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Journey to Akaroa with Harbour Cruise - Luxury, Small Group Tour | 9 hours

52 Reviews | Christchurch
Likely To Sell Out
From $385.40 per person Lowest Price Guarantee
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Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • Light refreshments
  • Hotel pickup and drop off from all centrally located Christchurch hotels
  • Local guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned luxury vehicle
  • An Eco-marine harbor cruise
  • Cheese Factory visit
  • Cafe lunch
  • Gratuities

Overview

Discover the historic town of Akaroa and the magnificent natural beauty of the Banks Peninsula on this small group tour from Christchurch. Be amazed by the spectacular views of Akaroa Harbour and the Canterbury Plains on the high scenic drive from Christchurch, visit a cheese factory to taste locally made cheese and explore Akoroa's French influenced streets. You'll have the choice to join a nature and harbor cruise to see the rich variety of marine and bird life or to swim with Hector's Dolphins, the world smallest and rarest dolphins only found in New Zealand waters.

Itinerary

  • Banks Peninsula

    Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Christchurch, traversing the picturesque high summit route, offering panoramic views of rolling farmlands, the vast Canterbury Plains, and secluded coastal bays that punctuate the coastline.

    1 hour

  • N/A

    pon arrival in Akaroa, prepare to be enchanted as you embark on a two-hour nature cruise from the main wharf. This is your chance to witness the magic of the Hector's dolphin, the world's smallest and rarest dolphin species, as they playfully frolic in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for adorable little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals basking on rocky shores, and a variety of local birdlife soaring above the waves. Your knowledgeable skipper will share fascinating insights into the region's rich history and geology, pointing out the volcanic cliffs that guard the harbour entrance.

    2 hours

  • Akaroa

    After your invigorating cruise, step back in time as you explore the quaint streets of Akaroa, a 175-year-old village steeped in French heritage. Discover the local museum, where the stories of early settlers come to life, and browse through charming art and craft shops, where you can find unique treasures. Indulge in a delectable lunch at an award-winning café, savouring the flavours of the region.

    1 hour

  • Barrys Bay Cheese

    As you continue your journey, you'll have the opportunity to visit Barry's Bay Cheese Factory, where you can sample artisanal cheeses,

    20 minutes

  • Little River Gallery

    This excellent cafe and gallery is always a popular stop. It features some of New Zealand's best contemporary artists, along with and extensive range of gifts.

    30 minutes

  • Banks Peninsula

    Our journey takes a different path back, winding up to the ancient crater rim. This route provides outstanding views on either side, looking out on Lyttleton Harbour, with the magnificent Southern Alps to the west. Weather permitting, a picnic afternoon tea spot will be found, where the scenery can be taken in at your leisure.

    1 hour

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • A percentage of the tour price is used for the conservation of New Zealand's wildlife, environment and it's endangered species
  • Tour operator picks up from all accommodation: hotel, lodge, Bed & Breakfast in Christchurch. The tour operator will confirm the tour and leave a message at the Christchurch accommodation 24 hours prior to the tour date.
  • A maximum of 8 people per booking
  • Canterbury Trails is a Carbon Positive certified tour operator

Free Cancellation

March 03100% refund
March 04No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.9

52 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    47
  • 4 stars
    4
  • 3 stars
    1
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    0

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 47 reviews with 5 stars

Drove to the bay, swam with the dolphins and enjoyed a local lunch.

Published on Feb, 2025

What a spectacular drive with great views. Grant, our guide, discussed the history and relayed the damage from the earthquake to us as we travelled. Then we were able to tour the harbor on a boat in search of dolphins- which we found. It was a wonderful experience.

Nice trip

Published on Jan, 2025

Great experience the driver was funny and informative and we saw dolphins and seals on the 2 hour cruise. The town is very pretty with nice cafes and shops

Great experience with dolphins.

Published on Dec, 2024

Great trip, great guide Sue, and wonderful town. Well run operation on boat / dolphin snorkel. Highly recommend.

Well organized Tour

Published on Dec, 2024

Dave was our guide. Our pick up was on time and he drove a twisting road carefully and with his passengers in mind. He was very knowledgeable and did his best to ensure our outing was enjoyable.

Christchurch to Akaroa for a Cruise

Published on Aug, 2024

Our tour guide SUE SZABO picked us up before sunrise & took us to a Christchurch (CHch) overlook to watch the sun rise, hit the city, and "pink up" the distant mountains. She knew which scenic route to take leaving CHch for more great views. When she learned my interest in birding, she made several stops so I could do some photography. She has a wealth of knowledge about CHch and the area from CHch to Akaroa. We enjoyed a morning tea stop at a cozy restaurant/art gallery as well as a tasty lunch by the Akaroa Harbour. We hit the jackpot on our Dolphin watching cruise with a pair of Hector's dolphins obligingly appearing as well as albatrosses attending to our tour boat for many minutes. Then she introduced us to her pearl-selling friend, and now I have a snazzy new necklace! Sue is a very accommodating guide, and I hope you will get to enjoy her professional, informative service. She's great!

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