Private Tour
Akaroa Nature and History Private Tour - The 7th Generation
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
My true story | New Zealand’s History
Do not miss out on this incredible New Zealand experience.
Just look at the amazing 5 star reviews!
Guests describe this tour as the “New Zealand’s best kept secret”, “the best thing to do in Akaroa”, “best tour in Canterbury.”
This tour is owned and operated by The 7th Generation descendant of the French settlers, expert trained historian and ecologist and natural born storyteller.
Guests consistently report that the tour had a BIG impact on them, leaving them feeling connected to nature and inspired for the future.
Expert guide Marie Haley, was a FINALIST at the 2024 New Zealand Tourism Awards for Tourism Business Excellence, a big deal for a one-woman operation.
This tour will take you to all of Akaroa’s hidden gems - you will simply see no other tourists.
This tour includes all the best things to do in Akaroa, that you could not access and understand without this expert guide.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please let me know of any major health or mobility issues to tailor the tour to your needs.
Some flexibility is required entering and exiting the vehicle, please let me know of any health issues.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Akaroa Lighthouse
Learn about the historic Akaroa Lighthouse and its incredible connection to the Robert Louis Stevenson family. One of Akaroa’s many historic buildings, perhaps it’s most photographed.
Learn about the geological and natural history of New Zealand. Learn about Polynesian navigation and exploration. Learn about European arrival to New Zealand and the flax trade. Learn about the Brig Elizabeth incident with the first European involvement in intertribal warfare, on the shores of Akaroa harbour which ultimately lead to the Treaty of Waitangi. We will spend time walking along the shoreline and have a chance to take photos.
What‘s Included
Homemade scones and homemade jam, with tea, coffee or hot chocolate. At one of the most beautiful picnic spots in the world.
Guide
Pickup points
La Rochelle Motel
1 Rue Grehan Akaroa New Zealand
The Grand Hotel Akaroa
6 Rue Lavaud, Akaroa New Zealand
Akaroa Village Inn
81 Beach Road, Canterbury Akaroa New Zealand
TRESORI MOTOR LODGE & APARTMENTS
128 Rue Jolie, Church St Akaroa New Zealand
Akaroa Criterion Motel
75 Rue Jolie, Akaroa Banks Penninsular Akaroa New Zealand
Options
Akaroa Nature and History Tour
Pickup included
Group Tour - Akaroa
Group Private Tours
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
“Bringing History to Life: An Outstanding Learning Experience with Marie”
Sunshine44724874433,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have been working with Marie for the past four years as part of our NCEA Level 2 programme, and I highly recommend her. She is easy to deal with, well organised, and makes the day highly enjoyable for both students and staff — it is a highlight of the course for both my students and me. She builds great rapport with students and keeps them interested throughout, and they consistently learn a great deal from the experience. Many comment on how interesting and inspiring the tour is, thanks to her passion and storytelling. Marie is highly adaptable, tailoring each tour to meet assessment requirements, which adds real value to student learning. Her content is always fresh and engaging, even after multiple years. I would highly recommend Marie not only for senior History programmes but also as a valuable opportunity for junior Social Studies classes or as part of department professional development. We look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.
A perfect way to be introduced to Banks Penninsula and Aotearoa history
Cosmopolitan318132,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From every perspective this is an ideal tour. Marie provides geological (so THAT is how NZ emerged as a land mass!), historical (Māori, French, English), political (I had no idea the Waitangi Treaty was signed in Akaroa), personal (how a teenager fighting in Les Miserable-era Frane travels the world to NZ), and environmental (restoration of native trees through natural progression rather than chemicals and fire) context to understand the Banks peninsula and Akaroa. From the beautiful views over tea, stress-free communications, and flexible approach (we arrived by bus so had to shift our start time), our family left transformed and rejuvenated. 15 out of 10!
Excellent tour of Akaroa
U1601DTglennk,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife Jan and I highly recommend you take Marie's tour. She is very passionate and knowledgeable about the history of Akaroa and the role it played in the settlement of New Zealand. After the tour you will remember Akaroa for more than just its natural beauty.
A 5 Star Must-Do Akaroa Experience!
Travel737874,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I highly recommend Akaroa visitors to experience 7th Generation Tour, guided by a rich storyteller, Marie. You will learn the heart and soul of Akaroa and have a clear understanding of the significance and importance of Akaroa’s sea and land history. The tour includes must see landmarks and scenic lookout points. A huge thank you to Marie for sharing her home’s profound past events and the awareness that we are all connected together.
A Few Hours Well Spent!
rhonag730,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marie was just a delight. My daughter and I learned so much from her about the early settling of Akaroa and New Zealand from an actual descendant. We enjoyed spending the entire morning and early afternoon with her (she graciously extended her time) and we even had the pleasure of sharing cookies and a tea with her while overlooking the stunning landscape. She is very knowledgeable about the conservation of the land and what is being done to preserve its beauty and abundance. Highly recommend this tour.
PHENOMENAL TOUR
joshuasI7019HV,Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marie was FANTASTIC. This tour has everything you need. It had nature, history, beautiful scenery and lots of culture. Book it ASAP.
Akaroa tour review
lachlans429,Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an unbelievable experience to be apart of. Marie is a proud Akaroa lady who takes pride in displaying the beautiful area that she calls home. There was no question to big or small. Beautiful tour, beautiful town.
The Best History Tour
982jede,Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a wonderful time on this tour. Marie is a wealth of knowledge and I learnt so much about NZ and Akaroa. Would recommend this to anyone visiting.
Not just a history tour but a proper insight into beautiful Akoroa and NZ in general.
Abigail H,Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked this for our first day in New Zealand and the stunning little town of Akoroa. It was such a good introduction to the area, Māori culture and the history of NZ. Marie was a natural story teller and very warm and empathetic, she really bought the area to life by being so connected to it and I learned loads about the ecology (who knew gorse could be interesting?!) and history of the area.
A tour not to be missed in Akaroa!
455debst,Sep 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic experience with Marie Haley’s Seventh Generation tour. The tour was not only informative but also felt very personal, as Marie shared stories of her own ancestors that brought Akaroa’s history to life. Her knowledge and passion made the tour engaging and memorable. The homemade scones were absolutely delicious, a real treat to finish off the experience. Marie is a wonderful guide, and we came away with a much deeper understanding and appreciation of Akaroa. Highly recommended!
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Operated by The Seventh Generation