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.”
Akaroa 4WD eco tour to Pohatu Bay for farm time, volcano lookout views, and little penguin conservation. Choose 2 or 4 hours.
“Amazing tour, the efforts by these incredible people to protect the ecosystem is so inspiring.”
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!”
See white-flippered little penguins at dusk from Akaroa, with a 4WD crater-rim drive and 30-year conservation monitoring.
“It was a great experience and very informativ! The guides provided a lot of information regarding the location and of course penguins. I definitely recommend it!”
One hour at Shamarra Alpaca Farm in Akaroa. Feed, pet, learn about alpacas, enjoy harbour views, raincoats included.
“Lovely team. They’re so passionate about their work. It was a great afternoon with them. Alpacas are super friendly. But more than that, I really enjoyed interacting with the staff - they genuinely love their work and care for the animals. It was a phenomenal experience.”
Small-group sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve. Paddle a volcanic coastline, spot wildlife, and end with a refreshing swim.
“Strongly recommend! A highlight of my trip to picturesque Akaroa — our guide Adam was fantastic, offering knowledgeable commentary on the history and geology of the area and pointing out the varied wildlife all throughout a bRead more”
Small-boat Akaroa cruise around Banks Peninsula to spot Hector’s dolphins, penguins, seals, and seabirds with local owners Tony and Mafi.
“Tony and Moffie are incredible. They knew exactly where to go and how best to maneuver their boat to get up close and personal to the seals, cliffs, caves, and dolphins. They respect the dolphins and don’t chase them, but the dolphins flockRead more”
Paddle Akaroa Marine Reserve in a small-group sea kayak, chase Hector dolphins, and glide through an extinct volcanic crater.
“This was well worth doing. We really enjoyed the kayaking experience with our tour guide Max. We were in a small group of double kayaks and he took us around the bay of Akaroa. What a beautiful location to enjoy the afternoon and wildlife. Max is a very friendly guide with lots of knowledge. Highly recommend to all.”
From the fiords to the geothermal belt, sorted by what you want to do with the day.
