The 8 Shore Excursions in Akaroa That Earn Their Price

1.Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 228 reviews · from $89Our pick

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.”

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2.Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 160 reviews · from $83Top rated

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.”

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3.Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and the International Antarctic Centre

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 135 reviews · from $124

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.”

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4.Akaroa Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Tour and Jet Boating

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 54 reviews · from $173

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.”

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5.Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 26 reviews · from $123

Akaroa shore trip via Banks Peninsula to Christchurch botanic gardens, earthquake sights, and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve kiwi viewing.

“Too little time to do Christchurch justice. We enjoyed the reserve but you really can’t do both from Akaroa. Loved the drive there through the mountains. The tour should start as early as possible to allow more time.”

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6.Akaroa Shore Excursion: Akaroa Harbour and Giants House Local Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 19 reviews · from $61Best value

Akaroa Harbour viewpoints plus a guided Giants House visit, with port transfers and a quick cheese stop, in about 2.5 hours.

“We had been told by Viator that this was a private tour, however there were 11 people on the tour. I wouldnt call our guide a tour guide at all. He was merely a bus driver called John who acted as though it was a total chore to be there at all. TheRead more”

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7.Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City and Giants House Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 14 reviews · from $121

Akaroa to Christchurch shore excursion with Banks Peninsula views, quick city stops, and a guided Giants House tour in Akaroa.

“Had a great day. Janet was informative and got us around easily. It was lovely to see Christchurch and all they are rebuilding after the earthquake. Would like to have had more time but the joys of being on a cruise ship limit this. EspeciaRead more”

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8.Akaroa Shore Excursion: Akaroa Harbour and Sheep Farm Local Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · from $71

Small-group Akaroa shore tour with harbour viewpoints, cheese tasting, and a real sheep farm show with dogs, shearing, and afternoon tea.

“Excellent service and the farmhouse and sheep were great. Loved being in a small group. Tea and scones were lovely.”

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