Christchurch Coach & Cruise Scenic Tour | Banks Peninsula & Akaroa Harbour Cruise

Christchurch Coach & Cruise Scenic Tour | Banks Peninsula & Akaroa Harbour Cruise

In 1840 French settlers arrived at Akaroa, which had just been claimed under the Treaty of Waitangi by the English. To this day Akaroa remains unique, the site of the only attempted settlement by the French in New Zealand. Many streets have French names and there are descendants of the original French families still living in Akaroa. The charm of this old French town with the incredible scenery encountered on the way have assured Akaroa’s popularity as a unique destination.

Travel to Akaroa over the beautiful Banks Peninsula, formed following violent eruptions of two ancient volcanoes. The high summit route gives glorious views of Akaroa Harbour, the Canterbury Plains and the distant Southern Alps and the remote bays and farmlands. The Akaroa crater nurses the picturesque harbour and Akaroa village, the only French settlement established in New Zealand.

Visit the Barry's Bay Cheese Factory for a cheese tasting of locally made cheeses, the only remaining cheese factory on the peninsula from a bygone era.

Enjoy the quaint colonial style architecture and wander around the charming 150 year old French harbourside village of Akaroa with it's museum of settlers' history, art and craft shops and studios, cafes and wine bars.

After lunch you join the Eco-marine Nature & Harbour cruise on the Akaroa Harbour.

Your cruise is packed with highlights including the rare, NZ native dolphin - the Hector's Dolphin, as well as penguins and other sea birds. And you'll see giant volcanic sea cliffs and hear about Akaroa's fascinating past. Each cruise is fully narrated by your skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour.

Tour Highlights

• Banks Peninsular high scenic drive with spectacular views
• Akaroa Harbour Cruise
• Lunch at award winning seaside bistro
• Sighting of one of the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins, the Hector’s Dolphin
• The White Flippered Blue Penguin, the smallest penguin in the world
• New Zealand Fur Seals sunning themselves on the rocks near Seal Bay

Tour Departures

• Frequency: Departs daily
• Departure Point: Free pick up & drop off from inner city accommodation
• Departure Time: at 8:30am
• Duration: 9.5 hours approximately
• Return Details: Tour returns at 5:45pm
• Closed: Christmas Day

Important Information

• This tour must be booked at least 72 hours in advance of travel.
• Confirmation for this product will be received within 24 hours of booking, subject to availability.
• Tour is operated in English unless otherwise stated.
• Complete operator information, including opening times and local contact telephone numbers are included on your e-voucher.

What to Bring

We suggest you wear warm clothing. Even on warm days, there may be a cool sea breeze blowing. Sun screen and a hat is a must even if it’s cloudy. Bring your camera – there are incredible views.

Information for Parents

Akaroa harbour Cruise catamarans are suitable for families and for young children. The vessels have high rails, however we suggest that children are supervised at all times both for their own safety and for the enjoyment of the other people on board. We also suggest warm clothes, a hat and sun screen lotion.

Tourism Affiliations