| Tours |
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. It also boasts the largest little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. Tours also include cruises, scenic tours and 4WD nature safaris, sea kayaking, horse back riding, cycle tours and much more.
There is so much to do in Akaroa that you will need more than one day to experience what Akaroa has to offer.
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| [Return to the Landing Page] |
| 'A-Class' Sailing Akaroa |
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Akaroa Wildlife Sailing Cruise. Relive the golden era of sailing experience the timeless beauty of a large graceful CLASSIC…a style of yacht rarely seen nowadays! Hand-built, original condition & lovingly maintained with 9 coats of varnish. No engine noise, no diesel smell, no pollution to harm the unique endangered wildlife. Most often you’ll be surprised to HEAR dolphins & wildlife BEFORE you see them. Intimate humorous historical storytelling; no loudspeaker. Help sail or relax in the ‘Royal seats’. Boarding 10.15 am sailing 10.30am to 1 pm. Boarding 1.15 pm sailing 1.30pm to 4pm. Max 20 pax never crowded. $75 pp. Book Now! Free call 0800-724-528. |
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| Main Wharf Akaroa |
| 0800-724-528 |
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| Akaroa Cruise Excursions |
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Exclusive tours direct from Akaroa to Christchurch City or High Country Farm. Industry professionals in tours, transfers and day excursions. Especially designed for cruise ship passengers to get the most of the Canterbury experience. Using high end luxury vehicles. Options include: Authentic stage coach ride, scenic sight seeing, sheep shearing show, sheep dog show, farm animal feeding, jet boat ride on the Waimakariri River, shopping at Westfield Mall, visit Christchurch museum, visit Air Force Museum, visit Christchurch Art Gallery & earthquake Red-Zone visit. Our Chch city tour is $75 pp and the Farm tour is $225 pp.
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| 03 366 0031 |
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| Akaroa Dolphins-Nature Harbour Cruises |
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Join us for a very personal nature cruise around Akaroa Harbour and headlands. View the spectacular landforms of this ancient volcanic crater, see fascinating bird life, seals, penguins and Hector’s dolphins, the world’s smallest and rarest. Your hosts’ heritage dates from the earliest settlers and you’ll hear fascinating tales of Maori and colonial history and the geology of Banks Peninsula. Complimentary wine & home-baking served on board. |
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| 65 Beach Road Akaroa |
| 64 3 304 7866 |
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| Akaroa Farm Tours |
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If you ever wanted to experience traditional New Zealand farming visit Paua Bay Hillcountry Farm on Banks Peninsula. Enjoy the stunning scenery on your trip to Paua Bay. Learn about the French settlers and the development of Akaroa . Enjoy the hospitality of the 5th generation farmers at Paua Bay. See sheepdogs working on the steep hills. Take part in sheep shearing and mustering and learn about farming in New Zealand. Relax with tea and scones on the homestead verandah and return to Akaroa after an experience which will be one of the highlights of your visit to New Zealand. |
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| Akaroa Visitor Centre Akaroa |
| 0800-432768 or 64 - 3 304 7170 |
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| Akaroa Guided Kayak Safari |
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Adventurers get set... it's time to reach for the stars, slap on your life jacket, throw on some sunscreen and rekindle that pioneering spirit. We have a wicked summer deal to get you out on the water and up close with Nature & Wildlife - it's time to go sea kayaking in Akaroa & get that adventure you have been waiting for!. SAVE 20% Book Online use “payless” code. |
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| Akaroa |
| 021 1564591 |
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| Akaroa Guided Walks/Akaroa Audio Guide |
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A tapestry of tales will unfold as you explore romantic Akaroa, the oldest and best preserved colonial town in the South Island, and its only French settlement. For groups we recommend a Historic walk with a guide in person - pre-booking is essential. For independent travellers we recommend the Akaroa Audio Guide, available for hire 7 days per week from the Visitor Centre in Akaroa with no need for advance booking. |
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| Available at Visitor Centre. Akaroa |
| 03 304 7733 |
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| Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises |
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Depart historic French Akaroa, aboard the Black Cat into scenic Akaroa Harbour. Discover and learn about rare Hector's dolphins, seals, penguins and more. See Volcanic Cathedral Cave, relics of the area's past and a salmon farm. Free tea/coffee provided. Free Hector's fun activity book for children. Free postcard. Cruises depart daily from the main wharf. Winners of the Supreme NZ Tourism Award 2003/4. |
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| Main Wharf Akaroa |
| 0800 436 574 |
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| Akaroa's Eastern Bays Scenic Mail Run |
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Experience the magnificent natural beauty and isolation of the Eastern bays, valleys and coastline. Travel 120km, weaving in and out of 10 bays from sea level to the crater rim delivering mail to farms and settlements. 5 days a week (Mon- Fri) 4.5 hour tours. 9am departure. Tours operate all year round and are $60 per person. For reservations please phone the Akaroa Visitor Centre on 03 304 8600 (email: akaroa@christchurchnz.com or direct with the operators-Robin and Jo (03) 304 8526 between 5.00pm and 7.00pm. |
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| Meet outside Visitor Centre Akaroa |
| 03 304 8526 |
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| Akaroa's Fox II |
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Sail with dophins, see all the wildlife. Akaroa harbour up close on New Zealand's oldest ketch Fox II. Learn about local history & help crew if you want. With 2 wooden masts and 6 sails there is always a halyard to hoist or a sheet to be pulled. 3 hour tour with historic narration, complementary fresh brewed coffee, tea, homemade hot chocolate and biscuits. The only boat in Akaroa with dolphin guarantee! You will see dolphins, penguins and seals (sometimes albatross), and visit Cathedral Cave, see a waterfall and giant cliffs. Still Akaroa's best value at $70 pp or $30 per child. Departing Dalys Wharf 10.30am and 1.30pm. Real Sailing in the Pacific Ocean (not just Akaroa Harbour). Phone 0800 369 7245 or text 027 4144 879. |
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| Daly's Wharf Akaroa |
| 0800 369 7245 |
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| Alpaca Experience Akaroa |
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Tour departs from Akaroa and takes you on a scenic drive to the western side of the harbour where Shamarra Alpaca Farm is situated, boasting breathtaking panoramic views. Alpaca farmers, Frank and Anya are passionate about their alpacas and will treat you to an interesting and interactive introduction to these majestic animals. Wander amongst the grazing herd, learn how to lead an alpaca and discover the unique qualities of their fleece - “fibre of the gods” as proclaimed by the Incas. Tour leaves from The Akaroa Visitor Centre at 12.30pm and returns 2.30pm. Bookings essential on 03 304 8600. |
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| Departs from Akaroa Visitor Centre |
| 03 304 8600 |
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| Canterbury Trails |
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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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| 021 022 05776 |
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| Coast up Close Fishing & Social Tours |
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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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| Akaroa |
| 0800 1 Coast or 021 228 8091 |
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| Discovery Travel Tours |
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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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| 03 3578262 |
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| Explore Canterbury |
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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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| 0800 08 07 06 |
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| Pohatu Penguin Tours & Sea Kayaking |
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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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| 03 304 8552 or 021 2469556 |
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 Akaroa District Promotions | 80 Rue Lavaud | Akaroa | Phone 03 304 7816 |
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