New Zealand · AKAROA TOURS
Good akaroa tours fill up over summer; the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
A 2-hour Akaroa catamaran wildlife cruise for Hector’s dolphins, seals, and penguins, with a drink, cookies, and dog-aided spotting.
“Excelent tour, very informative, lot of dolfins and sea lions and even a pingguin. We enjoyed it very much.”
2-hour Akaroa harbour cruise to spot rare Hector’s dolphins, seals and penguins, plus history, warm jackets, wine, and cookies.
“Very enjoyable cruise. Saw Hector's dolphins. Cruise was exactly what it says on the box. I enjoyed Dave's banter during the trip too.”
A narrated 2-hour Akaroa Harbour catamaran cruise with hot drinks, sea caves, and wildlife spotting, including Hector’s dolphins.
“It was one of the best unforgettable experiences we have with my Mom travelling together. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to visit NZ.”
Sail Akaroa Harbour to spot rare Hector dolphins, seals, and penguins on a modern catamaran with volcanic scenery, stories, tea, and a postcard.
“Saw alot of hector dolphins and fur seals. Boat was really good and so were the staff. Captain was very knowledgeable about the area with excellent commentary. Thoroughly recommend!”
Akaroa to Christchurch in 6 hours for Banks Peninsula views, Botanic Gardens, 2011 earthquake sights, and coastal towns Sumner and Lyttelton.
“We were on a 50 passenger bus, so that eliminates the opportunity to ask questions. it was a long day of driving to see Christchurch, but I wanted to go there, so I don't know how it could have been otherwise - except others on our ship saw Christchurch AND stopped to see a sheep shearing and dogs working sheep. I was envious of them. We saw all that was advertised in the tour and it was very good.”
Guided sea kayaking in Akaroa Marine Reserve, paddle a volcanic lagoon by the harbor with all gear and possible wildlife sightings.
“Our guide was very knowledgeable and very adept at kayaking. He did a very good job of pointing out anything he spotted along the way. Was a little disappointed that the only thing we saw were a few different types of birds. It probably had to do with the time of year we were there. The kayaking was enjoyable and the view were good.”
Akaroa to Christchurch via Banks Peninsula, then the International Antarctic Centre with penguins and a Hagglund ride.
“This was an excellent tour of the area between Akaroa and Christ Church as well as the city. Our guide was a wealth of knowledge about the area, including the history. The International Antarctic Centre was a highlight.”
Paddle Akaroa’s extinct volcanic basin at sunrise with a small team, chasing Hector dolphins, seals, and penguins, plus photos.
“To begin with Viator messed up our reservation. On Saturday 11/09/24 I made a reservation for two participants. The front Viator page read reservation for Tomorrow ( 11/10/24). I continued on with the process assuming the reservation waRead more”
Akaroa 4WD safari plus guided sea-kayaking at Pohatu Flea Bay, cliffs, caves, wildlife, and gear included for $80.
“One of the highlights of our trips!! The day was windy and Ben was very aware of conditions in keeping us safe! The seals were cute and the penguins adorable! With the possibility of weather not allowing us to go I also feel that Ben made sure the experience was worthwhile!”
From Akaroa to Christchurch for gardens and earthquake-era sights, then jet boat thrill on the Waimakariri River braided shallows.
“Enjoyed this thoroughly. The jet boat experience was very enjoyable and we were the only boat on the river. The Banks Peninsula and Christchurch city tour were very informative and interesting. Woudl recommend this tour.”
Guided Scott pedal-assist e-bike ride on Akaroa's Lava Loop, with harbour and crater rim views, helmets, and 3 hours.
“The tour was great. We were met by Greville and he set us up for the ride through the hills. The E-bikes made the ride very enjoyable. I highly recommend it.”
Ride an e-bike from sea to crater summit, then kayak the crater and marine reserve in Akaroa. Snacks, photos, small group included.
“Joey was out kayaking guide and he taught us how to get in and out plus plenty of safety measures if needed. We kayaked all around the shore lines as stopped at different points so he could show us penguins and dolphins. We were eRead more”
Guided electric bike tour of Akaroa Harbour and Banks Peninsula, with pedal assist, safety gear, and small-group views.
“Totally awesome trip & highly recommend! This needs to be on your ‘must do’ list!!!! It’s a very well organised, where your safety, ability & enjoyment are considered in equal measure. I’m new to e-bikes but was well briefed by my guide & felt totally safe. The views speak for themselves!! Stunning. Thank you Grevel, you & your team are top rate!”
Guided Akaroa electric mountain bike tour, quiet coastal roads, French village sights, lighthouse views, and hill-climbing power in 2 hours.
“Great bike tour with Max today Akaroa. Good fun for the hole family”
Self-guided audio tour of Akaroa’s French heritage, lighthouse, war memorials, wharf stops, and harbour views, 1 to 3 hours.
“Free WiFi to be able to utilize this tour was non-existant. We couldn't get download with using our own data plan and costing us more money. We were not told on website to download prior to getting to Akaroa which then we would have been able to use it. Well we still walked around and enjoyed the city. Not worth the money.”
From the fiords to the geothermal belt, sorted by what you want to do with the day.
