Akaroa Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Tour and Jet Boating

Overview

Available languages

English

6 hours

Mobile ticket

See the sights of Christchurch when your ship is docked in Akaroa port, then enjoy one of the adrenaline-charged adventures New Zealand is famous for on a wild jet-boating ride on the Waimakiriri River. Combining the grand urban architecture of Christchurch and the exhilarating experience of jet-boating, you’ll see both sides of New Zealand on this city and river shore excursion.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time

Life-vests and splash-proof jackets provided on jet-boat

Please note that activity times and schedules can be slightly amended depending on your cruise ships timetable.

The minimum age for jet-boating is two years of age.

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

Local guide

Jet-boat ride

Port pickup and drop-off

Covered by Viator’s worry-free policy: guaranteed on-time return to your ship

Food and drinks

What To Expect

First you will be collected at the park at the end of Akaroa Wharf (opposite the Akaroa Village Inn) at 10.30am and driven through the village of Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula with stunning views of rolling hills, lakes and coastlines before arriving in Christchurch.

Admission Not Applicable

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

After boarding our coaches from the Akaroa Port, we'll take you through to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens & Christchurch Museum via the scenic Banks Peninsula. Explore on your own for 30 minutes.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Tour and Jet Boating

Reviews

4.09

54 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Absolutely Thrilling!
Paul D,
Feb 9, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00
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!
Jet Boat.... so cool!
Bill Z,
Mar 15, 2020
- Review from Viator
5.00
Jet Boat was so much fun with a great driver that explained the phenomenon of the river! Great scenery all along the way on the trip.
Late departure
cecilial773,
Mar 9, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
This tour was a little disorganized to get us off to our activities, the speed boat ride thru the river was fun!
Flying over just inches of water!
Skinflint traveller,
Feb 22, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The bus ride was a long one from Akaroa, but the scenery was fantastic and the seats were comfortable. We went in mid February, and the water levels were down. This added to the excitement. Make no mistake... it is a tad bit dangerous. We scraped bottom on the river bed 3 times. The first time, the driver raised his hand over his head and held his fingers up to indicate that we had just scooted over about an inch of water. I took out my iPhone about halfway through and recorded a bit of the journey. It's awesome to look back on. Also, if you are coming from your cruise ship, plan on it taking an hour to get to shore. It took us less than that, but just the tender ride itself was 15 minutes, and there was still a line to get on.
Nice tour of Christchurch and the Banks Peninsula
Pathfinder794970,
Feb 10, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Our driver did a great job showing us the Banks Peninsula and Christchurch. It's a shame so much damage from the 2011 Earthquake in Christchurch, but still beautiful and good to hear the story and rebuild going on. The Jet Boat ride on the Waimak was a real hoot! loved it. Would recommend!
Jet Boat Ride
Amy,
Feb 6, 2020
- Review from Viator
3.00
The time in Christchurch was too rushed due to time constraints. We spent way too much time sitting and waiting at the Antartic Museum after we dropped people there. Then at the last minute they decided we needed to go inside the museum and get a quick bite to eat on the bus. Felt very unorganized and rushed. The Jet Boat ride was AMAZING. It is the only thing that saved the tour in my opinion.
Do not book if coming via cruise ship
Emsmi76,
Feb 6, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
I was so excited to go on this trip it looked amazing and it was the one shore excursion we had planed to do whilst on our cruise. Unfortunately, due to the cruise tendering process we were unable to get to the pick up location on time. I have tried on sever occasions to contact the complany to assist with refund and or travel insurance claim but have had no response. Ironcially, we did have a lovely day in Akaroa just walking around enjoying the quaint little town. DO NOT BOOK THIS TOUR IF COMING FROM A CRUISE SHIP.
Good Raft Trip
Elaine G,
Jan 22, 2020
- Review from Viator
5.00
Deon was very good at communicating with us prior to the trip and coordinating pickup from our cruise ship. The journey to the river was nice and we were supplied a full set of wet suits and dry gear to keep us warm and dry. He picked us up and dropped us on schedule. We were able to meet his wife and dog as well. Very personable and enjoyable. The rafting was fun and enjoyable. If you are looking for something fun, but not dangerous, this is perfect.
Exhilaratiom!
Mario S,
Jan 29, 2019
- Review from Viator
5.00
The jet-boat driver ( Malcolm?), was extremely confident and professional! The ride was exhilarating and informative about the sport of racing such boats. The 'raw power' of the engine and its pump which propelled the boat in only about 60mm water depth just above rocks and pebbles made it a " must epxperience"; stongly recommended!
Akoroa Shore Excursion
PATRICIA J,
Dec 14, 2018
- Review from Viator
4.00
Very entertaining and thrilling. If I have one complaint it's that none of the excursions give you enough time to order & eat in the options where they provide you to get your lunch.