Akaroa Dolphin Watching & Harbour Nature Cruise
Experience the French-inspired charm of Akaroa with our luxury harbour cruise featuring
rare Hector's dolphins
Scenic Akaroa Harbour & Peninsula Views
Tour Overview
Your Akaroa Harbour Cruise includes the picturesque drive from Christchurch to the French inspired seaside township of Akaroa along with the (1 hour+) naturally beautiful drive bypassing Canterbury rural farmlands and peninsula harbour views is a special offering for something different in New Zealand.
Akaroa brands itself as "Nature's playground" and regales in the French heritage (street names, architecture and culinary influences established by French colonists in the 1840s) settlement that is still very much alive in the town's identity today.
Akaroa Dolphins are a 100% locally owned authentic family business and provide large luxurious boating comforts with both indoor and outdoor seating, extremely friendly service, good food & refreshments to enhance your guest experience. They are the best at seeking out the renowned Hector's dolphins - one of the world's smallest and rarest oceanic dolphins.
Quick Facts
- Full Day (8+ hours )
- Private Tours
- Door-to-door service
- Lunch included
- 2-hours harbour cruise
Akaroa Tour Pricing
Akaroa Dolphins Cruise & Bully Hayes lunch dining
NZD $725.00 per person
Discover the French-inspired charm of Akaroa with rare Hector's dolphins and harbour cruising.
- Dolphin cruise included
- Full day experience
How Your Day Unfolds
( Please be aware your hotel pick up is a fixed time )
8:25 AM
Hotel Pickup
I collect you from hotel or place of residence and we begin our scenic drive from Christchurch to Akaroa.
9:00 AM
Little River Stop
We drive to the lovely rural town of Little River where we stop for a comfort break and invigorating takeaway refreshment.
9:30 AM
Arrival in Akaroa
We arrive into the lovely seaside township of Akaroa, on the way taking in amazing panoramic views of Banks Peninsula & Akaroa Harbour from the Hilltop.
10:15 AM
Harbour Cruise Begins
You board the Akaroa Dolphins purpose-built harbour cruiser for your 2-hour inner & outer harbour nature cruise on the lookout for Hector's dolphins.
12:15 PM
Waterfront Lunch
You return to the wharf and enjoy lunch & refreshments at an exquisite waterfront restaurant with stunning harbour views.
2:00 PM
Explore Akaroa
You can browse the quaint shopping spots of Akaroa and take in the views of this charming French-influenced seaside town.
3:30 PM
Return Journey
We depart Akaroa with stops at Little River Art Gallery and a scenic picnic-style afternoon tea in an idyllic rural setting.
4:45 PM
Return to Christchurch
We arrive back at your hotel or place of residence after a full day of Canterbury's natural beauty and French charm.
What's Included
Door-to-Door Service
Luxury pickup and drop-off at your accommodation
Waterfront Lunch
Delicious lunch & refreshments at Akaroa seafront restaurant
2-Hour Harbour Cruise
Inner & outer harbour nature cruise with Akaroa Dolphins
Scenic Drive
Beautiful drive over Banks Peninsula to Akaroa
Art Gallery Visit
Stop at the world-class Little River Art Gallery
Afternoon Tea
Picnic - style afternoon tea in idyllic rural setting
Tour Highlights
Hector's Dolphins
Encounter one of the world's smallest and rarest oceanic dolphins in their natural habitat
French Heritage
Explore the French colonial influence in street names, architecture, and culinary traditions
Banks Peninsula Views
Stunning panoramic views from the hilltop and volcanic harbour vistas
Local Expertise
Knowledgeable ship's captain sharing stories of history, geology, and local wildlife
Boutique Shopping
Browse local stores and boutiques in charming Akaroa township
Photo Gallery
Ready to Experience Akaroa
Join me for an unforgettable journey to New Zealand's French-inspired coastal gem
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