AKAROA BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Two days tracing the volcanic arms of Banks Peninsula from Christchurch to Akaroa
A 2-day guided exploration that combines cliff-top roads, quiet bays and a stop in New Zealand’s only French settlement, useful for travelers who want an in‑depth survey of Banks Peninsula.
Two days tracing the volcanic arms of Banks Peninsula from Christchurch to Akaroa.
Akaroa Harbour Plus is an extended, two‑day scenic tour of Banks Peninsula that goes well beyond the township of Akaroa: drivers and guides thread cliff roads and harbour rims, pausing at secluded bays such as Port Levy, Okains Bay and Pigeon Bay, before delivering you to Akaroa with the option of a nature cruise on the harbour.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A full-circuit survey of Banks Peninsula
Over two days the itinerary follows the long, winding roads around Lyttelton Harbour and across the peninsula’s ridgelines, stopping in historic settlements and small bays so you see both coasts of the peninsula rather than a single harbour view.
Akaroa — New Zealand’s only French settlement
The tour includes an overnight in Akaroa with time to wander the town and dine locally, giving you the chance to sample the settlement’s distinct French heritage before continuing the peninsula loop the next day.
Wildlife and harbour options
At Akaroa there is the option to join a separately booked two‑hour nature cruise on the harbour for wildlife viewing; the extended itinerary also visits sheltered bays where New Zealand fur seals are occasionally seen.
What the day feels like
What the two-day journey feels like
The trip reads like a slow coastal cross‑section: leave Christchurch through the Lyttelton tunnel, climb to cliff lookouts and wind down into tiny harbours for short explorations and teas, lunch in historic settlements such as Okains Bay, then check into Akaroa for the evening. Day two opens with an optional harbour nature cruise or cliff-top walking at Akaroa Head, then continues around the southern bays and down to Little River and Birdlings Flat before returning to Christchurch by early evening.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should take note.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a two‑day tour with scenic stops that can be seasonal (for example Fishermans Bay Gardens).
Photography tuition is available if required; optional extras such as the Akaroa Harbour nature cruise are purchased separately when booking.
Meals and accommodation are included only on the Premium option—select Premium when booking if you require them.
Travel is by late‑model, air‑conditioned transport with an expert guide; snacks, beverages and drinks are provided.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Akaroa Harbour Plus tour?
The tour runs for 2 days.
Where does the tour depart from?
Pick up is offered from some of the main hotels within Christchurch or alternately from the Canterbury Museum.
Is the Akaroa Harbour nature cruise included?
No—the Akaroa Harbour nature cruise is an optional extra purchased separately when booking; it is a two‑hour cruise priced at Adult $90 and Child $35 per person.
Are meals and accommodation provided?
Meals and accommodation are provided only on the Premium option—select 'Premium' when booking to include them.
What is the minimum group size?
The tour is organised for groups of 2 or more and is priced per group.
Will the exact route change depending on season or access?
Yes—some stops are seasonal or dependent on access (for example Fishermans Bay Gardens are not available year‑round), so the day‑by‑day route may vary.