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Akaroa Tour
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Akaroa Tour

Experience the picturesque beauty of Akaroa on a guided tour from Christchurch. Enjoy magnificent views of Lyttelton Harbour, the Southern Alps, and Akaroa Harbour. Delight in a cheese tasting, a scenic picnic, and a nature cruise to see Hectors Dolphins, Little Blue Penguins, and NZ Fur Seals.

About this Tour

Christchurch to Akaroa is 83 kilometres by road, set on a beautiful, sheltered harbour and overlooked by craggy volcanic hills. It is a popular weekend retreat with a population of around 750 people. It is predominantly a quiet spot, with a quaint village atmosphere. Cruise boats occasionally dock at the Harbour, bringing with it a bustle of tourists. We can check their docking schedules prior to our trip, if you wish to avoid any crowds and would like a more serene experience. The settlement has a unique French flavour and some quaint shops if you wish to enjoy some shopping.

The day starts leaving Christchurch via the Summit Road. This route gives you magnificent views over both the Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch City and out across the plains to the Southern Alps.

You will visit a cheese factory to enjoy some tastings at the last operating cheese factory at Barry's Bay. We will stop along the way, either on a remote beach or high above the many inlets, for a hot pot of morning tea and homemade bakes. There are lots of opportunities for photo stops, with spectacular views over Banks Peninsula. Later, we will enjoy a two-course delicious homemade picnic lunch in a scenic location.

Enjoy a cruise on the Black Cat boat. This nature cruise offers some wonderful variety including unique volcanic coastal scenery, NZ Fur Seals, and the endangered Hectors Dolphins as well as Little Blue Penguins.

What's Included

  • An experienced and knowledgeable local tour guide
  • Return transport from Christchurch to Akaroa Village and Harbour
  • Morning tea and a 2-course picnic lunch hamper made with natural ingredients
  • 2-hour Harbour Nature Cruise

Itinerary

9:00AM

Depart Christchurch via Summit Road

Begin your journey from Christchurch, taking the scenic Summit Road route with magnificent views over Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch City, and the Southern Alps.

10:00AM

Morning Tea Above the City

Stop for morning tea at a scenic location overlooking Lyttelton Harbour with views towards the Southern Alps. Enjoy homemade bakes and a hot pot of tea.

11:00AM

Walk on Stony Beach at Kaitorete Spit

Take a walk along the remote Stony Beach at Kaitorete Spit, with opportunities for stunning photos of the coastal scenery.

12:00PM

Barry's Bay Cheese Factory

Visit the last operating cheese factory at Barry's Bay. Enjoy viewing the cheese-making process and sample delicious local cheeses.

12:30PM

Picnic Lunch in Scenic Location

Enjoy a delicious two-course homemade picnic lunch in a scenic location close to Akaroa Village, made with natural ingredients.

1:15PM

Check in for Black Cat Harbour Nature Cruise

Check in for the Black Cat Harbour Nature Cruise. Prepare to view Hectors Dolphins, NZ Fur Seals, and Little Blue Penguins, as well as stunning volcanic scenery from the catamaran boat.

1:30PM

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

Embark on a 2-hour nature cruise through Akaroa Harbour. Experience unique volcanic coastal scenery and spot native wildlife including endangered Hectors Dolphins, NZ Fur Seals, and Little Blue Penguins.

3:30PM

Return to Christchurch

Begin the return journey to Christchurch via the main highway, with time to reflect on your day's adventures.

5:30PM

Arrive in Christchurch

Return to Christchurch with unforgettable memories of Akaroa's natural beauty and wildlife.

Adult
$490
per person
Child
$350
per person
Duration
~8 hours
Group Size
4
Distance
200 km

Have questions?

Contact Craig

Private tour - just you and Craig

Tour Details

Activity LevelLow

This tour can be customised to suit your interests. Get in touch and Craig will tailor it to your preferences.

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