Banks Peninsula Scenic Drives from Akaroa Tours

At the core, we’re a family business with our management team being 6th & 7th generation Banks Peninsula locals. Alongside our family members, we have a passionate team who are committed to you having a once-in-a-lifetime experience! We keep our passenger groups small so that you have more room to move around the boat, and enjoy your cruise without overcrowding or missing dolphin sightings due to a shortage of viewing space. Our boat has a low-lying profile which means you get closer to the wildlife! When you board our boat you’ll be offered a complimentary drink. Choose from beer, award-winning local wine or non-alcoholic options. You’ll also enjoy our famous home-baked treats made from our family recipe and served to you by our delightful onboard crew. We are committed to the conservation of our harbour's environment and wildlife. After all, it’s the centre point of our business. *Check-in is 30 minutes prior to the departure, with boarding 15 minutes beforehand.

Enjoy a Sightseeing tour to Akaroa through the spectacular scenery surrounding Banks Peninsula, formed following violent eruptions of two ancient volcanoes.  The Akaroa crater nurses the picturesque harbor and Akaroa village. Experience a Nature Cruise with highlights including the rare, NZ native dolphin - the Hector's Dolphin, as well as penguins and other sea birds. And you'll see giant volcanic sea cliffs and hear about Akaroa's fascinating past. The Tour also includes a delightful lunch at Bully Hayes Restaurant.

While your ship is in port in Akaroa Harbour, take a shore excursion to tour the scenic Banks Peninsula and visit the city of Christchurch. You’ll see how Christchurch is emerging from the devastation of the 2011 earthquake. Take a brief stroll through the city’s beautiful botanic gardens and admire New Zealand’s magnificent scenery.

Experience the grand architecture and beautiful gardens of Christchurch when your ship is in port in Akaroa. Your shore excursion from Akaroa port also includes a scenic trip through the Banks Peninsula and entry to the most popular attraction in Christchurch, the International Antarctic Centre. Enjoy the center’s Snow and Ice Experience, Blue Penguin Encounter and take an exhilarating ride in an all-terrain Hagglund vehicle.

See the sights of Christchurch when your ship is in Akaroa port, and explore the city on a comprehensive tour. Your Akaroa shore excursion also includes a trip through the beautiful Banks Peninsula and a visit to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Meet the elusive kiwi, New Zealand’s national bird, along with exotic visitors including deer, wallabies, otters, gibbons and lemurs.

This private tour is specifically designed for cruise ship passengers. Visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly and knowledgeable local guides. This excursion, starting and finishing at Lyttleton, is a genuinely scenic experience. Learn about fascinating local history and understand how an enormous extinct volcano shaped this rugged landscape and how the landscape continues to shape the people who live here. In Akaroa, you’ll visit the whimsical Giant’s House; a place filled with vibrant mosaic sculptures. In town, there are opportunities to try the local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or admire the local artworks. A trip to Akaroa from Lyttelton fits nicely into the cruise ship schedule.

Take a guided Christchurch city tour when your ship is docked in Akaroa port, and visit a traditional sheep farm to experience life in rural New Zealand. After seeing the Christchurch city sights, your Akaroa shore excursion takes you into the countryside to feed the animals, watch a sheep-shearing demonstration and see sheep dogs at work.

The pinnacle of our flights east of Christchurch, this tour first sees you fly over the city centre to view the progress of the massive rebuild. Then it’s on to the beautiful Banks Peninsula and the picturesque French harbour settlement of Akaroa, before touching down on a mountain top to take in yet more magnificent views. Our pilots will personalise this experience for you by sharing their local knowledge and insights of our big backyard as you fly over remarkable sights and landmarks, including; Burnside Park, Sumner Cliffs, Rapaki Track, Quail, the Akaroa French Settlement and more. We have plenty to share with you and can’t wait for you to experience it.

On this incredibly scenic small group tour, visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly and knowledgeable local guides. Visit some of the small settlements around Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbour. Learn about fascinating local history, how an enormous extinct volcano shaped this rugged landscape and how the landscape continues to shape the people who live here. In Akaroa, you’ll either visit the whimsical Giant’s House—filled with vibrant mosaic sculptures—or enjoy a harbour cruise, where you may spot Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, and seabirds. (Please note: The harbour cruise option is subject to availability and replaces the visit to the Giant’s House.) In town, there are opportunities to try the local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or admire the local artworks. For those who are more active, a few bush and coastal walks are available along the way. A day trip that can be either busy and active or laid-back and relaxing.

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.

This private tour, starting and finishing in Christchurch, is a genuinely scenic experience. Visit some of the small settlements around Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbours. Learn about fascinating local history, how an enormous extinct volcano shaped this rugged landscape, and how the landscape continues to shape the people who live here. In Akaroa, you’ll either visit the whimsical Giant’s House—filled with vibrant mosaic sculptures—or, if you choose to upgrade, enjoy a harbour nature cruise where you may spot Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, and seabirds. (Please note: The harbour cruise option is subject to availability and replaces the visit to the Giant’s House.) In town, there are opportunities to try the local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or admire the local artworks. Whether you prefer an active day filled with exploration or a more relaxed pace, this trip offers something for everyone.

Discover the natural beauty of Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula on this full-day tour. Start with a visit to the charming Little River village, continue to Akaroa Harbour for a scenic boat cruise to spot playful dolphins, and interact with friendly alpacas at Shamarra Alpacas. Enjoy local cheese tastings at Barry Bay Cheese Factory and take in stunning coastal views at the historic Akaroa Lighthouse. This tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts and offers a blend of wildlife, culture, and delicious local flavors. - Duration: 8-10 hours with hotel pickup and drop-off - Professional guide, air-conditioned transport, and onboard Wi-Fi included - Optional dolphin cruise and alpaca farm tickets available - Sample local cheeses and visit significant historical sites along the way

Join our exclusive small-group tour for up to 8 people, designed specifically for cruise ship passengers arriving at Lyttelton Port in Christchurch. Visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly and knowledgeable local guides. Morning Tea, Cafe lunch and entry into The Giant's House are included. Starting and finishing in Lyttelton, this excursion offers a genuinely scenic experience. You will learn about the fascinating local history and discover how an enormous extinct volcano shaped this rugged landscape, which in turn continues to influence the lives of the people who live here. In Akaroa, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the whimsical Giant’s House, filled with vibrant mosaic sculptures. While in town, you can enjoy local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or admire the local artworks. This trip to Akaroa from Lyttelton fits perfectly into your cruise ship schedule, guaranteeing a timely return to Lyttelton with no stress.

Discover the coastal town of Akaroa on a day tour from Christchurch. Enjoy a 2-hour Harbour Nature Cruise. Encounter panoramic views, boutique shops, waterfront cafes, a cheese factory and tour to an Alpaca Farm (optional). Tour Highlights: • Scenic drive on an extinct volcanic crater on Banks Peninsula with magnificent views of Akaroa Harbour. • Step onboard for a 2-hour Harbor Nature Cruise. Experience cruising through an extinct volcanic crater and encounter the worlds rarest and smallest hector's dolphin. • Engage yourself in an interactive Alpaca Farm Tour with over 130 grazing Alpacas (if option selected).