Spot Akaroa Harbour’s rare Hector’s dolphins on a catamaran wildlife cruise that includes fresh-baked cookies and a drink. The 2-hull catamaran offers more stability and deck space than a single-hull boat, ensuring a comfortable spot as you scan for fur seals, white-flippered penguins, and other wildlife. Dolphin-spotting dogs are on board .Equipped with dog life-vests and a keen ear, they’ll help make your dolphin encounter an unforgettable experience.
Experience majestic scenery and stunning wildlife, including Hector’s dolphins, blue penguins and birdlife, on a narrated 2-hour Akaroa Harbour cruise. Ride a spacious luxury catamaran with prime views of the harbor’s sea caves and volcanic cliffs. Your skipper stops at a salmon farm in Lucas Bay and takes you past a New Zealand fur seal colony at Seal Bay.
Swim with dolphins at Akaroa Harbour, where Hector’s dolphins—found only in New Zealand—visit the waters of the Banks Peninsula. Cruising the sheltered harbor by jet-powered catamaran so you can swim up close, learn from the highly trained crew how to interact safely with the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins. Just 12 swimmers are permitted per vessel, ensuring an intimate experience in a small group. Wetsuits and masks are provided, along with a hot shower and drink on board.
Active travelers will love exploring around Akaroa on an electric mountain bike and sea kayaking tour. E-bikes make it easy to cover a lot of ground without wearing yourself out around the hilly peninsula. Ride to the crater summit for great views, and then look out for rare marine animals while paddling in the turquoise ocean. Get personalized attention and the chance to ask questions on a small-group tour.
Discover remote bays and native marine wildlife in New Zealand on this 3-hour sea kayak tour from Akaroa. Following an orientation session, paddle out onto the waters around Akaroa’s extinct volcanic basin with your guide. Test your newfound sea kayaking skills in the shallows of the harbor. Then, head out onto the gently rolling waves and enjoy panoramic views over the rugged coastline. Watch the skies for native birdlife such as heron, egrets, oystercatchers and bitterns, and keep an eye on the waves for sightings of playful seals and dolphins.
Swap your cruise ship for a kayak on this 3-hour shore excursion from Akaroa and enjoy a thrilling close encounter with native wildlife. Paddle your way around remote bays, inlets and sandy beaches; admire the dramatic scenery of the once-active volcano basin; then cool off with a swim. Along the way, keep a lookout for some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife sightings, including Hector Dolphins, penguins and orca whales.
Spend your time in port in Akaroa on a small-group shore excursion, sea kayaking around the harbor. Bask in the scenery of remote bays and inlets, and catch a glimpse of local marine life, including penguins, orcas, and endangered Hector’s dolphins. You’ll paddle for three hours with a guide through the basin of an extinct volcano and stop for a snack and swim at a coastal beach. This tour departs within walking distance of the cruise port.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy learning more about beautiful alpacas at an alpaca farm. This ticket gives you admission to the farm, where you can meet the furry creatures, take some photos, and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of Akaroa. Find out about their care, their friendly nature, and how alpacas are different from llamas.
Travel from Akaroa Harbour on this shore excursion through the Banks Peninsula to Christchurch, whose city center was devastated by the 2011 earthquake. Drive past city landmarks in the old CBD and stroll the Christchurch Botanic Gardens with a knowledgeable guide. En route, take in the scenic splendor of the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Region.
This Akaroa shore excursion takes you sightseeing in Christchurch via a scenic drive through the Banks Peninsula. See the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and other city highlights before a visit to the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch's top attraction. Feel arctic winds at the Snow and Ice Experience and observe New Zealand wildlife at the Penguin Encounter. Finish with an all-terrain adventure on a thrilling ride by amphibious Hagglund vehicle.
This Akaroa shore excursion takes you on a scenic journey into Christchurch via the Banks Peninsula with a visit to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Your tour of the ‘Garden City’ includes a stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and a look at earthquake recovery efforts in the city center. You’ll find exotic critters such as wallabies, gibbons and lemurs at the wildlife reserve, and meet the elusive but iconic kiwi, New Zealand’s national bird.
While your cruise ship is docked in Akaroa port, take a guided shore excursion to Christchurch and nearby Canterbury via the scenic bays and coves of the Banks Peninsula. Explore the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and other highlights during a city sightseeing tour, then see sheep dogs and a sheep-shearing demonstration as you get a feel for rural life on an authentic New Zealand sheep farm. Afternoon tea and round-trip port transport are included.
Our tours numbers are kept limited, offering you a small and intimate tour that will take you where others can't with amazing views of New Zealands wildlife. Our friendly and knowledgeable crew love meeting and talking with our guests, and Scruffy our friendly boat dog, joins us on our afternoon trips. Tony, a real Kiwi, has been exploring the waters around Banks Peninsula since the 1960s. He'll entertain you with the stories of his adventures and share his enthusiasm for this wonderful environment and stunning wildlife.
When your cruise ship docks in Akaroa, take a shore excursion to Christchurch for a sightseeing tour, followed by an adrenaline-charged jet-boat ride on the Waimak River. Escorted by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll combine a drive through the Banks Peninsula with the city landmarks of Christchurch and an exhilarating jet-boat ride. Round-trip port transport is included.
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.
Make the most of your time at shore and discover Akaroa on this fun shore excursion. Alongside a private guide, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the township and its inner bays. Visit a local cheese factory, drive along the volcanic rim, and visit the famous Giants House in just a few hours.
Let us show you Christchurch, Lyttelton, the Bays and Akaroa on this full-day private tour, which includes a 2-hour harbor cruise where you are guaranteed to see native Hector Dolphins. Explore Akaroa, a historic French settlement surrounded by wilderness. The rest of the day is up to you. Visit the Giant's House, cuddle an alpaca, taste local cheeses, browse art galleries, ride the Christchurch Gondola and much more.
Our exclusive service offers you absolute flexibility to do exactly whatever and whenever you want.
Once you arrive after your long trip from home you can sit back, relax and enjoy as your driver escorts you around this fascinating country introducing you to guided local tours around different towns and natural landscapes, in English, Spanish and Italian.
We are Professional Drivers and qualified by New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). Also we hold a Transport service Licence (TSL) and we are part of ProGuide Association.
We can drive around all of New Zealand and our best option is to start or finish your trip in Christchurch.
Enjoy a day trip to Akaroa. Enjoy a scenic drive with a local driver who will provide commentary and photo stops as you drive over the stunning Gebbes pass in a private mini van. The jouney is about 50 minutes each way. When you arrive in Akaroa choose from one our amazing guided tours.
Enjoy a stunning guided sea kayak safari in one of New Zealand's best kayaking regions. Stunning views, small groups, knowledgeable nature guide. Explore with no noise, pollution, or engines. Explore the tranquil harbour in an environmentally friendly way while getting some fresh air and exercise.
If you would rather do a land based activity then why not choose our Ebike tour. The fastest, most scenic and most fun way to get to the top of the crater! Jump on a brand new latest model Scott Ebike and cycle with a local guide From sea to summit with uninterrupted views over the crystal blue waters of the pacific ocean we ride. This is one special experience you don’t want to miss!
Save time waiting for other cruise ship passengers and escape straight to Christchurch for this private shore excursion. Once you arrive, experience Christchurch without the noise and rigid timetables of a big tour group. Take a electric caterpillar bus around the famous Botanical Gardens, boat down the Avon river in a traditional English poling punt, and discover how Christchurch is rebuilding in the wake of the devastating 2011 earthquake.
Akaroa's first and only stargazing experience. Fully outdoor guided tour, our Night Awe include observations through naked eye, binoculars and telescope.
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1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
US$44.86
From
US$44.86
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"Spotting one of the little penguins in the water, so cute! And the friendly „working“ dog Albie on the boat. All the infos given be the crew were great!"..."
"Spotting one of the little penguins in the water, so cute! And the friendly „working“ dog Albie on the boat. All the infos given be the crew were great!"
"Going out on the boat in Akaroa with some of my family and seeing the beautiful little dolphins, seals and bird life makes for a memorable moment in our beautiful country of New Zealand."..."
"Going out on the boat in Akaroa with some of my family and seeing the beautiful little dolphins, seals and bird life makes for a memorable moment in our beautiful country of New Zealand."
Guided Electric Mountain Bike & Sea Kayak Tour in Akaroa
"Enjoying the peaceful and beautiful blue waters, kayaking into a cave…very cool! Then biking up and down 10-15%grade with absolute ease with the turbo feature on the e-bikes!"..."
"Enjoying the peaceful and beautiful blue waters, kayaking into a cave…very cool! Then biking up and down 10-15%grade with absolute ease with the turbo feature on the e-bikes!"
Sunrise wildlife sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve
"Went on the morning tour with James, had a great time! He was super intensive and knowledgeable! Despite him mentioning he was Originally from the north island, and had just moved down to the south island… He had a lot of fun tid bits to mention to us! Super friendly and so glad we had an opportunity to see Akaroa with him. Good pace for us to paddle our hearts out or just cruise slowly to take in the scenery. THANK YOU! Very easy booking and instructions to start our trip!"..."
"Went on the morning tour with James, had a great time! He was super intensive and knowledgeable! Despite him mentioning he was Originally from the north island, and had just moved down to the south island… He had a lot of fun tid bits to mention to us! Super friendly and so glad we had an opportunity to see Akaroa with him. Good pace for us to paddle our hearts out or just cruise slowly to take in the scenery. THANK YOU! Very easy booking and instructions to start our trip!"
Shore Excursion: Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve
"Great few hours out on the water, though choppy at times. James was great, knowledgeable and provided a calming confident approach. Highly recommend"..."
"Great few hours out on the water, though choppy at times. James was great, knowledgeable and provided a calming confident approach. Highly recommend"
Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and the International Antarctic Centre
"This excursion was a lot of fun. The Antarctic centre was an amazing experience. Do ride in the hugland was a great experience as well. Loved the whole tour ."..."
"This excursion was a lot of fun. The Antarctic centre was an amazing experience. Do ride in the hugland was a great experience as well. Loved the whole tour ."
Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and Sheep Farm Tour
"Super tour of Christchurch and the surrounding area. Driver gave great commentary and provided good insight into the background and history of the area. Hugh at the sheep farm did a great job of letting us know what life on a sheep farm is like. Tom, the dog was interesting to watch as he worked the herd. Sheep shearing demo was excellent."..."
"Super tour of Christchurch and the surrounding area. Driver gave great commentary and provided good insight into the background and history of the area. Hugh at the sheep farm did a great job of letting us know what life on a sheep farm is like. Tom, the dog was interesting to watch as he worked the herd. Sheep shearing demo was excellent."
Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and Jet Boat on Waimak River
"This excursion was thrilling! We had an amazing time and tour through Akaroa ending with this once in a lifetime experience. The driver of the boat was a professional race driver and his skills were VERY evident. His wife had drinks and homemade treats for us after our boat ride. Highly recommend!"..."
"This excursion was thrilling! We had an amazing time and tour through Akaroa ending with this once in a lifetime experience. The driver of the boat was a professional race driver and his skills were VERY evident. His wife had drinks and homemade treats for us after our boat ride. Highly recommend!"