Akaroa and Banks Peninsula has many great walking tracks that you can enjoy for free. These vary from short hikes to all day tramps over the picturesque hills. Go to 'more information' to find the walking track page which gives you both the Banks Peninsula and the Akaroa maps with the walks. Most of the walks have pdf brochures that you can download or purchase from the Akaroa Visitor Centre, or they have links to the Department of Conservation web site and brochures.

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The Giants House - A historic Akaroa house with original artworks, terraced gardens with sculptures & mosaics and a contemporary art gallery. Open from 12-5pm daily in the summer and 2-4 daily in the winter. Tour of the Garden. Rate:$20.00 per person, $10 per child (2-15 years). Family Concession:2 Adults + 1 Child $45, 2 Adults + 2 Children $50, 2 Adults + 3 Children $55, 2 Adults + 4 Children $60, Students (with ID) $17, Seniors (with NZ Gold Card ID) $17. For larger groups, Tour of the Garden and House. Rate: $22.50+ GST PP. B&B accommodation is also available.

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Akaroa Harbour is the only place on the entire planet where you can get up close and personal with NZ's playful Hector's dolphins. Depart on one of our safe and comfortable vessels. All year round an unforgettable adventure awaits you, where everything is provided for your pleasure. A separate price is available for dolphin watching only. Year round, face-to-face encounters with Hector's dolphins - the world's rarest. Everything is provided: wetsuits, snorkels, hot showers, hot chocolate, free gift pack. Winner Supreme NZ Tourism Award 2003/4.

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We offer personalised tours for half day, full day or longer. Tours to suit your interests with numerous photo stops. We pick up from your cruise ship or from your hotel. A half day tour exploring attractions in the tranquil bays of Banks Peninsula or a full day can take in the attractions of Christchurch (or Akaroa) experiencing great scenery, wineries, Airforce museum, Canterbury Museum or the Maori and Colonial Museum,  Antarctic Centre, cheese factory and gardens. Lots of possible options. Our 11 seater Mercedes mini bus offers comfort, tinted windows and informative commentary. Alan your driver/ guide has an extensive knowledge of the local area. 

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Francis and Shireen Helps have protected the White-flippered Penguins at Pohatu-Flea Bay for more than two decades. Tours enable you to see the penguins unobtrusively. Sea Kayaking allows you to enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife of Pohatu Marine Reserve. Scenic Nature Tours will enable you to experience a wide range of endemic wildlife amongst dreamlike landscapes. Departure times for Sea Kayaking Safaris, Nature Safaris and Packages in the winter depart at 11.30am, weather permitting. Departure from Akaroa for the Penguin Tour is 3.45 pm.

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Experience the dramatic scenery of Banks Peninsula on well mannered, western trained Quarter Horses on our 309 ha sheep and cattle farm. Exclusive horse treks for 1 to 4 riders with spectacular views over native bush and Akaroa Harbour. Not suitable for children.

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Visit the Museum at the heart of historic Okains Bay. Enjoy the relaxed environment as you learn about life on Banks Peninsula in former times. Significant taonga Maori and early European items are among the exciting range of treasures on display in the Museum’s diverse complex of heritage buildings. Gift shop, tea and coffee available. Just 2kms to beautiful Okains Beach. Hours 10am – 5pm daily. Open every day except Christmas Day.

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Fishermans Bay Garden is a tranquil haven in the rugged and dramatic landscape of the Banks Peninsula coastline. Sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean form the backdrop of this two hectare garden, which uses the structure and texture of New Zealand natives combined with a diverse array of non-native plants to create a truly New Zealand garden. The garden is at its best in late spring and summer, however the strong focus on evergreen New Zealand natives - and the garden’s beautiful setting - mean it is has something to offer all year round. Open by appointment. Entrance $10.00 p.p.

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We offer small group day tours from Akaroa; one that takes in Akaroa and the surrounding isolated farmland and tranquil bays; the other a sightseeing trip to Christchurch, with visits to local attractions. Private tours for you and your group are also available. Travel with a guide/driver who knows the area.

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For cruise ship passengers berthed in Akaroa, we have private charters available to take you to Christchurch. Click below for more information. Scenic day tour to Akaroa departs Christchurch 8.45am. Available 7 days. Hotel pickup, comfortable return transport, and friendly informative commentary included. Lunch, harbour cruise, jetboating options available. Private tours available. Enjoy magnificent scenery enroute. Returned to Christchurch 5.15pm.

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Come and see spectacular coastline & magnificent wildlife aboard our classic Kauri launch. 2 1/2 hour trips, personally guided by skipper/owner Tony Muir, depart twice daily from Akaroa main wharf. Small groups on a spacious, dry and comfortable 43ft wooden launch. Two hot showers on-board and BBQ also. Fishing & Social groups: please book a half day or full day charter. 

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Sea kayaks, canoes, paddle Boats, row boats and water Bikes. For hire daily. Have fun and enjoy the sparkling waters of Akaroa Harbour in your own time. Available for hire on the foreshore, Beach Road, Akaroa.

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Specialising in small group guided tours join Canterbury Trails on a day trip to Akaroa. Pick up and drop off from Christchurch based hotels. Day tour includes stunning scenic drive, harbour cruise to see hector dolphins or swimming with the dolphins, lunch at award winning seaside bistro, cheese tasting, opportunity to explore Akaroa and its shops plus the services of a knowledgeable guide. Cost from  NZD$320 per person. Depart Christchurch 8.30am and return approx 5.30pm. Children under 12 travel at half price. For enquires or bookings please email or contact Sally on 021 022 05776 or for further information or online bookings see the web site.

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Traditonal cheese making since 1895. Open for sales 7 days all year. View cheese making every second day during season (mornings best). Movie available for viewing. Cheese tastings available. Large range of wines and condiments and gift ideas to complement our cheeses. Phone 03 304 5809 or visit www.barrysbaycheese.co.nz.

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Closed now for winter. Reopening 1 October. Book now for the next season. Prices:
Beginning in the historic seaside village of Akaroa, the Banks Peninsula Track includes 35 km of spectacular volcanic coastline, native bush, waterfalls and sandy beaches. Renowned for its charming accommodation, the track is designed to provide a special and memorable experience for the intrepid explorer and holiday-maker alike. Both 2 or 4 day options with pack carrying. Prices for 4 days: Off peak (01.10.11 to 25.12.11 and 08.04.12 to 27.04.12) $220 per person. Peak (26.12.11 to 7.04.12) $255 per person.

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