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You might be the next one to witness a spectacular Aurora Australis.

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

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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

30 minutesFree Cancellation

Likely to Sell Out

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

3 hours to 7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Fox II in Akaroa Harbour

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.

Sailing and Wildlife Tour Akaroa Fox II Sailing

2 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Akaroa Harbour and Giants House Local Tour

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Akaroa Harbour and Giants House Local Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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

1 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

Christchurch City with Trams

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.

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

6 hoursFree Cancellation

Akaroa Harbour

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.

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour

6 hoursFree Cancellation

Sheep Dog Work

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Akaroa Harbour and Sheep Farm Local Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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

3 hoursFree Cancellation

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

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

6 hoursFree Cancellation

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.” 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.

Akaroa Nature and History Private Tour - The 7th Generation

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Akaroa Wildlife Cruise

Akaroa Wildlife Cruise

2 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

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

Bird watching

Guided sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve

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

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

6 hoursFree Cancellation

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