination has to offer. Worry-free Shore Excursion:If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
Inclusions: Port pick-up & drop-off., Private tour (i.e. only for one party), Botanical Gardens guided caterpillar tour., Punting on Avon River., Christchurch Gondola, Transport by air-conditioned late model Mercedes Benz vans., Complimentary Light Refreshments., Complimentary Hotspot WIFI., Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By AbigailCC
The Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and Mt. Cook views were just simply spectacular. So lucky to have a nice, warm weather today. Our tour guide/driver, Anujk, was excellent! He was very kind, friendly, and knowledgeable. The service he provided was superb from pick up to drop off. We will definitely come back to South Island and do more tours with NZSI. If you are making an itinerary, I highly recommend you include this full day tour on your to do list. It was 100% the highlight of our South Island trip! :-)
6. Akaroa-Christchurch Cruise Ship - Spanish Driver Guide / Chofer Guía en español
Our exclusive service offers you absolute flexibility to do exactly whatever and whenever you want. Once you arrive after your long trip from home you can sit back, relax and enjoy as your driver escorts you around this fascinating country introducing you to guided local tours around different towns and natural landscapes, in English, Spanish and Italian. We are Professional Drivers and qualified by New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). Also we hold a Transport service Licence (TSL) and we are part of ProGuide Association. We can drive around all of New Zealand and our best option is to start or finish your trip in Christchurch.
Inclusions: Private transportation
Exclusions: Lunch
7. Akaroa - Christchurch City Tour - Akaroa Private 1-5 Passengers Mercedes Minivan
This is a private transfer by a professional chauffeur. We can tailor your tour to meet any special requests within the time period. Our tour lasts for 6 hours and includes: transfer from Akaroa to Christchurch (90 minutes); transfer from Christchurch to Akaroa (90 minutes - depending time of day) and approximately a 3 hour tour of Christchurch including time for your lunch, morning or afternoon tea if required. Your driver will arrange to meet you in Akaroa, transport you to Christchurch for your tour and return you to Akaroa. Professional Chauffeur driven luxury vehicle / limo / limousine New Zealand Transport Agency licenced (this vehicle is not a taxi)
Inclusions: Bottled water, Private transportation, WiFi on board
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Happiness07929178734
Was gifted this transfer as a wedding gift as a transfer to and from Christchurch airport to go on our honeymoon. Lovely car and lovely people. Would recommend, they came to gate to meet us and took care of bags when we got backk.
8. 3 Day Christchurch and Akaroa Exclusive Private Tour
See Christchurch City and the French seaside village of Akaroa on this exclusive three day tour! Traveling by private vehicle, you'll see dolphins, penguins and enjoy the relaxed vibe of Akaroa and Banks Peninsula. You can also customise your tour to your preference with a range of optional activities. The service that we provide is a private luxury tour service, not a large group tour. Other than our friendly tour staff you will not be sharing your tour with anyone outside of your own party so you can rest assured that this is your tour and we’ll do exactly what you want to make it your perfect trip.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dolphin watching tour Akaroa , Penguin 4WD tour Akaroa, Punting on the Avon River, Christchurch Gondola Return Journey, Professional Private Guide (who is also the driver) for the tour duration, 3 x days transport in private vehicle inclusive of all fuel charges
Exclusions: Activities not mentioned in itinerary , Gratuities, Meals Not Mentioned in Inclusions
Reviewed By Pipnruss
Fiordland Lodge and Doubtful Sound. Fantastic ferry ride across Lake Manapouri and bus ride over the Wilmot Pass to board the Fiordland Navigator for 2 nights. 3 sunny, calm days to relax on board, spoiled by the chef's lovely food and Courtney's very knowledgeable commentary about the Sounds, history, wildlife, birdlife and little things like having complete silence in the Sound to enjoy the peace and look at the amazing mountains and their reflections in the calm water. An unexpected run out into the Tasman Sea was a bonus. The Fiordland Lodge is an American style Lodge built with lots of logs and wood and stone, very spacious. Friendly helpful staff. Located 6km from Te Anau. Our only concern was the lack of food choice for dinner, on a 3 course meal was offered, no light meals. The breakfast (included) was lovely, as was all the food, some interesting variations in tastes.
9. Akaroa & Banks Peninsula Scenic
The pinnacle of our flights east of Christchurch, this tour first sees you fly over the city centre to view the progress of the massive rebuild. Then it’s on to the beautiful Banks Peninsula and the picturesque French harbour settlement of Akaroa, before touching down on a mountain top to take in yet more magnificent views. Our pilots will personalise this experience for you by sharing their local knowledge and insights of our big backyard as you fly over remarkable sights and landmarks, including; Burnside Park, Sumner Cliffs, Rapaki Track, Quail, the Akaroa French Settlement and more. We have plenty to share with you and can’t wait for you to experience it.
Inclusions: A landing on a mountain top
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Donotaskmeforopinion
Thanks to Jess for arranging the 2 combined flights. Jess went out of her way to make sure we got the best experience. We combined the Akaroa & Banks Peninsula with the Southern Alps which was breath taking. What topped the experience off was that we had Richie McCaw as our pilot. One of the nicest guys I have ever meet. Thanks again for a great experience Jess and Richie. Hamish and Karen.
10. One day in Christchurch, Ports and Peninsula by Car
Discover Christchurch and its nearby attractions by car to get to know its amazing history and modern-day buildings with our tour! Our local guide has many years of experience and knowledge of the area, so you can be sure that you will not miss a thing! At the beginning of the day, you will visit New Zealand’s matchless ports, beaches, historic towns, and lakes. Also, it’s your chance to discover the lovely French settlement of Akaroa, nesting in the heart of the Banks Peninsula. Returning to Christchurch, you’ll have a wholesome tour of city highlights, featuring street art, memorials, buildings, and parks.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional local guide services, Cheese Factory ticket
Exclusions: Lunch
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