Tour Overview
Christchurch to Akaroa is 83 kilometers by road, set on a beautiful, sheltered harbour and overlooked by craggy volcanic hills. It is a popular weekend retreat with a population of around 750 people. It is predominantly a quiet spot, with a quaint village atmosphere. Cruise boats occasionally dock at the Harbour, bringing with it a bustle of tourists. We can check their docking schedules prior to our trip, if you wish to avoid any crowds and would like a more serene experience. The settlement has a unique French flavour and some quaint shops if you wish to enjoy some shopping. The day starts leaving Christchurch via the Summit road. This route gives you magnificent views over both the Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch City and out across the plains to the Southern Alps.
You will visit a cheese factory to enjoy some tastings at the last operating Cheese factory at Barry’s Bay. We will stop along the way, either on a remote beach or high above the many inlets, for a hot pot of morning tea and homemade bakes. There are lots of opportunities for photo stops, with spectacular views over Banks Peninsula. Later, we will enjoy a two-course delicious homemade picnic lunch in a scenic location.
Enjoy a cruise on the Black Cat boat. This nature cruise offers some wonderful variety including unique volcanic coastal scenery, NZ Fur Seals, and the endangered Hectors Dolphins as well as little Blue Penguins.
View my other tours to see a snippet of popular and unforgettable tour experiences in New Zealand.
Highlights of the tour – Christchurch to Akaroa
• Lyttelton Harbour
• Southern Alps
• Akaroa Harbour
• Scenic nature cruise to view endangered Hectors Dolphin, Little Blue Penguins and NZ Fur Seals
• Homemade 2 course picnic lunch and morning tea in a scenic location
Best Time to book
• Through-out the year
Tour Duration
• 8-hour day trip
Tour Itinerary
| 09.00 | Depart Christchurch via Summit Road |
| 10.00 | Morning tea above the city, overlooking Lyttelton Harbour and views towards the Southern Alps |
| 11.00 | Walk on Stony beach at Kaitorete Spit |
| 12.00 | Barry’s Bay cheese factory viewing and tastings |
| 12.30 | Picnic lunch in scenic location close to Akaroa Village |
| 13.15 | Check in for Black Cats Harbour Nature Cruise. View Hectors Dolphins, NZ fur seals and Little Blue Penguins as well as stunning volcanic scenery from the Catamaran boat |
| 13.30 | Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise (duration: 2 hours) |
| 15.30 | Return to Christchurch via main highway |
| 17.30 | Arrive in Christchurch |
What’s included
• An Experienced & Knowledgeable, local Tour Guide
• Return Transport from Christchurch to Akaroa Village and Harbour
• Morning tea and a 2-course picnic lunch hamper made with natural ingredients
• 2-hour Harbour Nature Cruise
Rates
• Priced from $330 per person