At the core, we’re a family business with our management team being 6th & 7th generation Banks Peninsula locals. Alongside our family members, we have a passionate team who are committed to you having a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
We keep our passenger groups small so that you have more room to move around the boat, and enjoy your cruise without overcrowding or missing dolphin sightings due to a shortage of viewing space. Our boat has a low-lying profile which means you get closer to the wildlife!
When you board our boat you’ll be offered a complimentary drink. Choose from beer, award-winning local wine or non-alcoholic options. You’ll also enjoy our famous home-baked treats made from our family recipe and served to you by our delightful onboard crew.
We are committed to the conservation of our harbour's environment and wildlife. After all, it’s the centre point of our business.
*Check-in is 30 minutes prior to the departure, with boarding 15 minutes beforehand.
Alpacas Farm is an unparalleled opportunity to get up close and personal with alpacas, learn about this loving animal, and create some memories with friends and family in a stunning location.
Note - guests must drive to the farm, or see operator website for transport providers.
Cruise through the stunning Akaroa Harbour and encounter some of New Zealand’s most unique marine wildlife, including the rare Hector’s dolphin, NZ fur seals, penguins, and seabirds. Set aboard a spacious, modern catamaran with large viewing decks and indoor seating, this award-winning nature cruise offers comfort, panoramic views, and expert commentary from your knowledgeable skipper. You’ll explore an ancient volcanic crater, marvel at towering 500-foot sea cliffs and vibrant rock formations. Learn about local conservation efforts and Akaroa’s rich Māori and European history. Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and a free postcard. With guaranteed departures (weather permitting), it’s a must-do for nature and wildlife lovers and families alike. As New Zealand’s first eco-tourism operator, we’re proud to support the dolphin protection efforts alongside the Department of Conservation and the NZ Whale & Dolphin Trust. Your ticket directly supports this work.
Escape city lights to Akaroa's pristine dark skies for our intimate Night Awe tour. Join expert astronomer Luca for a captivating experience through the Southern Hemisphere's celestial wonders.
Experience the cosmos with two powerful telescopes: our 10-inch Dobsonian for stunning visual observations and a ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope for live astrophotography. Witness the breathtaking Milky Way, planets, vibrant nebulae, and distant galaxies.
Receive incredible digital photo souvenirs!
Instant nebula/deep-sky photos: Captured live with our smart telescope, ready for instant social media sharing!
Your personalized souvenir photo under the night sky: A beautiful digital keepsake of you (or your group) among the stars, sent next day.
Enjoy complimentary hot drink and cozy blankets for ultimate comfort. Our small group size ensures a personalized experience.
Conveniently located at Akaroa Heritage Park, just minutes from town. Book your unparalleled stargazing experience today!
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, limited to only 12 swimmers per trip, and immerse yourself in the wonder of swimming with the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins – the Hector’s dolphin. Each tour is guided by a knowledgeable Nature Guide and Skipper aboard our specially designed vessel, which offers an informative commentary of the harbour while highlighting wildlife conservation efforts in the region. You’ll have the chance to swim with Hector’s dolphins, get close to ancient volcanic cliffs, and observe New Zealand fur seals alongside various marine bird species.
Please Note: This is a nature-based experience with wild dolphins in their natural environment. While our crew has a high success rate, swims are not guaranteed and no refunds are given for unsuccessful swims. Read more about this policy below.
For this early-bird adventure, you’ll set out in the morning from Akaroa to explore the outer coast of the Pōhatu Marine Reserve by kayak. You’ll take a scenic drive, crossing over the crater rim of the Akaroa Volcano and arriving in Flea Bay.
From here, you’ll head out to sea in your kayak, paddling across calm waters and taking in sights like the island arch and sea caves. You’ll be on the lookout for all kinds of marine wildlife, including penguins, seals, sea birds and even the world’s smallest dolphin.
Our tours numbers are kept limited, offering you a small and intimate tour that will take you where others can't with amazing views of New Zealands wildlife. Our friendly and knowledgeable crew love meeting and talking with our guests, and Scruffy our friendly boat dog, joins us on our afternoon trips. Tony, a real Kiwi, has been exploring the waters around Banks Peninsula since the 1960s. He'll entertain you with the stories of his adventures and share his enthusiasm for this wonderful environment and stunning wildlife.
Enjoy a local 2.5 hour guided sightseeing shore excursion of Akaroa exploring the beautiful township, harbour, and this portion of the Banks Peninsula. After being picked up from the Akaroa Wharf, your coach will travel through township and the inner bays of the Akaroa before arriving at a local cheese factory, for tastings, and travelling along the old volcanic crater rim for some magnificent views of the harbour and peninsula. Afterwards, head back into Akaroa for a guided tour of the famous Giants House, with its beautiful gardens and mosaic sculptures. This tour is perfect for those looking for a short tour of the local sights and attractions!
Akaroa guided kayak safari provide a premium 3 hour guided sea kayak safari with a local nature/sea kayak guide through's pristine marine reserve and harbour. You will get the most water time by choosing this kayak safari as we are located right in the heart of Akaroa so tour time is not taken up by driving to the launching area. The wildlife, scenery and knowledgable local guide will make this an experience you won't forget. We are always the first operators on the water and often have the whole harbour to ourselves as the boat tours start after we finish. Peaceful serene and wild sums up the magic of kayaking in the early morning through this idyllic marine reserve. We aim to have zero impact on the conservation area. There is no other place quite like it. Come and see for yourself how special it is here!
New Zealand's only guided DAILY tour of the Sun! Discover the Sun like never before. Located just a 90-minute scenic drive from Christchurch, this unique daytime experience offers a safe, fascinating look at our nearest star, perfect for all ages and Akaroa day trips.
You will observe sunspots, solar flares, and intricate surface activity in stunning detail through our specialized solar telescope. Our expert astronomer will guide you, sharing captivating facts and making this a hands-on, exciting introduction to astronomy.
We use our cutting-edge ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope to capture high-resolution images of the Sun live. These incredible digital photos are then shared with you instantly! Plus, easily snap your own stunning visuals directly through the telescope with our smartphone adapter. Leave with unique, Insta-worthy visuals you won't find anywhere else.
This short, educational, and high-tech tour is ideal for all ages. Book your spot now for an unforgettable experience!
This is a must do for those who like to get active while exploring new places! If you have a spare 2 hours up your sleeve and are confident riding a ‘normal’ mountain bike then why not join us on a premium guided electric mountain bike tour, it may just be one of the highlights of your trip!
Our popular rides are the perfect way to explore the village and surrounds, if you have conventional mountain bike experience and have a basic level of fitness this trip is for you. You will be amazed as you cruise up terrain you wouldn’t dream of on a conventional bike, with our powerful pedal assist Scott Bosch systems Ebiking is making the impossible… now possible!.
Great for couples, families and friends. This tour includes mixed terrain, some steep ascents and descents, sealed roads through out. Two routes to choose from to suit different fitness levels.
Warning- Electric Mountain biking is very addictive, we ride FURTHER, FASTER HIGHER without the sweat! Once is never enough!
A 2.5 hour shore excursion which combines a guided local tour of Akaroa township and harbours with a tour of a working sheep farm. After being picked up from the Akaroa Wharf, your coach will travel through township and the inner bays of the Akaroa before arriving at a local cheese factory, for tastings, and travelling along the old volcanic crater rim for some magnificent views of the harbour and peninsula. Following a great photo opportunity, your driver will take you to a nearby local sheep farm where you'll be able to enjoy sheepdog work, a sheep shearing demonstration, and afternoon tea, all before returning reuniting you with your cruise ship.
Download a vibrantly-narrated mp3 audio guide combined with a map detailing the area of your tour.
Nestled on the East Coast of the South Island, the quiet seaside town of Akaroa is best known for its volcanic hills and the dolphins that are found in the bay. On this self-guided audio tour, you will enjoy the tranquil setting and the stunning natural views along the harbour. You will also see the old lighthouse and learn about its interesting French history at the Akaroa Museum. Visit the town wharf, whale try pots, war memorial, corner of Lavaud and Balguerie, St Patrick's Catholic Church, the Old French cemetery, the giant's house, French forecourt and Rue Jolie. Known as the Paris of New Zealand this tour will delight and enthral all at your own pace.
A unique shore excursion from Akaroa which combines a tour of the Banks Peninsula and Christchurch with a guided tour of the famous Giant's House. While your ship is berthed at port, travel from Akaroa to Christchurch via the Akaroa Highway affording some beautiful views of the Banks Peninsula. After a brief stop at the Botanical Gardens, set off on a guided tour of the city centre which highlights the earthquake damage of 2011 with its rebuild efforts and surviving landmarks. Here you'll make a stop with time to explore on foot. Afterwards, head up to the Sign of the Takahe on the Port Hills with some incredible views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps, before heading back to Akaroa where a guided tour of the famous Giants House, with its stunning sculptures and gardens, have been arranged for your enjoyment.
Take a guided Christchurch city tour when your ship is docked in Akaroa port, and visit a traditional sheep farm to experience life in rural New Zealand. After seeing the Christchurch city sights, your Akaroa shore excursion takes you into the countryside to feed the animals, watch a sheep-shearing demonstration and see sheep dogs at work.
