Journey to Akaroa with Harbour Cruise - Luxury, Small Group Tour | 9 hours

52 Reviews | Christchurch
Likely To Sell Out
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 10 travelers in total.
Adult (13-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 10
2
Child (3-12) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 10
0
Infant (0-2) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 10
0
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Please select a travel date and travelers to show booking options.

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • Light refreshments
  • Hotel pickup and drop off from all centrally located Christchurch hotels
  • Local guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned luxury vehicle
  • An Eco-marine harbor cruise
  • Cheese Factory visit
  • Cafe lunch
  • Gratuities

Overview

Discover the historic town of Akaroa and the magnificent natural beauty of the Banks Peninsula on this small group tour from Christchurch. Be amazed by the spectacular views of Akaroa Harbour and the Canterbury Plains on the high scenic drive from Christchurch, visit a cheese factory to taste locally made cheese and explore Akoroa's French influenced streets. You'll have the choice to join a nature and harbor cruise to see the rich variety of marine and bird life or to swim with Hector's Dolphins, the world smallest and rarest dolphins only found in New Zealand waters.

Itinerary

  • Banks Peninsula

    Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Christchurch, traversing the picturesque high summit route, offering panoramic views of rolling farmlands, the vast Canterbury Plains, and secluded coastal bays that punctuate the coastline.

    1 hour

  • N/A

    pon arrival in Akaroa, prepare to be enchanted as you embark on a two-hour nature cruise from the main wharf. This is your chance to witness the magic of the Hector's dolphin, the world's smallest and rarest dolphin species, as they playfully frolic in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for adorable little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals basking on rocky shores, and a variety of local birdlife soaring above the waves. Your knowledgeable skipper will share fascinating insights into the region's rich history and geology, pointing out the volcanic cliffs that guard the harbour entrance.

    2 hours

  • Akaroa

    After your invigorating cruise, step back in time as you explore the quaint streets of Akaroa, a 175-year-old village steeped in French heritage. Discover the local museum, where the stories of early settlers come to life, and browse through charming art and craft shops, where you can find unique treasures. Indulge in a delectable lunch at an award-winning café, savouring the flavours of the region.

    1 hour

  • Barrys Bay Cheese

    As you continue your journey, you'll have the opportunity to visit Barry's Bay Cheese Factory, where you can sample artisanal cheeses,

    20 minutes

  • Little River Gallery

    This excellent cafe and gallery is always a popular stop. It features some of New Zealand's best contemporary artists, along with and extensive range of gifts.

    30 minutes

  • Banks Peninsula

    Our journey takes a different path back, winding up to the ancient crater rim. This route provides outstanding views on either side, looking out on Lyttleton Harbour, with the magnificent Southern Alps to the west. Weather permitting, a picnic afternoon tea spot will be found, where the scenery can be taken in at your leisure.

    1 hour

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • A percentage of the tour price is used for the conservation of New Zealand's wildlife, environment and it's endangered species
  • Tour operator picks up from all accommodation: hotel, lodge, Bed & Breakfast in Christchurch. The tour operator will confirm the tour and leave a message at the Christchurch accommodation 24 hours prior to the tour date.
  • A maximum of 8 people per booking
  • Canterbury Trails is a Carbon Positive certified tour operator

Free Cancellation

March 03100% refund
March 04No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.9

52 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    47
  • 4 stars
    4
  • 3 stars
    1
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    0

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 47 reviews with 5 stars

Drove to the bay, swam with the dolphins and enjoyed a local lunch.

Published on Feb, 2025

What a spectacular drive with great views. Grant, our guide, discussed the history and relayed the damage from the earthquake to us as we travelled. Then we were able to tour the harbor on a boat in search of dolphins- which we found. It was a wonderful experience.

Nice trip

Published on Jan, 2025

Great experience the driver was funny and informative and we saw dolphins and seals on the 2 hour cruise. The town is very pretty with nice cafes and shops

Great experience with dolphins.

Published on Dec, 2024

Great trip, great guide Sue, and wonderful town. Well run operation on boat / dolphin snorkel. Highly recommend.

Well organized Tour

Published on Dec, 2024

Dave was our guide. Our pick up was on time and he drove a twisting road carefully and with his passengers in mind. He was very knowledgeable and did his best to ensure our outing was enjoyable.

Christchurch to Akaroa for a Cruise

Published on Aug, 2024

Our tour guide SUE SZABO picked us up before sunrise & took us to a Christchurch (CHch) overlook to watch the sun rise, hit the city, and "pink up" the distant mountains. She knew which scenic route to take leaving CHch for more great views. When she learned my interest in birding, she made several stops so I could do some photography. She has a wealth of knowledge about CHch and the area from CHch to Akaroa. We enjoyed a morning tea stop at a cozy restaurant/art gallery as well as a tasty lunch by the Akaroa Harbour. We hit the jackpot on our Dolphin watching cruise with a pair of Hector's dolphins obligingly appearing as well as albatrosses attending to our tour boat for many minutes. Then she introduced us to her pearl-selling friend, and now I have a snazzy new necklace! Sue is a very accommodating guide, and I hope you will get to enjoy her professional, informative service. She's great!

Compare Similar Experiences

Current

Journey to Akaroa with Harbour Cruise - ...
Likely To Sell Out
3290AK
time

9 hours

time Free Cancellation
52
Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, ...
2950PRTCHCCLT66CS
time

6 hours

time Partially Refundable
134
Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, ...
2950PRTCHCCLT68CS
time

6 hours

time Partially Refundable
54
Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, ...
2950PRTCHCCLT67CS
time

6 hours

time Partially Refundable
45
Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, ...
2950PRTCHCCLT66ACS
time

6 hours

time Partially Refundable
24
Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, ...
2950P90
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
14
Private Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurc ...
New On TravelOne
466114P15
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
Akaroa & Banks Peninsula Scenic
249560P7
time

1 hour

time Free Cancellation
0
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram
3352P9
time

24 hours

time Free Cancellation
670
Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from C ...
2950CLT18
time

5 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
403
Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glaci ...
71335P32
time

13 hours

time Free Cancellation
271
Arthur's Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine ...
3290AP
time

9 hours

time Non Refundable
225
Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket
3352GONDOLA
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
192
Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Ch ...
2950P54
time

9 hours 30 minutes

time Partially Refundable
180
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch ...
2950P73
time

6 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
140
Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day ...
Likely To Sell Out
2950P53
time

9 hours 30 minutes

time Partially Refundable
132
Full Day Guided Walking Tour and Picnic ...
68723P1
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
120
Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, i ...
221590P1
time

5 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
111
Tranz Alpine Train Tour
106809P1
time

9 hours

time Non Refundable
87
All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour f ...
148881P2
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
78
Recently Viewed
Paddle Boarding on Derwent Water
12123P10
time

3 hours

time Non Refundable
54
Taj Mahal Tour from Banglore
Likely To Sell Out
62411P12
time

18 hours

time Free Cancellation
8
Elegant bicycle rides in Sigulda
391592P1
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
Entertaining Brewery Tour: Feel Good Pac ...
254155P2
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
12
Iconic Cliffs of Dover & Kent Small-Grou ...
New On TravelOne
2250P138
time

10 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
Connect with TravelOne
Louise Berg
Destination Expert
Plan your Next Trip
TravelOne Subscribe
We organise unforgettable vacations.
Subscribe for trending deals.
© Copyright 2025 TravelOne Technologies Inc. | All Rights Reserved.
Visa Card Mastercard Maestro Amex Discover

TravelOne uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy.

Do you have a destination in mind, or would you like TravelOne AI to suggest one?

What is your destination?

Are you visiting Japan for the first time?

Travel Date

What is your general interest for this trip?

City Breakup


Travelers Details


Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2

Accommodation Preferences

Preferred Star Rating?

Property Preference?

Property Location?

Preferred Hotel Chain?

Meal At The Hotel?

Dining Preferences

Which meal package would you like to choose?

What are your meal preferences?

Dining Style Preferences?

Cuisine Preferences?

Dining Atmosphere Preferences?

Preferred Meal Times?

Transportation

What are your preferences for arrival/departure transfers?

What are your preferences for internal transfers?

Guide Support

What kind of guide support do you prefer during your trip?

Preferred Language for Guide?

Preferred Type of Guide?

Group Size for Tours with Guides?

Desired Role of the Guide?

Specific Guide Personality/Style Preference?

Dining recommendations/reservations?

Flights Preferences

What are your preferences for onward and return flights?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What are your preferences for internal flight?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What type of experiences do you seek while traveling?

    Culinary Classes and Workshops
    Candy Making Classes Chocolate Tours Cocktail Tastings Mixology Classes Paella Making Classes Pasta Making Classes Pizza Making Classes Olive Oil Tasting Wine Making Workshops
    Food & Beverage Tours
    Beer & Brewery Tours Chocolate Tours Coffee & Tea Tours Culinary Tours Pastry Tours Sake Brewery Tour Sake Tasting Street Food Tours Taco Tours Wine Tours
    Food Tastings and Sampling
    Cocktail Tastings Olive Oil Tasting Sake Tasting Wine Tastings High Tea
    Dining Experiences and Meals
    Brunch Dinner Lunch Breakfast Restaurants Dinner and Show Tickets
    Food-Related Cruises
    Brunch Cruises Coffee Cruises Dinner Cruises Lunch Cruises
    Thematic Food Events & Experiences
    Donut Walking Tour Markets
    Specialized Food Events
    Dining Experiences Dinner and Show Tickets
    Wildlife Observation & Encounters
    Bird Watching Dolphin Watching Whale Watching Shark Diving Wildlife Watching Wildlife Encounters Swim with Dolphins Zoos & Wildlife Parks Aquariums Safaris
    Hiking & Exploration
    Hiking Tours Glacier Walks Nature Walks National Parks Nature Parks Parks Natural Attractions Outback Tours
    Camping & Outdoor Stays
    Camping Honeymoon Packages
    Adventure & Sports in Nature
    Mountain Bike Rentals Mountain Bike Tours Horseback Riding Sandboarding
    Boating & Cruises
    Sailing Glass Bottom Boat Tours Gondola Cruises
    Paddle & Active Water Sports
    Kayaking Tours Stand Up Paddleboarding Jet Ski Rentals
    Underwater Exploration
    Scuba Diving Snorkeling Shark Diving Swim with Dolphins
    Fishing & Marine Experiences
    Fishing Charters Eco Tours
    Sky & Aerial Nature Experiences
    Hot Air Balloon Rides Northern Lights
    Historical Landmarks & Sites
    Ancient Ruins Castles Tours Monuments and Memorials Religious Sites
    Museum & Cultural Institutions
    Museums Museum Tickets & Passes Attractions & Museums Planetariums
    Classic & General History Tours
    Archaeology Tours Architecture Tours City Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours
    Literature, TV & Film-Based Tours
    Game of Thrones Tours Harry Potter Tours Literary Tours TV Tours
    Mystery & Dark History Tours
    Ghost Tours Crime Tours Underground Tours
    Industrial & Commercial History
    Factory Tours Plantation Tours
    Observation & Structural History
    Observation Decks Skyscrapers & Towers Classic Car Tours
    Sacred & Religious Sites
    Religious Sites Religious Tours
    Spiritual & Cultural Rituals
    Sufi Whirling Shows Easter Lunar New Year
    Traditional & Cultural Bathing Practices
    Arab Baths Hammams & Turkish Baths Onsens
    Healing & Wellness Experiences
    Thermal Spas & Hot Springs Spas Yoga Classes
    Immersive Spiritual Experiences
    Light & Sound Shows
    Nature & Wildlife Conservation
    Eco Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching
    Protected Natural Areas
    National Parks Nature Parks Involves Poverty Stricken Communities Involves Animals
    Sustainable & Responsible Travel
    Sustainable Tours Volunteer Tours
    Land-Based Exploration
    Hiking Tours Nature Walks Walking Tours Self-guided Tours
    Cycling & Eco-Friendly Transport
    Cycling Cycling Classes Bike Rentals Bike Tours E-Bike Tours
    Nightlife & Entertainment
    Adults-only Shows Bar Tours Burlesque Shows Cabaret Casino Tours Comedy Shows Night Cruises Night Tours Nightlife Pub Tours
    Live Music & Performances
    Concerts Jazz Shows Musical Shows Opera Performances R&B/Soul Concerts Rap & Hip-Hop Concerts Samba Dance Shows Theater Shows Live Concerts Music Tours
    Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations
    Festivals Mardi Gras Carnival Christmas Halloween Oktoberfest Packages & Special Events
    Dance & Cultural Party Experiences
    Disco Dance Shows Luaus Samba Dance Shows
    Spectacle & Family-Friendly Entertainment
    Children’s Shows & Concerts Circus Shows Family-friendly Shows Fireworks Shows Shows
    Unique & Themed Experiences
    LGBT Friendly Tours Street Art Tour Theme Parks Universal Theme Parks
    Performing Arts & Live Shows
    Acoustic Concerts Ballet Tickets Ballroom Dance Shows Belly Dance Shows Broadway Shows Cirque du Soleil Shows Classical Concerts Classical Music Flamenco Performance Live Concerts Musicals Opera Performances Sufi Whirling Shows Tango Dance Shows Theater Shows Traditional Dance Performances
    Cultural & Heritage Experiences
    Cultural Tours Culture Costume Dress Up Experiences Fashion Shows Fashion Tours Lantern Festival
    Art & Creative Workshops
    Art Classes Craft Classes Painting Classes Pottery Classes Photography Tours
    Dance & Music Participation
    Dance Lessons Dance Shows
    Language & Cultural Learning
    Language Classes Spanish Lessons
    Historical & Traditional Skills
    Archery Classes Swordsmanship Classes
    City Exploration
    Hop on Hop Off Buses Trolley Tours Tuk Tuk Tours
    High-Adrenaline Aerial Adventures
    Air Tours Hang Gliding Helicopter Tours Heli-Hiking Helicopter Transfers Paragliding Parasailing Skydiving Ziplining
    Land-Based Extreme Driving
    4WD Tours ATV Tours Buggy Rentals Dune Bashing Hummer Tours Motorcycle Tours Off-Road Tours Performance Car Driving Motor Sports Go Kart Road Trip Vespa Rentals
    Air & Water-Powered Thrill Rides
    Airboat Tours Jet Boat Rentals Jetpacks Flyboarding
    Climbing & Vertical Challenges
    Climbing Ice Climbing Rock Climbing Caving Sea Caving
    Snow & Ice Adventures
    Dog Sledding/Mushing Husky Dog Tours Ice Fishing Ice Skating Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing
    Water & Surf Sports
    Freediving Kitesurfing Rafting Scuba Diving Surfing Lessons Wakeboarding Waterskiing White Water Rafting
    Sand & Desert Adventures
    Camel Rides Sandboarding
    Unique & Unconventional Challenges
    Bungee Jumping Escape Rooms Flight Simulator Shooting Shooting Ranges Tubing Zorbing Scavenger Hunts Fun & Games
    Spectator Sports & Events
    Baseball Tickets Horse Racing Rugby Soccer Sporting Event Tickets & Passes
    Ball Sports
    Golf Tours & Tee Times Lacrosse Classes Softball Classes Tennis
    Winter Sports
    Skiing Skiing Classes
    Combat & Tactical Sports
    Martial Arts Classes Paintball
    Extreme & Challenge-Based Sports
    Obstacle Courses
    Sports Training & Lessons
    Sports Lessons Cycling Cycling Classes
    Exclusive & VIP Experiences
    Private and Luxury Viator VIP Tours Once in a Lifetime Experiences Viator Experience Award 2022 Viator Experience Award 2023 Viator Experience Award 2024 Viator Exclusive Tours
    Private & Personalized Travel
    Private Day Trips Private Drivers Private Sightseeing Tours
    Romantic & Scenic Experiences
    Romantic Tours Sunset Cruises Helicopter Tours Limousine Tours Luxury Car Tours Photo Shoots
    Weddings & Special Celebrations
    Wedding Ceremonies Wedding Packages Weddings & Celebrations Photo Shoots
    Classic & Scenic Cruises
    Canal Cruises Catamaran Cruises Dhow Cruises Gondola Cruises Sightseeing Cruises Water Tours
    Themed & Specialized Cruises
    Dinner Cruises Night Cruises Submarine Tours
    Multi-Day & Extended Water Journeys
    Multi-day Cruises Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Worry-Free Shore Excursion
    Private & Adventure Boating
    Boat Rentals Power Boats Sailing
    Unique & Alternative Water Travel
    Duck Boat Tours Pack Animal Tours Ferry Services Water Transfers Water Parks Water Equipment Rentals
    Travel by Season
    Autumn / Fall Spring Summer Winter Spring Break Winter Sports

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!