Akaroa Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: Explore Volcanic Cliffs and Rare Wildlife

Embark on a captivating sightseeing tour from Christchurch to Akaroa. Discover volcanic cliffs, rare wildlife, and the charming Akaroa village. Enjoy a nature cruise and a delicious lunch at Bully Hayes Restaurant.

Duration: 9 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 6 days
Highlights
  • Akaroa - Following a morning pickup by air-conditioned coach from your Christchurch hotel, head out along the road to Akaroa to begin your tour. Tour includes Tourism Award Winning & Supreme Tourism Award winning cruise, on Akaroa Harbour.\n\nVisit the beautiful unspoilt old French whaling depot of Akaroa. A charming small township nestled in a…
What's Included
  • Lunch included (optional)
  • Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional driver/guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle for comfort
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Join us for a scenic excursion to Akaroa, nestled in the beautiful landscape of Banks Peninsula, shaped by the explosive eruptions of two prehistoric volcanoes. Akaroa’s crater cradles the scenic harbor and the charming village of Akaroa. During a Nature Cruise, marvel at the unique, rare Hector’s Dolphin, a native of NZ, along with penguins and a…

Location
Akaroa
Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(286 Ratings)
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1 star
Jean_s
Mar 18, 2026
Canadian - The highlight was seeing Hector’s dolphins. Craig, the driver’s commentary was excellent, the trip not too long in the vehicle, a tasty lunch and a stop at the cheese factory. A Canadian
Review provided by Viator
Jay_h
Mar 17, 2026
Dolphins and Seal pups……oh my! - The tour was a nice combination of shuttle van touring and boat cruising. Our driver Craig was outstanding and knowledgeable and kept us engaged. I appreciated the individual and prompt hotel pickup. There were plenty of stops to stretch the legs and sufficient toilet accommodations. The most exciting part was seeing the dolphins and the seal pups at play. I actually didn’t know we were going to see seals with their pups! The cruise in the harbor was pleasant with the perfect temperature for mid March. Was able to do the tour in shorts and a sunshirt. I brought a vest but didn’t use it.
Review provided by Viator
Ethan_d
Mar 17, 2026
Hector Dolphins, seals, beautiful landscape and great lunch - If you easily get sea sick, take motion sickness pills night before. Calm seas for sure, but was surprised people got sick.
Review provided by Viator
I6422ynpeterm
Mar 17, 2026
Day trip to Akaroa - Scotty our guide was very professional very knowledgeable and explained everything well We had a brilliant day at Akaroa harbour -nice lunch and great cruise -saw dolphins seals and penguins and bird life. Took us back over the hills above Christchurch so had a stunning view of city and surrounding Highly recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danielle_l
Mar 15, 2026
Our guide Jude made the... - Our guide Jude made the day and the drive more enjoyable! She is knowledgeable, humorous and helpful throughout the trip. We got to stop at a few beautiful lookouts, the cheese she recommended was amazing and we got to see many dolphins on the cruise.
Review provided by Viator
Jane_c
Mar 14, 2026
Akaroa with Jude - Fantastic day! Highly recommend this trip. Jude was an excellent guide and got the bus chatting and sharing stories. Nothing was too much trouble. Sensational. Thank u
Review provided by Viator
Bcripps1
Mar 11, 2026
Simply a wonderful trip - We had a wonderful, knowledgeable guide (Craig) who whose commentary ensured you got the maximum out of the day. Wonderful scenery throughout the trip, and the Akaroa Peninsular and the town itself is just beautiful. Add in a lovely lunch at a lakeside restaurant and a wonderful wildlife cruise where the captain ensures you see the maximum possible on the day, and you have the perfect trip. Highly recommended
Review provided by Viator
Sandragm7375lh
Mar 9, 2026
Highly recommend this tour. - Our guide, Craig was great, sharing interesting information and stories along the way. I saw the Hector's dolphins on the cruise and enjoyed a very good lunch in Akaroa. A day to remember. Thanks Craig and Leisure Tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annmb56
Mar 9, 2026
A day that exceeded expectations ! - A great day - lots of information and stories from Craig our guide which made for a really informative and entertaining trip. Saw the dolphins and seals and even though the weather was a bit overcast the trip back was lovely. Lunch was just delicious. Would highly recommend Thank Craig for a great day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katherine_d
Mar 8, 2026
Akaroa Experience Delightful! - Well organized. Great guide who was very informative. Beautiful scenery. Guide provided ample time for picture taking. Pre tour communication was excellent.
Review provided by Viator
From $158
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 6 days before the start of your experience (local time).