What to do and see in Akaroa, South Island: The Best Tours

Enjoy this amazing 3 day arrival tour of Christchurch with a full day in Akaroa. Includes a pickup from Christchurch Airport as well as 2-nights’ accommodation in Christchurch to ensure maximum comfort. Enjoy a full-day tour to Akaroa and discover volcanic landscapes and breathtaking scenery. Enjoy a Harbour Cruise on Akaroa Harbour with sightings of dolphins, penguins, seals, and more, as well as lunch at a local restaurant.

Inclusions: Lunch, 2-nights accommodation, Lunch on Day 2, All activities, Driver/guide

Exclusions: Drinks, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities

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

Enjoy the luxury and comfort of a top-of the range Mercedes Benz 4x4 bus as you journey from Christchurch proceeding into the rugged splendor of Banks Peninsula, You will really love stopovers at quirky Little Akaloa, Okains Bay Maori & Colonial Museum, and the award winning Barrys Bay Cheese factory. At your final destination, undertake a unique nature safari incorporating a wild penguin colony in their natural habitat, in the spectacular, award winning Wild Side Conservation area! Learn about the area’s native flora and fauna and Pohatu’s unique penguin conservation program. Be greeted by the farm’s friendly pet sheep and see wild White-Flippered penguins as Pohatu monitor nesting sites. Fully inclusive price includes pick up from major Christchurch city hotels, special lunch, morning & afternoon tea, nature safari, luxury mini-coach travel including on-board WIFI and USB & an entertaining, knowledgeable tour guide.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Morning & Afternoon tea, coffee, snack, Beverages, Lunch, Live commentary on board & local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (central Christchurch hotels only), Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach

Exclusions: Gratuities

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:

Akaroa French Connection is a convenient service giving you the opportunity to take in the sights while our highly trained drivers safely take you to Akaroa and also tell you about the area. Our driver enjoy showing customers Akaroa and each has their own unique talking points about the area that they have learnt over many years of showing Akaroa off. Our bus leaves the bus Exchange at 8:50am and leaves the Museum at 9am. In the afternoon the bus leaves Akaroa at 4pm

Inclusions: Highly trained drivers

Exclusions:

This will be one of the best if not THE best experiences you will have during your NZ vacation! There is no better way to maximise your day in stunning Akaroa! If you love to get some exercise while exploring with a local guide this tour is for you. Get the best of both worlds as you pedal and paddle your way through this action packed unforgettable day of adventure with us. Incredible views from the top of the Crater while riding to the summit await! Get up close and personal with the marine/nature reserve as you sea kayak through its pristine turquoise waters. Enjoy touring with Local knowledgeable guides who love to share their knowledge Small intimate groups are key for safety and opportunity to chat with the guides through out the tours Exploring the area from two different perspectives will blow your mind and there is no better way to make the most of your time in this special place! And of course you get some Great exercise!

Inclusions: Kayaking: Knowledable guide, snack, on water photos. Electric Biking: helmet, high viability vest, gloves, knowledgeable guide

Exclusions:

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:

Take time out to connect with nature and delight in a nature safari encompassing the wild penguins at Flea Bay. How peaceful is that! To complete your day, enjoy an end-of-day wine tasting (or non-alcoholic beverage) and afternoon platter at the very special French Peak vineyard.. Your journey to Akaroa takes in the stunning scenery of the rugged Banks Peninsula coastline and farmlands. Stopovers include the award winning Barrys Bay Cheese factory at Duvauchelle, and the quaint Little River Café & Gallery. You can also enjoy wandering around the French-inspired township of Akaroa (during the day, you will have a little over 3 hours spare time to wander in and around at your own pace).

Inclusions: Nature safari by local conservationists looking after a wild penguin colony near Akaroa, wine-tasting and afternoon platter, Air-conditioned vehicle, Coffee and/or Tea, Soda/Pop, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Gratuities

Our Guided Kayak Safari is a great way to spend your time ashore! This is a once in a lifetime chance to paddle through a marine reserve in an extinct volcano basin. Take in breath-taking scenery and witness amazing geology that is unique to the area. You will have the chance to experience some of the most endangered marine life on the planet including Hector Dolphins, White-flipper penguins, and native sea birds which reside in Akaroa Harbour if you are lucky! Your safari includes a break at remote a beach where you can relax or swim, enjoy a snack and explore. All of this is only 80 minutes from Christchurch! Small group numbers are key as we are visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively undisturbed natural areas, enjoy exploring this marine reserve in a low-impact and environmentally responsible way. Close encounters. No noise, No engines, No crowds, No pollution. So come and join us! Explore, Experience and Enjoy!

Inclusions: Light refreshments, Local guide, Local taxes, On Water Photographs

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities, Transportation to/from attractions

At the core, we’re a family business with our management team being 5th & 6th generation Banks Peninsula locals. Alongside our family members, we have a passionate team who are committed to you having a once-in-a-lifetime experience! We keep our passenger groups small so that you have more room to move around the boat, and enjoy your cruise without overcrowding or missing dolphin sightings due to a shortage of viewing space. Our boat has a low-lying profile which means you get closer to the wildlife! When you board our boat you’ll be offered a complimentary drink. Choose from beer, award-winning local wine or non-alcoholic options. You’ll also enjoy our famous home-baked treats made from our family recipe and served to you by our delightful onboard crew. We are committed to the conservation of our harbour's environment and wildlife. After all, it’s the centre point of our business. Please note, boarding is 15 minutes prior to departure, with check-in 30 minutes before this time.

Inclusions: A complimentary glass of New Zealand wine, beer or non-alcoholic option, One of our famous home-baked cookies

Exclusions: We do not swim with the dolphins on our tours.