Akaroa & Banks Peninsula
Day Safari Tour
Banks Peninsula (Te Pataka o Rakaihautu) and the dramatically beautiful harbour where Akaroa is set, were formed by two giant volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Once a safe haven for early whalers and sealers working in the wild Southern Ocean, it now attracts visitors from all over NZ as a place of historical and cultural interest.
Akaroa (Long Harbour in Maori) is New Zealand’s only French Settlement and this charming, historic town has the distinct air of a French provincial village, thanks to French pioneers who arrived there in 1840. Unfortunately, they found the settlement had been claimed by the English at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. Nevertheless, the French influence remained, and descendants of some of the original settlers still live there.
What's included
- Eco-Nature Cruise
- Sight-seeing the magnificent scenery
- Birds, dolphins and seals
- Picnic morning tea, restaurant lunch and picnic afternoon tea / wine and cheese stop
- Easy guided walks, if desired
- Group Size – Private tours for 1-10, larger private tours by arrangement
Tour Details
Your tour will take you in comfort over the high summit route to Akaroa, which is nestled in an extinct volcanic crater. Join a small-group eco-nature cruise in the beautiful harbour and you will see the giant volcanic sea cliffs, and glimpse the world’s smallest ocean dolphin species – the rare Hector’s dolphin which is found only in NZ waters. New Zealand fur seals, little blue penguins, and a myriad of birdlife also reside here.
Explore & Discover
Enjoy lunch at one of the many charming restaurants and then you’ll have time to wander around the harbourside village, or take a walk which gives magnificent views of Akaroa Harbour and the Pacific Ocean. An afternoon picnic stop for NZ wine and cheese will be a highlight of your high, scenic return to Christchurch.
Options
Perhaps extend your visit to Akaroa with an overnight stay at a delightful B&B. This option can include a tour with Pohatu Penguins to view the White Flippered Penguins and a private cooking experience at the Akaroa Cooking School.
Explore and experience Akaroa
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