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
232 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Leaping synchronized dolphins put on a show
Bernard G,
Sep 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00We were on the whale watch but it was the dolphins that made our day and our week!! It was about eight minutes of leaping synchronized dolphins showing off their athletic skills-most in pairs but there was also one group of six! It was pretty close to unbelievable!!! But we should also say the scenery into Akaroa is very much worth seeing—even by South Island’s very high standards.
It was really nice. The...
Nikki w,
Sep 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was really nice. The whole experience was great. The lunch was delicious and even though we didn’t see dolphins, we enjoyed the boat trip
Delightful tour
Donna C,
Sep 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00A really delightful tour. Our guide was fun and knowledgeable, Akaroa charming and lunch was amazing. It was exciting to see a hector dolphin and so many seals. Highly recommended.
A great day out. Our...
Alexander C,
Sep 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00A great day out. Our guide was informative and it was a very comfortable journey. Check weather conditions as it would not be as pleasant if it were raining
Akaroa is a must see! A...
Marites C,
Sep 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00Akaroa is a must see! A beautiful drive from Christchurch- awesome views and a lovely guide Stephanie. Thank you for being so informative and teaching me about manuka. And the day was even made more wonderful because of the whale sighting. Awesome!!
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Operated by Leisure Tours