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Escape city lights to Akaroa's pristine dark skies for our intimate "Night Awe" tour. Join expert astronomer Luca for a captivating experience through the Southern Hemisphere's celestial wonders. Experience the cosmos with two powerful telescopes: our 10-inch Dobsonian for stunning visual observations and a ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope for live astrophotography. Witness the breathtaking Milky Way, planets, vibrant nebulae, and distant galaxies. Receive incredible digital photo souvenirs! Instant nebula/deep-sky photos: Captured live with our smart telescope, ready for instant social media sharing! Your personalized souvenir photo under the night sky: A beautiful digital keepsake of you (or your group) among the stars, sent next day. Enjoy complimentary hot drink and cozy blankets for ultimate comfort. Our small group size ensures a personalized experience. Conveniently located at Akaroa Heritage Park, just minutes from town. Book your unparalleled stargazing experience today!

Night Awe - Stargazing tour in Akaroa

Free Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes

Most popular Shore excursion!

Cruise port time in Akaroa is limited, and it can be hard to fit in something truly memorable without worrying about logistics. This active shore excursion makes it easy to get straight on the water for a guided sea kayaking experience just steps from the port. Paddle through sheltered bays and inlets inside the basin of an extinct volcano, an area known for its calm conditions and scenic coastline. As you explore, watch for local wildlife such as penguins, orcas, and the rare Hector’s dolphin.

Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve

2 to 3 hours

Bird watching

Guided sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve

2 to 3 hours

Part of your fare goes toward the research and education of the beautful but endanaged Hector's dolphins.

Spot Akaroa Harbour’s rare Hector’s dolphins on a catamaran wildlife cruise that includes fresh-baked cookies and a drink. The 2-hull catamaran offers more stability and deck space than a single-hull boat, ensuring a comfortable spot as you scan for fur seals, white-flippered penguins, and other wildlife. Dolphin-spotting dogs are on board. Equipped with dog life-vests and a keen ear, they’ll help make your dolphin encounter an unforgettable experience.

Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise

Free Cancellation
2 hours

Hector's dolphin - world's smallest and rarest dolphin

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

Free Cancellation
2 hours

Spend quality time together

Explore the scenic beauty of Akaroa at your leisure with a self-guided electric scooter tour. Cruise along the breathtaking east coast with an eco-friendly scooter, utilizing a detailed trail map that guides you through hidden gems, charming beaches, and a local vineyard. Each rental includes a personal picnic set, allowing you to enjoy a meal amidst stunning views. With the flexibility to navigate at your own pace and the assurance of support if needed, this adventure promises a unique way to experience Akaroa's natural charm.

Akaroa Self Guided Electric Scooter Tour

Free Cancellation
3 hours to 7 hours 30 minutes

Price varies by group size

Use our smartphone adapter to get a unique picture of the Sun!

New Zealand's only guided DAILY tour of the Sun! Discover the Sun like never before. Located just a 90-minute scenic drive from Christchurch, this unique daytime experience offers a safe, fascinating look at our nearest star, perfect for all ages and Akaroa day trips. You will observe sunspots, solar flares, and intricate surface activity in stunning detail through our specialized solar telescope. Our expert astronomer will guide you, sharing captivating facts and making this a hands-on, exciting introduction to astronomy. We use our cutting-edge ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope to capture high-resolution images of the Sun live. These incredible digital photos are then shared with you instantly! Plus, easily snap your own stunning visuals directly through the telescope with our smartphone adapter. Leave with unique, Insta-worthy visuals you won't find anywhere else. This short, educational, and high-tech tour is ideal for all ages. Book your spot now for an unforgettable experience!

Solar Explorer in Akaroa - Sun-Viewing Tour with Telescopes

Free Cancellation
30 minutes

Keep your eyes on the road!

Akaroa Explorer- Guided Electric Bike Tour in Akaroa

2 hours

Akaroa

Download a vibrantly-narrated mp3 audio guide combined with a map detailing the area of your tour. Nestled on the East Coast of the South Island, the quiet seaside town of Akaroa is best known for its volcanic hills and the dolphins that are found in the bay. On this self-guided audio tour, you will enjoy the tranquil setting and the stunning natural views along the harbour. You will also see the old lighthouse and learn about its interesting French history at the Akaroa Museum. Visit the town wharf, whale try pots, war memorial, corner of Lavaud and Balguerie, St Patrick's Catholic Church, the Old French cemetery, the giant's house, French forecourt and Rue Jolie. Known as the Paris of New Zealand this tour will delight and enthral all at your own pace.

Discover Akaroa: Self Guided Audio Tour

Free Cancellation
1 to 3 hours

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour

Free Cancellation
6 hours

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Akaroa Harbour and Giants House Local Tour

Free Cancellation
2 hours 30 minutes

Free homemade scones and tea or coffee at the Akaroa Heritage Park, one of the most beautiful picnic spots in the world. Connect with this New Zealand Nature Tour.

My true story | New Zealand’s History Do not miss out on this incredible New Zealand experience. Just look at the amazing 5 star reviews! Guests describe this tour as the “New Zealand’s best kept secret”, “the best thing to do in Akaroa”, “best tour in Canterbury.” This tour is owned and operated by The 7th Generation descendant of the French settlers, expert trained historian and ecologist and natural born storyteller. Guests consistently report that the tour had a BIG impact on them, leaving them feeling connected to nature and inspired for the future. Expert guide Marie Haley, was a FINALIST at the 2024 New Zealand Tourism Awards for Tourism Business Excellence, a big deal for a one-woman operation. This tour will take you to all of Akaroa’s hidden gems - you will simply see no other tourists. This tour includes all the best things to do in Akaroa, that you could not access and understand without this expert guide.

Akaroa Nature and History Private Tour - The 7th Generation

Free Cancellation
3 hours

Unforgettable vistas

Have you ever wanted to ride a bike up an extinct volcano towering over the crystal blue waters of the pacific ocean? Well now is your chance....Treat yourself to this energetic yet soulful experience and bring out the inner adventurer in you. This is a must do for those who like to be active while exploring the best this amazing corner of NZ has to offer. If you have 2 hours up your sleeve to Join us on a premium fully guided Ebike tour it may just be be one of the highlights of your trip! Our brand new Scott pedal assist mountain bikes make riding a dream. So what are you waiting for! Lets ride!

Lava Loop- Guided electric mountain bike tour in Akaroa

3 hours

summit!

This is a must do for those who like to get active while exploring new places! If you have a spare 2 hours up your sleeve and are confident riding a ‘normal’ mountain bike then why not join us on a premium guided electric mountain bike tour, it may just be one of the highlights of your trip! Our popular rides are the perfect way to explore the village and surrounds, if you have conventional mountain bike experience and have a basic level of fitness this trip is for you. You will be amazed as you cruise up terrain you wouldn’t dream of on a conventional bike, with our powerful pedal assist Scott Bosch systems Ebiking is making the impossible… now possible!. Great for couples, families and friends. This tour includes mixed terrain, some steep ascents and descents, sealed roads through out. Two routes to choose from to suit different fitness levels. Warning- Electric Mountain biking is very addictive, we ride FURTHER, FASTER HIGHER without the sweat! Once is never enough!

Guided Electric Mountain Bike Tour- Akaroa Explorer

2 hours 30 minutes

Sheep Dog Work

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Akaroa Harbour and Sheep Farm Local Tour

Free Cancellation
2 hours 30 minutes

The magic hour: Enjoy your gourmet platter as day transitions to night. Prepare for your unique two-telescope viewing session.

The first and only tour of its kind in New Zealand! We are the closest dark sky experience to Christchurch, just a 90-minute scenic drive away! This unmatched 3-hour experience combines daytime solar observation with spectacular night stargazing, all in one unforgettable evening. You'll gain access to three specialized telescopes—a dedicated solar scope, an optical telescope and the ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope. Witness history as the ZWO captures instant, shareable digital photos of the Sun and vibrant nebulae live! Savour a delicious local grazing platter as the light transitions, creating a magical atmosphere before the stars appear. Our small group size guarantees personalized guidance from an expert astronomer and maximum comfort. You leave with two incredible digital souvenirs: your instant celestial captures AND a beautiful personalized photo of you under Akaroa's starry sky. Don't just look up—experience the universe! Book this comprehensive, photo-rich tour now.

Luxury Sunset to Stars Tour with Grazing Platter in Akaroa

Free Cancellation
3 hours

If you're pulling into port in Akaroa, this shore excursion is designed to show you some of the sights of New Zealand's South Island. You'll explore the Banks Peninsula and the city of Christchurch, plus take a guided tour of the Giant's House. See how the city has rebuilt since the 2011 earthquake, and stop by places such as the Botanical Gardens. This tour allows you to relax on a pre-planned adventure instead of trying to find your own way around the area from the cruise ship port.

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

Free Cancellation
6 hours

This Akaroa shore excursion takes you on a scenic journey into Christchurch via the Banks Peninsula with a visit to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Your tour of the ‘Garden City’ includes a stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and a look at earthquake recovery efforts in the city center. You’ll find exotic critters such as wallabies, gibbons and lemurs at the wildlife reserve, and meet the elusive but iconic kiwi, New Zealand’s national bird.

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

Free Cancellation
6 hours

Elevation with out the sweat!

Active travelers will love exploring around Akaroa on an electric mountain bike and kayaking tour. E-bikes make it easy to cover a lot of ground without wearing yourself out around the hilly peninsula. Ride to the crater summit for great views, and then look out for rare marine animals while paddling in the turquoise ocean. Get personalized attention and the chance to ask questions on a small-group tour.

Guided Electric Mountain Bike & Sea Kayak Tour in Akaroa

5 hours 30 minutes

This Akaroa shore excursion takes you sightseeing in Christchurch via a scenic drive through the Banks Peninsula. See the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Cathedral Square, and other city highlights before visiting the International Antarctic Centre, where you can learn more about the frozen continent. See penguins, feel the chill of Antarctic winds, and finish with a thrilling ride on an amphibious Hagglund vehicle.

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

Free Cancellation
6 hours

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Tour and Jet Boating

Free Cancellation
6 hours

Into the blue

This will be one of the best if not THE best experiences you will have during your NZ vacation! There is no better way to maximise your day in stunning Akaroa! If you love to get some exercise while exploring with a local guide this tour is for you. Get the best of both worlds as you pedal and paddle your way through this action packed unforgettable day of adventure with us. Incredible views from the top of the Crater while riding to the summit await! Get up close and personal with the marine/nature reserve as you sea kayak through its pristine turquoise waters. Enjoy touring with Local knowledgeable guides who love to share their knowledge Small intimate groups are key for safety and opportunity to chat with the guides through out the tours Exploring the area from two different perspectives will blow your mind and there is no better way to make the most of your time in this special place! And of course you get some Great exercise!

Electric Mountain Bike & Sea Kayak Tour in Akaroa

5 hours 30 minutes

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