Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch
Overview
Available languages
9 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What‘s Included
Lunch - (if option chosen)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Driver/guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Akaroa
Following a morning pickup by air-conditioned coach from your Christchurch hotel, head out along the road to Akaroa to begin your tour. Tour includes Tourism Award Winning & Supreme Tourism Award winning cruise, on Akaroa Harbour. Visit the beautiful unspoilt old French whaling depot of Akaroa. A charming small township nestled in a inner harbour bay of Akaroa Harbour on Banks Peninsula. The township contains a host of historic buildings, craft and gift shops together with a multitude of idyllic photo opportunities. Lunch is available at the naturally picturesque setting of Akaroa Village at the popular Bully Hayes. (Lunch is an optional extra) In the afternoon enjoy the Akaroa Harbour Cruise on the Canterbury Cat. On your return journey to Christchurch a stop will be made at the Barry’s Bay Cheese factory, where you will get to sample some fine New Zealand cheese
Lake Ellesmere
Travel to Akaroa via Lake Ellesmere, Lake Forsyth and Little River
Options
Akaroa - Cruise Only
Akaroa - Cruise only: Akaroa Day Tour including a 2 hour Nature Cruise on Akaroa Harbour (No lunch included)
Pickup included
Akaroa Day Tour w/ Lunch
Akaroa Day Tour: Tour includes lunch at Bully Hayes restaurant and a 2 hour Nature Cruise on Akaroa Harbour.
Pickup included
Reviews
225 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Had a lovely day. Akaroa...
Aizah A,
Aug 26, 2025
- Viator
4.00Had a lovely day. Akaroa was a very picturesque town. Our guide/driver, Jude, was friendly and attentive - we enjoyed her company for sure.
Jude the best driver and guide!
A T,
Aug 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00Jude was an exceptionally skilled driver who navigated all the tight bends and curves en route to Akaroa, and an intuitive guide who anticipated our needs and at the same time created a really chill environment for us to relax into. There were just 6 of us on the tour and she was always there with us, but we felt like there was still space for self-exploration around town. Hands down the best tour we’ve had so far in Christchurch and we are grateful for Jude who made our day carefree and super enjoyable!
A great way to see Akaroa without the stress of driiving!
Jennifer L,
Jul 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00We landed in Christchurch and stayed a day before embarking on a driving trip around the South Island. We decided on this tour in order to see things we wouldn’t have seen on our own and to have a fun day that didn’t involve driving. Jude, our guide and driver, was delightful—friendly, helpful, and informative. We loved the small-group experience. Lunch and the harbor cruise were both excellent—we saw many dolphins along with seals and an albatross. The roads to get there were windy and would have been somewhat intimidating to us as visitors, but Jude navigated with ease and took us to places with incredible views. We highly recommend this day trip from Christchurch!
Small group ...
Gwen G,
Jun 11, 2025
- Viator
5.00Small group Excellent knowledgeable guide Gorgeous scenery Good food Saw Hector’s dolphins and a fur seal nursery Highly recommended!
Great experience, Scotty...
Josemaria H,
May 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great experience, Scotty was a knowledgeable and fun guide. The area had scenic views and we were lucky enough to see numerous dolphins and seals on the cruise. Highly recommended!
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Operated by Leisure Tours