Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
Most Akaroa day tours take you to the village. This one takes you into the harbour, with expert dolphin-spotting dogs on board to help find them.
The 2-hour Akaroa Nature Cruise is included in the tour price. You cruise Akaroa Harbour in search of Hector's dolphins, fur seals, white-flippered penguins, and sea birds. Hector's dolphins are found only in New Zealand's coastal waters. The dolphin-spotting dogs on board are trained to help the crew locate them.
Your group is capped at 15 people. En route, the tour stops at Little River for a coffee break, the Hilltop Lookout above Akaroa for panoramic views of the harbour and the volcanic crater, and Barry's Bay Traditional Cheese for an included tasting.
Lunch, bottled water and Kiwi snacks are included. WiFi and USB charging on board. Carbon neutral tour.
Note: this tour is built around the Nature Cruise. There will not be time for additional walking tracks or extended shopping in Akaroa.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Please ensure that you are ready at least five to ten minutes before your scheduled pick up time. We cannot wait for late passengers. Lateness and/or no-shows are non-refundable. Hotel pickups from Christchurch city; departure at 8:30AM.
Itinerary
-
1Little River
A small township at the base of the peninsula. Stop to grab a coffee and browse the local store and gallery.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Summit Road - Reaching the top of Christchurch-Akaroa Road, we head along the scenic Summit Road, stopping on route at a scenic viewpoint or two for sweeping panoramic views of Banks Peninsula and the surrounding bays.
Admission ticket free -
2Akaroa
Once in the village, we will enjoy lunch and take in some of the local sights, such as the Lighthouse and waterfront, before we drop you at your pre-booked Nature Cruise of Akaroa Harbour (2 hours). While on board, you will see sea caves, cliffs, and volcanic rock formations which have helped the bay as we know it today. Keep your eyes peeled for the chance to spot fur seals, white-flippered penguins, sea birds, and of course Hector’s dolphins. Making this journey extra special are the team’s expert dolphin-spotting dogs! There is no doubt that this experience is pretty special!
4 hours • Admission ticket free -
3Barrys Bay Cheese
Departing Akaroa, we drive via Takamatua, Robinson's Bay, and Duvauchelles as we make our way back to Christchurch. On route, we make a brief stop at Barry’s Bay Cheese to sample some of their delicious cheeses. Founded and producing artisan cheese since 1895, to this day their handcrafted cheeses are popular with locals and tourists alike.
10 minutes • Admission ticket included -
(Pass by)
Returning to Christchurch via Gebbies Pass, enjoy views over Christchurch, across to Lyttleton, the other side of the Peninsula, and out to the Canterbury Heads on a clear day.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is built around the Nature Cruise. There will not be time for additional walking tracks or extended shopping in Akaroa.
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is built around the Nature Cruise. There will not be time for additional walking tracks or extended shopping in Akaroa.
- The Nature Cruise is included in your tour price. No separate booking is required.
- Hector's dolphin sightings are common but cannot be guaranteed.
- Guests prone to sea sickness should take precautions before boarding the cruise.
- Bring a waterproof jacket. Weather on Banks Peninsula can change through the day.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are recommended.
- Pickup begins at 8:30 am. Please be ready and waiting outside at least 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.
- If your accommodation is not on the pickup list, meet the guide at the nearest available pickup point.
- Child pricing applies for ages 4 to 14 years. Children under 4 are not able to participate.
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- Not recommended for travellers with serious back conditions, heart conditions, or who are pregnant.
- Service animals are not permitted on this tour.
- The tour departs near public transportation.
- Expert dolphin-spotting dogs on board: a unique feature on no other Akaroa tour.
- Hector's dolphins on the 2-hour Nature Cruise, included in the tour price.
- Small group, maximum 15 people. Not a coach, not a crowd.
- Lunch, bottled water and Kiwi snacks included. All-inclusive price.
- Hilltop Lookout: panoramic views of Akaroa Harbour and Banks Peninsula
- Carbon neutral tour with WiFi and USB charging on board
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- 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.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Get our app
