Banks Peninsula Tours and Activities

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.Trained, dolphin-spotting dogs are on board for the best possible chance of encountering dolphins.

If you're pulling into port in Akaroa, this shore excursion is designed to show you some of the sights of New Zealand's South Island. You'll explore the Banks Peninsula and the city of Christchurch, plus take a guided tour of the Giant's House. See how the city has rebuilt since the 2011 earthquake, and stop by places such as the Botanical Gardens. This tour allows you to relax on a pre-planned adventure instead of trying to find your own way around the area from the cruise ship port.

Take time out to connect with nature and delight in a nature safari encompassing the wild penguins at Flea Bay. How peaceful is that! To complete your day, enjoy an end-of-day wine tasting (or non-alcoholic beverage) and afternoon platter at the very special French Peak vineyard.. Your journey to Akaroa takes in the stunning scenery of the rugged Banks Peninsula coastline and farmlands. Stopovers include the award winning Barrys Bay Cheese factory at Duvauchelle, and the quaint Little River Café & Gallery. You can also enjoy wandering around the French-inspired township of Akaroa (during the day, you will have a little over 3 hours spare time to wander in and around at your own pace).

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.

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.

Learn about Antarctic landscapes, wildlife and explorers with tickets to the International Antarctic Center in Christchurch, an award-winning experience that combines fun and education. Try to weather a harsh Antarctic storm, then hear about life on the remote Scott Base and spend some quality time with the Center’s adorable Little Blue penguins. Enjoy Hagglund rides and 4D shows, and enter the 'cuddle zone,' where you can meet, snuggle and pet the fluffy Huskies that explorers historically used to pull their Antarctic dogsleds.

Take an aerial journey on the Christchurch Gondola to the Port Hills crater rim and Mt Cavendish summit. At the summit complex — revamped since the 2011 earthquake — you’re rewarded with views of the cityscape, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour. Upgrade for admission to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens including a caterpillar bus tour, or go punting by flat-bottomed boat on the Avon River.

Travel the full circuit aboard the Christchurch Tramway, which departs regularly. Use your ticket to hop on and hop off at 17 stops and create your own sightseeing itinerary. Drivers provide live commentary on the landmarks of this South Island city. Bonus: children up to age 15 travel free.

Discover volcanic landscapes and breathtaking scenery on New Zealand’s South Island on this 9.5-hour Akaroa day trip from Christchurch. Take in top attractions including Governor’s Bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Ellesmere and Lake Forsyth 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.

Enjoy a 4-course dinner aboard the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant and travel in heritage style through the city center, round-trip from Cathedral Junction. Relax and enjoy views of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Avon River from your window-side table. The journey in this elegant restaurant on wheels includes a welcome drink upon arrival, with tea and coffee to accompany your gourmet meal, served by professional waitstaff.

Visit four boutique wineries of North Canterbury on a half-day wine-tasting tour with optional lunch. Departing Christchurch, you’ll taste a quality selection of wines in the up-and-coming Waipara wine region, including stops at Pegasus Bay, Waipara Hills, Torlesse Wines and Waipara Springs. Learn from a knowledgeable guide about Waipara’s unique terroir as you sip a range of superior reds and whites.

Experience the natural treasures of New Zealand on a Kaikoura whale-watching cruise. Look for impressive sperm whales along with migrating humpbacks and southern right whales, and search the waters for orcas and other dolphins as an experienced guide shares informative commentary. Visit a New Zealand fur seal colony on land, glimpse the snowy peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges and top off your full-day tour with a wine-tasting in North Canterbury. Includes optional lunch, with round-trip hotel transport from Christchurch to the picturesque town of Kaikoura.

Explore the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps on this Arthur’s Pass day tour from Christchurch. Travel through the pastureland of the Canterbury Plains to Springfield with your guide. Hop aboard your TranzAlpine train and journey through the Waimakariri Gorge. Explore the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass in the Otira Gorge and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Visit a sheep farm, and admire native birdlife in the foothills of the Southern Alps. Upgrade to include a hair-raising jet-boat ride on the mighty Waimakariri River!

The TranzAlpine train is often referred to as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, and this tour will allow you to experience it. Enjoy the convenience of a day trip where all transport is taken care of— round-trip transfers in a luxury minivan, and a TranzAlpine train ticket are included. See Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps, Lake Pearson, and get the chance to walk in Arthur’s Pass National Park.

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.

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.

Experience the true kiwi way on this fun private tour of Christchurch. Hop in Caroline’s Kombi and explore many of the city’s highlights on a tour that adds a personal touch. Explore art galleries, learn about Maori culture and discover the city’s rich history and culture. Share stories with locals, spot impressive native birds and see the stunning natural landscape. Includes visits to the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial and the Bridge of Remembrance.

Your journey to Akaroa takes in the stunning scenery of the rugged Banks Peninsula coastline and farmlands. Stopovers include the award winning Barrys Bay Cheese factory at Duvauchelle, and the quaint Little River Café & Gallery. The the day's highlight: wander through herds of grazing alpacas, marveling at their exquisite fleece. Enjoy feeding the beautiful and mysterious alpacas whilst enjoying breath-taking views of Akaroa Harbour. Experience an interactive presentation by the people at Shamarra as you take the opportunity to handle and walk among these incredible animals. Afterwards, browse the Alpaca shop where an exclusive collection of luxurious dye free alpaca knitwear is available. Finish off the day with a wine tasting at the very special French Peak vineyard.

The pinnacle of our flights east of Christchurch, this tour first sees you fly over the city centre to view the progress of the massive rebuild. Then it’s on to the beautiful Banks Peninsula and the picturesque French harbour settlement of Akaroa, before touching down on a mountain top to take in yet more magnificent views. Our pilots will personalise this experience for you by sharing their local knowledge and insights of our big backyard as you fly over remarkable sights and landmarks, including; Burnside Park, Sumner Cliffs, Rapaki Track, Quail, the Akaroa French Settlement and more. We have plenty to share with you and can’t wait for you to experience it.

Discover Christchurch, the Banks Peninsula, and more on this 5 day city explorer tour designed specifically with local travellers in mind. Make the most of your stay with airport transfers and four star accommodation with complimentary breakfast and an evening drink all included. You will also be provided with Tram & Gondola tickets for your leisure along with some of our best Christchurch tours including a comprehensive sightseeing tour, a Waipara Wine Tour with tastings and lunch, and an Akaroa Day Tour with Nature Cruise.