Top Akaroa Day Trips

Cruise Akaroa Harbour aboard a spacious catamaran to see rare Hector’s dolphins, little blue penguins, albatross, and other native seabirds. Cruising allows you to see things that aren’t accessible any other way. Enjoy panoramic views of volcanic cliffs, sea caves, and New Zealand vegetation while learning about local conservation and cultural history. Refresh with complimentary hot drinks and remember your trip with a souvenir postcard.

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 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.

When your cruise ship docks in Akaroa, take a shore excursion to Christchurch for a sightseeing tour, followed by an adrenaline-charged jet-boat ride on the braided Waimakariri River. Escorted by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll combine a drive through the Banks Peninsula with the city landmarks of Christchurch and an exhilarating jet-boat ride. Round-trip port transport is included.

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.

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.