8 Shore Excursions in Akaroa to Build a Day Around

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

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

Travel from Akaroa through Banks Peninsula to Christchurch on a guided coach tour. See the Botanic Gardens, earthquake-damaged Cathedral Square, Sumner, Lyttelton, and Port Hills viewpoints. Guides such as Scotty, Ian, Phil, and Bruce are known for strong local commentary, but city time can feel short.

“the tour was well organized and went the full time. the country side was absolutely stunning. our guide was setev and he gave a good running commentary going through some history and local tales. actual time spent in Christchurch was disappointing as we parked at the botanical gardens and were given little detail about where we were . we wandered around for the couple hours we were there but it could have been better organized. 8/10 on a rating and it was an enjoyable day .”

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2.Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve

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

Join guides such as Jake, Joey, John, or Seamus for a roughly three-hour sea-kayak trip from Akaroa’s harbor area. You’ll paddle stable tandem kayaks through sheltered volcanic bays, learn about local geology and wildlife, and may spot Hector’s dolphins, penguins, seals, or native birds.

“Jake was our Kayak tour guide and could not have been more perfect! We were fortunate enough to see four Hector dolphin sightings and Jake's insight into the dolphins and other marine life was amazing. He has an in-depth knowledge of various birds, plant life and marine life. We loved all of the staff, very nice and efficient. Thank you!”

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

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

Travel from Akaroa through Banks Peninsula to Christchurch, with a short city visit and entry to the International Antarctic Centre. Expect an Antarctic storm, blue penguins, a Hagglund ride, and guides such as Scotty or Rob, depending on the day. Port transfers and on-time return protection are included.

“The weather was not great!. We made a 45 minute stop in Christchurch, but there was not much we could do because it was raining. We ducked into the art museum and ran thru the botanical gardens. We drove to the International Antarctic Center where they were not prepared for the crowds. They did not have enough help nor enough food for us! After eating rapidly, they escorted us thru the center at a much too rapid pace. We did not have time to look at displays or enjoy the center!”

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

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

Travel from Akaroa to Christchurch by coach, tour the Botanic Gardens and central city, then race through the shallow Waimakariri River on a 35-minute jet-boat ride with spins and spray. Port transfers and life jackets are included, but bring food and allow for a long day on the road.

“Enjoyed this thoroughly. The jet boat experience was very enjoyable and we were the only boat on the river. The Banks Peninsula and Christchurch city tour were very informative and interesting. Woudl recommend this tour.”

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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 Banks Peninsula to Christchurch, walk the Botanic Gardens, view earthquake recovery sites, and spend about two hours at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. You may see brown and spotted kiwi in the nocturnal house and learn about its breeding program.

“Willowbank was pretty awesome. The city of Christcharch is still trying to recover from a 2011 earthquake. Tour was excellent.”

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

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

You’ll travel from Akaroa’s cruise tender meeting point through the harbour and volcanic crater rim, pause at Hilltop Tavern and Barry’s Bay Cheese, then tour the colorful Giants House. The small vehicle holds up to 16 people, with guides such as Scott and John leading the drive.

“Would definitely recommend this trip Akoroa very quaint lovely harbour and promenade. Giants house you will not of seen anything like it prepare to be amazed. Viator thank you again we have booked all our tours with you all drivers have been very informative and helpful as have shore staff 👍👍👍”

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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 stops at the Botanic Gardens, earthquake-damaged central city, Port Hills, and the mosaic-filled Giant’s House. A driver-guide handles the route, port pickup, and return, while lunch is at your own expense.

“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 small-group tour through Akaroa Harbour, over Summit Road, to Barry’s Bay Cheese and Coombe Farm. You’ll see sheepdogs work, watch shearing, meet the farming family, and enjoy tea with homemade scones.

“The driver/guide gave us a nice overview of the area with a few scenic stops for photos and was very informative. The stop at the cheese shop was nice (tasted several types of cheese) although they weren't working at the time. It was fun Read more”

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