New Zealand · AKAROA TOURS

15 Akaroa Tours, With the Price Beside Each

54 tours  ·  from $16

The good ones go weeks ahead and the rest fill in behind them. Below: 15 akaroa tours, what each includes and where they genuinely differ.

Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise - Stop 1: Akaroa Lighthouse and the harbour entrance
Akaroa Tours, Boat Tours in Akaroa, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews

Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise

1.Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,143 reviews · from $80Our pick

Spend two hours on a stable, roomy catamaran exploring Akaroa Harbour, the lighthouse, and Banks Peninsula. Skippers such as George, Dave, and Joe share local stories while trained dolphin-spotting dogs help scan the water. Your ticket includes a New Zealand beer, wine, or soft drink plus a homemade cookie. Dolphin sightings are likely but never guaranteed.

“Excellent harbor cruise! My family (mom, dad, 4mo baby) enjoyed every minute of this experience. We were able to see dolphins, penguins, and seals. Our captain, George, was personable and provided an excellent tour. We’d recommend this to all ages!”

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Akaroa: Dolphin Nature Cruise - Seeing Hector’s dolphins in the wild
Akaroa Tours, Boat Tours in Akaroa, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews

Akaroa: Dolphin Nature Cruise

2.Dolphin Nature Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 440 reviews · 2 hours · from $77

Spend two hours on Akaroa Harbour with a local crew, watching for rare Hector’s dolphins and other wildlife. Guides such as George, Dave, and Chops add lively local stories, while dolphin-spotting dogs Albie, Wilbur, Theo, or Archie help scan the water. Your fare includes a drink, homemade cookies, warm jackets, sunscreen, and a comfortable catamaran ride.

“Weather was perfect. Captain knew exactly where to look for the dolphins, and spent time explaining how the area was formed, and the rock formations. Also saw seals as well. Hot and cold drinks and home made cookies on offer as well. Very enjoyable.”

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Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise - Boarding at 82 Beach Road
Akaroa Tours, Boat Tours in Akaroa, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

3.Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 332 reviews · from $77

Join Black Cat Cruises at Akaroa’s main wharf for a two-hour catamaran trip through a volcanic harbour. Your skipper provides live commentary as you watch for Hector’s dolphins, little blue penguins, fur seals, seabirds, sea caves, and cliffs. Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are included, with morning and afternoon departures.

“It was easy to book. Staff were fun friendly inviting. Free cuppa on board. A bit chilly but many blankets about boat to use. We saw dolphins seals penguins. Beautiful calm day,”

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Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa - Why the 12-swimmer limit makes a difference
Akaroa Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews

Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa

4.Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 261 reviews · from $128

Join Black Cat Cruises at Akaroa’s main wharf for a 3.5-hour swim with wild Hector’s dolphins. A maximum of 12 swimmers, a skipper, and a nature guide keep the outing personal. Wetsuits, masks, hot showers, and a warm drink are included. You may also spot seals, penguins, and other marine life.

“Black Cat actually wouldn't let us swim because the dolphins were feeding - I was impressed they showed restraint in this way. We saw lots of Hector's Dolphins from the boat, but they followed New Zealand's laws in not having us disturb them because they were feeding. I could imagine a company with less scruples saying go ahead anyway. Also, they gave us a partial refund because we didn't swim with dolphins, which we appreciated.”

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Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch - Barry’s Bay cheese and a taste of local character
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Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch

5.Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 256 reviews · from $167

Travel from Christchurch to Akaroa by air-conditioned coach, passing Lake Ellesmere, Lake Forsyth, Gebbies Pass, and Little River. Enjoy views over Banks Peninsula, taste cheese at Barry’s Bay, stroll Akaroa’s colonial village, and take a two-hour catamaran cruise for Hector’s dolphins, seals, birds, and possible penguin sightings. Lunch is available as an upgrade.

“I was unwell and was not able to have the lunch or the boat trip. I contacted Viator many times asking for a refund of just the lunch and the cruise which they would not have paid for. This was August and I have never had a reply or refund.”

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Akaroa Harbour 2-Hour Dolphin Nature Cruise - Leaving the Main Wharf and entering the volcanic harbour
2-Hour Experiences, Akaroa Tours, Boat Tours in Akaroa, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews

Akaroa Harbour 2-Hour Dolphin Nature Cruise

6.Akaroa Harbour 2-Hour Dolphin Nature Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 235 reviews · 2 hours · from $71

Cruise Akaroa Harbour aboard a spacious catamaran with an English-speaking skipper and nature guide. Look for rare Hector’s dolphins, little penguins, fur seals, albatross, and cormorants while passing sea caves, 500-foot cliffs, Scenery Nook, and Nikau Palm Gully. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, toilets, and covered seating are provided.

“Very nice experience. If you visit Akaroa is a must to do this excursion. Highly recommended”

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Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour - Christchurch Botanic Gardens offers a calm first stop
Akaroa Tours, City Tours, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions in Akaroa, Tour Reviews, Tours

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour

7.Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 228 reviews · from $89

Travel from Akaroa Harbour to Christchurch by coach through Banks Peninsula and the Canterbury Plains. You’ll walk through the Botanic Gardens, see earthquake damage in the old CBD, stop for lunch, and possibly visit Sumner, Lyttelton, and the Port Hills. Local guides such as Scotty, Ian, Phil, and Bruce are known for strong commentary.

“We were on a 50 passenger bus, so that eliminates the opportunity to ask questions. it was a long day of driving to see Christchurch, but I wanted to go there, so I don't know how it could have been otherwise - except others on our ship saw Christchurch AND stopped to see a sheep shearing and dogs working sheep. I was envious of them. We saw all that was advertised in the tour and it was very good.”

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Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve - The Wildlife Question: Hopeful, Not Guaranteed
Akaroa Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Kayaking Tours in Akaroa, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions in Akaroa, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Akaroa

Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve

8.Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 160 reviews · from $83

Meet near Akaroa’s harbor for a two to three-hour guided kayak safari through sheltered bays formed by an extinct volcano. Your guide, perhaps John, Jake, Joey, or Allie, provides gear and local stories as you paddle past lava formations and watch for Hector’s dolphins, penguins, seals, and seabirds. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“The guide was wonderful. The weather was horrible. It rained the entire time and the winds blew so hard we were unable to leave the shelter of the cove. It was grey and visibility was limited. So... just be warned this trip is NOT cancelled for foul weather. Bring rain gear and smile for the camera!”

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Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and the International Antarctic Centre - Christchurch after the 2011 earthquake
Akaroa Tours, City Tours, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions in Akaroa, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 135 reviews · from $124

From Akaroa, ride through the scenic Banks Peninsula to Christchurch for a short city tour, Botanic Gardens stop, and entry to the International Antarctic Centre. You’ll experience Antarctic wind and snow, see little blue penguins, and take an amphibious Hagglund ride. Guides such as Scotty and Rob have earned praise for their local insight.

“We had lots of fun visiting the International Antartic Centre. Christchurch is recovering after the 2011 earthquake. beautiful University.”

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Akaroa: Pohatu Penguins Scenic Nature 2-Hour or 4-Hour Tour - The working farm at Pohatu Bay
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Akaroa: Pohatu Penguins Scenic Nature 2-Hour or 4-Hour Tour

10.Pohatu Penguins Scenic Nature 2-Hour or 4-Hour Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 125 reviews · 2 - 4 hours · from $56

Travel by 4WD from Akaroa over the crater rim of an extinct volcano to Pohatu Bay. Your English-speaking local guide explains the area, introduces you to friendly sheep, and shares the work protecting little penguins. Choose two hours, or four hours for cliff-top views, refreshments, and a closer look at seasonal rehabilitation.

“Superb. Fascinating even though it was late in season. Highly recommend it. Incredible programme they are running.”

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Akaroa: Swimming with Wild Dolphins Experience - Meeting the crew at Akaroa Harbour
Akaroa Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews

Akaroa: Swimming with Wild Dolphins Experience

11.Swimming with Wild Dolphins Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 123 reviews · from $123

Swim near wild Hector’s dolphins in Akaroa Harbour on a 3.5-hour Black Cat Cruises trip. A skipper and nature guide explain safe dolphin etiquette, then take up to 12 swimmers past volcanic cliffs, fur seals, and marine birds. Wetsuits, snorkel gear, hot showers, lockers, drinks, cookies, and downloadable photos are included.

“Done this activity over Christmas. Everything was excellent, good briefing to start off with and lay out expectations for the day. Wetsuits were warm and comfortable. Can't remember guide and pilots names, guide was an English lad and skipper a local Kiwi, but both very friendly and informative. Great time in the water and lucky enough to have plenty dolphins around us. The guide took some great pics and they were sent to us almost before we'd even left the facility on our return. Highly recommned.Read more”

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Sunrise wildlife sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve - Starting at the Akaroa Bowling Club
Akaroa Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Kayaking Tours in Akaroa, Tour Reviews, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Akaroa

Sunrise wildlife sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve

12.Sunrise wildlife sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 123 reviews · from $96

Start at 7:30 am with a safety briefing before paddling into Akaroa’s extinct volcanic basin. Guides such as James, John, and Peter lead small groups toward quiet bays, native birds, seals, and possible Hector dolphin sightings. Tandem kayaks, light refreshments, and on-water photos are included.

“Fantastic morning out on the water! Our guide was very knowledgeable on the area and provided us with interesting facts. We had a slight change of plans due to the good weather, so we were able to go further out. Guide communicated efficiently with the change and gave us a great morning.”

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Akaroa: 4WD Safari and Guided Sea-Kayaking Experience - The 4WD ride from Akaroa to Flea Bay
4WD Tours, Akaroa Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Kayaking Tours in Akaroa, Tour Reviews

Akaroa: 4WD Safari and Guided Sea-Kayaking Experience

13.4WD Safari and Guided Sea-Kayaking Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 120 reviews · 4h 30m · from $80

Ride from Akaroa over the volcanic crater rim to Pōhatu Flea Bay, then paddle a double kayak along the marine reserve for 1 to 1.5 hours. Guides such as Ben, Kevin, and Vila share local wildlife and conservation stories. No kayaking experience is needed, but sea conditions determine the route.

“Kevin was a great guide and we even saw a Pinguine!!”

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Akaroa: Pohatu Little Penguins 3-Hour Evening Experience - The 4WD ride over Akaroa’s crater rim
3-Hour Experiences, Akaroa Tours, Bird Watching Tours, Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews

Akaroa: Pohatu Little Penguins 3-Hour Evening Experience

14.Pohatu Little Penguins 3-Hour Evening Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 119 reviews · 3 hours · from $68

Travel by 4WD from Akaroa across the volcanic crater rim to Pohatu, or Flea Bay, with guides such as Ben, Tayla, Mona, and Kevin. Watch nesting sites, scan the bay with binoculars, and look for little penguins returning at dusk. The small group tour uses camouflage gear and no artificial light.

“Great to see the little guys and learn about the conservation efforts!”

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Shamarra Alpaca Farm Tours - The Guides Make the Difference
Akaroa Tours, Farm Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Shamarra Alpaca Farm Tours

15.Shamarra Alpaca Farm Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 117 reviews · from $38Best value

Drive to Shamarra Alpacas, about 20 minutes from Akaroa, for a one-hour visit with friendly alpacas. Guides such as Jean explain care, fleece, behavior, and the difference between alpacas and llamas. You can pet, cuddle, and feed the animals, see newborns, and enjoy Akaroa Harbour views. Transport is not included.

“Lovely team. They’re so passionate about their work. It was a great afternoon with them. Alpacas are super friendly. But more than that, I really enjoyed interacting with the staff - they genuinely love their work and care for the animals. It was a phenomenal experience.”

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New in Akaroa Tours

★ 5.0Akaroa with optional dolphin cruise (Small Group Tour)From $3403 reviews
★ 5.0Akaroa & Banks Peninsula from Lyttelton(Private Shore Excursion)From $4966 reviews
★ 5.0Private Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch5 reviews
★ 3.5Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Twin Harbour Tour (Lyttelton & Akaroa)From $1674 reviews
★ 5.0Akaroa & Giants House Garden tour ex Lyttelton (Shore Excursion)From $3403 reviews
★ 5.0Luxury Private Guided Crater Rim Walk on Banks Peninsula30 reviews
★ 4.5Akaroa Day Tour From ChristchurchFrom $1616 reviews
★ 5.0Half Day Guided Walking Tour on Banks Peninsula40 reviews
★ 5.0Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch ReturnFrom $16413 reviews
★ 5.0Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch & LytteltonFrom $1043 reviews
★ 4.0Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from ChristchurchFrom $22335 reviews
★ 5.0Akaroa Private Day Tour from ChristchurchFrom $1543 reviews
★ 5.0Akaroa Private Day Trip From Christchurch11 reviews
★ 5.0Akaroa Private Group Day Trip from ChristchurchFrom $19210 reviews
★ 5.0Solar Explorer in Akaroa – Sun-Viewing Tour with TelescopesFrom $245 reviews

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