11 Shore Excursions in Akaroa Worth an Early Alarm

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

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

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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2.Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve

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

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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3.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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4.Akaroa Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Tour and Jet Boating

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 54 reviews · from $173

From Akaroa’s wharf, you’ll cross Banks Peninsula to Christchurch for the Botanic Gardens, city sights, and earthquake rebuild story. Then race across the shallow Waimakariri River in a jet boat, with high-speed runs and 360-degree spins. Guides such as John, Greg, Deon, and Malcolm have led trips, and port transfers are included.

“The driver that picked us up and took us to the first museum was excellent and very good about talking on the history of the area. Could have used a bit longer at the first stop, by the time you found the restroom and worked your way in and out of the museum you didn't get to see a lot. The next driver who took over from the museum through Christchurch was not over enthusiastic about the job - here is an empty lot, this is a piece of art that was a waste of money - that sort of thing - although we laughed and still talk about it…”

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5.Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 26 reviews · from $123

Travel from Akaroa through the scenic Banks Peninsula to Christchurch, walk the Botanic Gardens, view earthquake recovery sites, and visit Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for kiwi viewing and a guided Natural New Zealand tour. The six-hour outing includes transport, entry, and port return protection.

“The tour was well planned. Pick up in the morning and return to the ship was perfect. Our guide was very knowledgeable of the area and of Christchurch in particular. She took us to all the important areas and provided good photo opportunities. The only drawback is that Christchurch is a fair distance away and a long drive. The upside is that we got to see a lot of the countryside with on the spot information and anecdotes. The visit to the wildlife reserve was excellent and gave us an opportunity for a decent lunch. Highly recommended. Thank you”

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6.Akaroa Shore Excursion: Akaroa Harbour and Giants House Local Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 19 reviews · from $61Best value

Explore Akaroa Harbour and the volcanic crater rim with a driver-guide, pause at Hilltop Tavern and Barry’s Bay Cheese, then take a guided visit through the Giants House. The small vehicle carries up to 16 people, with port pickup and drop-off. Scott has earned special praise for his local stories and flexible routing.

“Great interesting tour, but the real shock was the Giants House. Wonderful art and garden interspersed. Witty and colourful. Highly recommend”

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7.Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City and Giants House Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 14 reviews · from $121

Travel from Akaroa through Banks Peninsula to Christchurch with a driver-guide, spending time at the Botanic Gardens, city center, and Sign of the Takahe. Return to Akaroa for a guided visit to the Giant’s House, known for its mosaic sculptures and unusual garden art. Janet is one named guide associated with the tour.

“It is definitely a value for money short trip. Lots of histories been told by the driver (our guide actually) and she is so professionally taking all cares on us. Thank you.”

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8.Akaroa Shore Excursion: Akaroa Harbour and Sheep Farm Local Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · from $71

Meet your guide at Akaroa Wharf for a 2.5-hour tour through French-influenced Akaroa, over Summit Road, and into the bays. Stop for views, tea, local cheese, a sheepdog demonstration, shearing, and afternoon tea at a working family farm. Groups are capped at 22, with cruise-port pickup and return.

“A superb tour. The farm experience was incredible, all the way from dog sheparding, through shearing, friendliness of the farmer, including an excellent tea with bodies on the front lawn.”

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9.Akaroa & Banks Peninsula from Lyttelton(Private Shore Excursion)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $496

Travel privately from Lyttelton to Akaroa through the volcanic hills of Banks Peninsula. Your local guide, such as Jared, Gemma, or Ollie, handles the driving and storytelling, with stops for morning tea, native bush, Little River, The Giant’s House, and time for lunch and shopping in Akaroa.

“Our guide Ollie local knowledge very good private for 2 nice vehicle very nice. Ollie took us to a winery we requested. It was a wonderful day that was made better by Ollie.”

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10.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Twin Harbour Tour (Lyttelton & Akaroa)

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 4 reviews · from $167

Travel from Lyttelton through Banks Peninsula to Akaroa, then join a two-hour Black Cat nature cruise on the harbour. You may see rare Hector’s Dolphins, native marine life, Lakes Forsyth and Ellesmere, and local cheese-making. A driver-guide, air-conditioned transport, and port return are included.

“We found it difficult to meet the bus although we followed instructions given. Had to phone the company who came and picked us up. Along with another group who were booked on the same tour. The drivers then conducted several head cRead more”

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11.Akaroa & Giants House Garden tour ex Lyttelton (Shore Excursion)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $340

Travel from Lyttelton to Akaroa with a local guide and no more than eight people. Stop at Sign of the Kiwi, Gebbies Pass, Kaituna Valley, and Little River before three hours in Akaroa, including entry to the Giant’s House, morning tea, and café lunch. Guides such as Jared, Gemma, and Michelle know the winding roads and local stories well.

“Was a great day seeing all the sites all the way to Akora, lunch stop was super quaint and the 2 girls leading the tour were informative and engaging. The roads are very narrow and windey but our guide did an amazing job navigating them”

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