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Akaroa Tours
Akaroa (just 75 kilometres from Christchurch), is the oldest colonial town in the South Island, and famous as New Zealand’s only French settlement. The sparkling waters of this beautiful harbour are home to a variety of sea life including the worlds smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hectors Dolphin. It’s here you will find New Zealand fur seals, little blue penguins and a myriad of bird life.
Experience Akaroa
- Historic French settlement
- Charming Cottages + French Street Names
- Breathtaking Onawe Peninsula
- Cafes and Crosissants
- Superb seafood
You´ll ❤️ these great things to see & do…
- Swim with Hector Dolphins
- Cruise the harbour and beautiful bays
- Take the Village Walk
- Drop into Little River
- Stroll along the beach and watch the world go by.
Useful Akaroa Resources
Akaroa is a place to unwind, to wander through the charming little streets seeped in history. There are also activities for everyone including wildlife cruises, eco friendly sailing cruises, swimming with the dolphins, boat hire, paddle boats, fishing and sea kayaking. There are also Penguin colony tours, horse trekking and mountain bike riding.
Akaroa Day Tours & Attractions
Listing view
The historic French Village of Akaroa and its spectacular harbour is just a 90 minutes drive from Christchurch. Here you can cruise around an extinct volcanic crater and experience majestic scenery and stunning wildlife on daily harbour cruises. 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. Cruises depart every day, weather permitting. Your modern catamaran, the 60 foot /20 metre Black Cat (previously the Canterbury Cat), is perfect for viewing the natural wonders of Akaroa Harbour. Our vessel is the largest and most luxurious on the harbour. Each cruise is fully narrated by your skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour. The highlight of this trip is undoubtedly the sighting ....
Breathtaking Views of Akaroa Harbour
Join a 4WD safari starting from Akaroa Village and enjoy the breathtaking views of Akaroa Harbour, the outer coast, farmland, and forested hillsides on your journey towards the stunning Wildside Conservation area.
During the safari, you will get to learn about the rich history of the area, the native flora and fauna, and Pōhatu's unique penguin conservation program. Upon reaching Pōhatu Bay, you will be welcomed by the farm's friendly pet sheep that will be eager to be fed by your hand.
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Read more about Akaroa Swim with Dolphins
Akaroa Harbour is the flooded crater of an extinct volcano. Apart from the huge and awe-inspiring volcanic cliffs, this also means that the harbour is very sheltered. A lot of the time, especially in summer, your dolphin swim will be inside the sheltered harbour. With Black Cat Cruises you will enjoy an incredible experience, swimming with some of the world’s smallest, friendliest and rarest dolphins. Hector’s Dolphins are protected in Akaroa Harbour by a marine mammal sanctuary and our cruise gives you the chance to see these beautiful marine mammals close up. Black Cat’s Dolphin Swimming adventure allows only 12 swimmers per vessel, so you’ll have more chances to come face to face with the dolphins We operate up to 16 cruises per day November – March (Summer), up to 8 per day in April and October and 1 per day May – September (Winter) With only 12 swimmers allowed per vessel, cruises are frequently sold out, w....
Evening Penguin Tour & 4WD Scenic Drive
Pohatu is the largest Australasian Little Penguin community on mainland New Zealand. A lot of effort has been put into protecting these white-flippered Penguins from predators. If you're interested in conservation and want to learn more about these creatures, you can take part in a monitoring program.
Starting from Akaroa Village, you'll go on a breathtaking 4WD scenic drive to peaceful Pohatu Bay. There, you'll take a walk around the colony to monitor nesting sites and ensure that the Little Penguins are healthy. You'll also have the opportunity to see some undisturbed penguins from hides and observe them socializing on the wa....
Sea Kayaking & Scenic Wildlife Tour
Embark on a thrilling adventure at Pohatu Marine Reserve and witness its unique wildlife amidst towering volcanic cliffs, reefs, and sea caves.
The adventure starts from Akaroa Village, where you will board a 4WD vehicle and head out on a scenic wildlife tour. You'll get to see a variety of seabirds, little penguins, and playful fur seals frolicking in the rock pools. If you're lucky, you might even glimpse the world's smallest dolphin gliding under your kayak.
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