Akaroa Harbour

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. *Check-in is 30 minutes prior to the departure, with boarding 15 minutes beforehand.

Experience majestic scenery and stunning wildlife including dolphins, penguins and marine bird life on this Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise.

Enjoy a Sightseeing tour to Akaroa through the spectacular scenery surrounding Banks Peninsula, formed following violent eruptions of two ancient volcanoes.  The Akaroa crater nurses the picturesque harbor and Akaroa village. Experience a Nature Cruise with highlights including the rare, NZ native dolphin – the Hector's Dolphin, as well as penguins and other sea birds. And you'll see giant volcanic sea cliffs and hear about Akaroa's fascinating past. The Tour also includes a delightful lunch at Bully Hayes Restaurant.

Enjoy a local 2.5 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!

Alpacas Farm is an unparalleled opportunity to get up close and personal with alpacas, learn about this loving animal, and create some memories with friends and family in a stunning location. Note – guests must drive to the farm, or see operator website for transport providers.

A 2.5 hour shore excursion which combines a guided local tour of Akaroa township and harbours with a tour of a working sheep farm. 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. Following a great photo opportunity, your driver will take you to a nearby local sheep farm where you'll be able to enjoy sheepdog work, a sheep shearing demonstration, and afternoon tea, all before returning reuniting you with your cruise ship.

• Small group tours – Your 3.5-hour excursion with a maximum of 12 swimmers will be led by our skipper and a nature guide making every trip an intimate experience. The tour begins at our facility on Akaroa’s main wharf, where you’ll meet fellow adventurers and change into the provided wetsuits. After briefing, step onboard our purpose-built boats and embark on an in-depth journey. • Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, and marine birdlife – The opportunity to swim with Hector’s dolphins, get close to ancient volcanic cliffs to view New Zealand fur seals and other marine birdlife. •Your ticket includes hire of high quality 5mm wet-suit and optional mask, hot chocolate and biscuits after the swim, hot showers at the end of the trip. Our skippers and Nature Guides are experienced at finding pods of Hector’s dolphins and enjoy a high success rate – in the unlikely event you don’t get to see the Hector's dolphins you’ll receive a complimentary Akaroa Nature Cruise to join us another time.

Join one of the best kayak adventures in New Zealand, jump into a safe stable NZ made sea kayak and follow our local guides as we take you on a spectacular tour through an untouched marine reserve which now exists in a flooded volcanic crater from millions of years ago. The geology and scenery will blow your mind during this intimate sea-kayaking safari. Paddle along through the clear turqouise waters of the pacific, you get the feeling you are in a postcard!  Your guide will keep watch for sightings of native New Zealand marine and bird life including Hector dolphins, white flippered penguins and NZ fur seals. Did we mention this is a bird watching paradise? We travel in small groups to ensure we have zero impact on the environment. You can rest easy knowing you have booked the most environmentally sensitive tour in the harbour. Soak up the serenity of this little slice of paradise and this activity is often voted the highlight of a NZ holiday!

Our Guided Kayak Safari is a great way to spend your time in amazing Akaroa! 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 may have chance sightings of some of the most endangered marine life on the planet including Hector Dolphins, White-flippered penguins, and native sea birds which reside in Akaroa Harbour. 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 with your local kayak/nature guide. Close encounters. No noise, No engines, No crowds, No pollution. So come and join us! Explore, Experience and Enjoy!

Discover volcanic landscapes and breathtaking scenery on New Zealand’s South Island on this 6 hour Akaroa day trip from Christchurch. Take in top attractions including Governor’s Bay with your guide. Ascend the Banks Peninsula for beautiful views over Akaroa Harbour and the volcanic crater. Then, sample locally made cheeses and admire colonial architecture around Akaroa. Cruise by catamaran into the harbor where diverse marine and bird life thrives, including rare Hector’s dolphins. Upgrade your tour to enjoy a delicious lunch in Akaroa Village. Expertise and Local Knowledge: Tour operators have extensive knowledge and expertise in designing itineraries and selecting the best destinations, accommodations, and activities. They have insights into local customs, attractions, and hidden gems that may not be easily accessible or known to individual.We provide free wi-fi services.We provides best Groups Tour rates.

While your ship is in port in Akaroa Harbour, take a shore excursion to tour the scenic Banks Peninsula and visit the city of Christchurch. You’ll see how Christchurch is emerging from the devastation of the 2011 earthquake. Take a brief stroll through the city’s beautiful botanic gardens and admire New Zealand’s magnificent scenery.

A shore excursion highlighting the magnificent scenery of the Banks Peninsula and its twin harbours of Lyttelton & Akaroa. From Lyttelton travel through the harbours inner bays through Gebbies Pass, Lakes Ellesmere & Forsyth and onto the hilltop overlooking Akaroa Harbour. Enjoy a two-hour nature cruise in Akaroa Harbour, with usual sightings of the rare Hector’s Dolphins and other native marine wildlife, followed by an optional lunch at Bully Hayes. In the afternoon, visit a cheese factory and stop on the hills overlooking Christchurch for great views of the city and Canterbury Plains.

Download a vibrantly-narrated mp3 audio guide combined with a map detailing the area of your tour. Nestled on the East Coast of the South Island, the quiet seaside town of Akaroa is best known for its volcanic hills and the dolphins that are found in the bay. On this self-guided audio tour, you will enjoy the tranquil setting and the stunning natural views along the harbour. You will also see the old lighthouse and learn about its interesting French history at the Akaroa Museum. Visit the town wharf, whale try pots, war memorial, corner of Lavaud and Balguerie, St Patrick's Catholic Church, the Old French cemetery, the giant's house, French forecourt and Rue Jolie. Known as the Paris of New Zealand this tour will delight and enthral all at your own pace.

Join your experienced guide for a two-hour walk through native and introduced forest and lavender fields: with stunning views over Akaroa harbour. Learn about our journey which has seen the farm transformed from three open grass paddocks to a place with over 35,000 native plants and a wide range of bird species. Experience native bird songs, understand the importance and use of native plants and how we work to protect the mauri (life force) of this place. We get you up close and personal with a range of plants and conservation techniques! End your experience with a kiwi afternoon tea made the traditional way with fire (fire conditions allowing) and real tea/coffee. Sample a classic NZ/Aotearoa biscuit. Opportunity to purchase lavender products, made from our lavender. Guests must be physically capable of the activity: this includes walking up and down gentle slopes on good tracks for around 1km. We look forward to welcoming you as we share our journey to a sustainable future.

Akaroa guided kayak safari provide a premium 3 hour guided sea kayak safari with a local nature/sea kayak guide through's pristine marine reserve and harbour. You will get the most water time by choosing this kayak safari as we are located right in the heart of Akaroa so tour time is not taken up by driving to the launching area. The wildlife, scenery and knowledgable local guide will make this an experience you won't forget. We are always the first operators on the water and often have the whole harbour to ourselves as the boat tours start after we finish. Peaceful serene and wild sums up the magic of kayaking in the early morning through this idyllic marine reserve. We aim to have zero impact on the conservation area. There is no other place quite like it. Come and see for yourself how special it is here!

Explore the coastal town of Akaroa and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim with dolphins on this full day tour from Christchurch. Travel through the breathtaking New Zealand countryside to Akaroa and admire sights of interest such as Governor’s Bay and Lake Ellesmere on route. Cruise into the harbour with your guide and watch the waves for marine life. Strap on your snorkel and flippers and swim with elegant Hector’s dolphins in the wild. Enjoy free time to explore Akaroa, then visit a local cheese factory for a tasting session.

This private tour is specifically designed for cruise ship passengers. Visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly and knowledgeable local guides. This excursion, starting and finishing at Lyttleton, is a genuinely scenic experience. Visit some of the small settlements around Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbours. Learn about fascinating local history and understand how an enormous extinct volcano shaped this rugged landscape and how the landscape continues to shape the people who live here. There are opportunities to try the local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or admire the local artworks. For those more active, a few bush and coastal walks are available along the way. A day trip that can be busy and active or laid back and relaxing. A trip to Akaroa from Lyttelton fits nicely into the cruise ship schedule.

On this incredibly scenic small group tour, visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly and knowledgeable local guides. This excursion, starting and finishing in Christchurch, is a genuinely picturesque experience. Visit some of the small settlements around Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbours. Learn about fascinating local history, how an enormous extinct volcano shaped this rugged landscape and how the landscape continues to shape the people who live here. There are opportunities to try the local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or admire the local artworks. For those who are more active, a few bush and coastal walks are available along the way. A day trip that can be busy and active or laid back and relaxing.

Akaroa is nestled in the sheltered side of Akaroa Harbour, Banks Peninsula, and is the only French settlement in New Zealand. Discovered by French whaler Captain Langlois, he decided that it would be a perfect location for a town to service the whaling ships. After acquiring the land, he returned to France to gather German and French families to form a colony. After returning and seeing that the Treaty of Waitangi had been signed, and the country now a sovereign country, the French settlers decided to stay, and Akaroa’s French Street names and colonial houses are continuing the legacy of how Akaroa came to be. You will be driven in comfort in our modern, comfortable minibuses Packed with extras, just to make your journey that bit easier. Led by our fun and knowledgeable and passionate tour guides, this journey will come to life in a new way for you. Now we know all this adventuring will make you hungry so don’t worry, lunch included!

This is a small group tour specifically designed for cruise ship passengers. Visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly and knowledgeable local guides. Starting and finishing at Lyttleton, this excursion is a genuinely scenic experience. Visit some of the small settlements around both Lyttleton Harbour and Akaroa Harbours. Learn about fascinating local history and come to understand how an enormous extinct volcano shaped this rugged landscape and how the landscape continues to shape the people who live here. There are opportunities to try the local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or admire the local artworks. For those more active, a few bush and coastal walks are available along the way. A day trip that can be busy and active or laid back and relaxing. A trip to Akaroa from Lyttleton fits nicely into the cruise ship schedule.