Top Akaroa Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

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.

The rarest dolphins in the world live in Akaroa's waters, and you can get close on this eco-friendly sailing tour. Step back in time aboard the Fox II, a vintage wooden sailboat that’s over 100 years old and one of New Zealand's oldest working ketch boats. Glide quietly through the waters, looking out for dolphins, penguins, seals, and albatross but leaving them undisturbed for a memorable wildlife experience.

City lights can make stargazing difficult; this guided night tour takes you to Akaroa Heritage Park for views of the Banks Peninsula night sky in a shared group of up to 10 travelers. Start with naked-eye viewing, binoculars, and questions for your guide before using two telescopes: a 10-inch Dobsonian for visual observations and a ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope for live astrophotography. Receive digital photos of nebulae and deep-sky objects instantly, plus a personalized photo under the night sky sent the next day. Coffee or tea and cozy blankets are provided as you look for planets, the Milky Way, nebulae, and distant galaxies. On a clear night, the range of objects to find is virtually unlimited, and no prior astronomy knowledge is required.

Make the most of your limited time on land with a handy shore excursion from Akaroa Harbour through the Banks Peninsula and to Christchurch. Drive past city landmarks, including the Christ Church Cathedral that is being rebuilt after devastating earthquakes, and stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens with a guide to tell you about the city’s history and culture. This is an easy way to discover Christchurch’s highlights without self-driving.

Make the most of your time at shore and discover Akaroa on this fun shore excursion. Alongside a private guide, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the township and its inner bays. Visit a local cheese factory, drive along the volcanic rim, and visit the famous Giants House in just a few hours.

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.

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.

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.

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!

This small-group shore excursion has been designed to show cruise ship passengers the highlights of Akaroa in just two-and-a-half hours. After being met at Akaroa Wharf you’ll tour the small French-influenced town and check out some spectacular view points. Visit a cheese factory and a working sheep farm. Watch sheepdogs in action, see a shearing show, and refuel with afternoon tea.

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.” 2-hour tours are available - contact Marie directly 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.

Make the most of your time in port on a shore excursion designed to show you some of the Christchurch area’s highlights. Explore the Banks Peninsula en route to Christchurch, plus take a guided tour of Akaroa’s Giant's House. See how Christchurch has rebuilt since the 2011 earthquake, stop at the Botanical Gardens, and more. Relax on a pre-planned adventure instead of trying to find your own way around.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

See more and save your energy on a small-group guided tour of Akaroa Harbour on an electric bike. The pedal-assisted bikes make it easy to cycle up hills, which means you can see some of Banks Peninsula’s most beautiful views without getting too tired. Ride around the coast, cycle up summits, and check out a crater rim on a fun small-group tour starting at Duvauchelle.

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!

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!

Get active on a 2–3-hour kayaking tour from Akaroa and enjoy spotting native wildlife. Paddle your way around remote bays, inlets, and sandy beaches; admire the dramatic scenery of the once-active volcanic basin; and end with a refreshing swim. Along the way, look out for some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife, including Hector’s dolphins, penguins, and orcas.