New Zealand · AKAROA TOURS

Top 12 Akaroa Tours

12 tours  ·  from $71 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 12 akaroa tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise - Boarding the catamaran at 65 Beach Road
Akaroa Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews

Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise

1.Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,143 reviews · from $80Our pick

Review of Akaroa Dolphins’ two-hour catamaran cruise, with Hector’s dolphins, seals, penguins, coastal views, drinks, and practical tips.

“Excelent tour, very informative, lot of dolfins and sea lions and even a pingguin. We enjoyed it very much.”

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Akaroa: Dolphin Nature Cruise - Watching for Hector’s dolphins
Akaroa Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews

Akaroa: Dolphin Nature Cruise

2.Dolphin Nature Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 440 reviews · 2 hours · from $77

Cruise Akaroa Harbour in search of rare Hector’s dolphins, seals, penguins, volcanic cliffs, and sea caves aboard a comfortable catamaran.

“Very enjoyable cruise. Saw Hector's dolphins. Cruise was exactly what it says on the box. I enjoyed Dave's banter during the trip too.”

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Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa - What the 3.5-hour outing feels like
Akaroa Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews

Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa

4.Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 261 reviews · from $128

Swim with rare Hector’s dolphins in Akaroa Harbour on a small-group boat tour with wetsuits, guides, hot showers, and wildlife views.

“Black Cat actually wouldn't let us swim because the dolphins were feeding - I was impressed they showed restraint in this way. We saw lots of Hector's Dolphins from the boat, but they followed New Zealand's laws in not having us disturb them because they were feeding. I could imagine a company with less scruples saying go ahead anyway. Also, they gave us a partial refund because we didn't swim with dolphins, which we appreciated.”

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Akaroa Harbour 2-Hour Dolphin Nature Cruise - Leaving the Main Wharf in Akaroa
2-Hour Experiences, Akaroa Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews

Akaroa Harbour 2-Hour Dolphin Nature Cruise

5.Akaroa Harbour 2-Hour Dolphin Nature Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 235 reviews · 2 hours · from $71Best value

Cruise Akaroa Harbour to see rare Hector’s dolphins, penguins, seals, seabirds, sea caves, and volcanic cliffs in two memorable hours.

“Really enjoyable had 3 teenagers on board with us who also thoroughly enjoyed it. Although we were lucky and saw lots of dolphins which is of course outside of anyone's control. Lots of other things of interest on cruise as well.”

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Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour - The 30-minute Botanic Gardens stop
Akaroa Tours, City Tours, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions in Akaroa, Tour Reviews, Tours

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour

Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve - Getting comfortable in the tandem kayaks
Akaroa Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Kayak Tours in Akaroa, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions in Akaroa, Tour Reviews, Tours

Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve

7.Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve

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

Paddle Akaroa’s volcanic harbor with a small guided group, scenic rock formations, and a chance to spot Hector’s dolphins, seals, and penguins.

“Our kayaking tour of Akaroa was awesome. We were able to meet the guides after a short walk from our cruise ship. Two guides accompanied the small group and provided excellent safety and paddling instruction. During the trip, which mostly followed the shore, they gave interesting information about the wildlife, flora and geology of the area. The paddling was easy and very enjoyable. We're so pleased that we chose this excursion in Akaroa.”

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Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and the International Antarctic Centre - Banks Peninsula turns the transfer into sightseeing
Akaroa Tours, City Tours, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions in Akaroa, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

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

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

Review of Akaroa’s Christchurch and Antarctic Centre shore excursion, with Banks Peninsula scenery, penguins, Hagglund rides, costs, and timing tips.

“Particularly enjoyed the Antarctic experience which, at first, we were not keen to see but it was the highlight of the day. Driver/Guide was knowledgeable and amusing.”

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Sunrise wildlife sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve - Getting comfortable in the kayak
Akaroa Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Kayak Tours in Akaroa, Morning, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

Sunrise wildlife sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve

Akaroa: 4WD Safari and Guided Sea-Kayaking Experience - Arriving at Pohatu Flea Bay
Akaroa Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Kayak Tours in Akaroa, Safari, Tour Reviews

Akaroa: 4WD Safari and Guided Sea-Kayaking Experience

10.4WD Safari and Guided Sea-Kayaking Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 120 reviews · 4h 30m · from $80

Kayak beneath Akaroa's volcanic cliffs, sea caves, and island arch while guides share wildlife and penguin conservation stories.

“Great tour. I highly recommend taking this tour with this company. They are very accommodating. Our ship was late so they put us in a later tour. With great communication. Tour guide was excellent. We saw the penguins in their boxes. They were adorable ! Thank you !”

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Small group guided sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve - Meeting the guide at Akaroa Bowling Club
Akaroa Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Kayak Tours in Akaroa, Tour Reviews

Small group guided sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve

11.Small group guided sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 116 reviews · from $83

Paddle Akaroa’s marine reserve, spot Hector’s dolphins and penguins, and explore volcanic bays on a gentle 3-hour guided kayak tour.

“Really enjoyed our experience at Akoroa the tour guides were wonderful and with the beautiful scenery it made for a great day. Only complaint would be that they could have provided a better refreshment.”

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Akaroa Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Tour and Jet Boating - Crossing Banks Peninsula from Akaroa
Akaroa Tours, City Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions in Akaroa, Tour Reviews, Tours

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Tour and Jet Boating

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

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

Combine Christchurch sights, Banks Peninsula scenery, and a thrilling Waimakariri River jet-boat ride on this Akaroa cruise excursion.

“The driver that picked us up and took us to the first museum was excellent and very good about talking on the history of the area. Could have used a bit longer at the first stop, by the time you found the restroom and worked your way in and out of the museum you didn't get to see a lot. The next driver who took over from the museum through Christchurch was not over enthusiastic about the job - here is an empty lot, this is a piece of art that was a waste of money - that sort of thing - although we laughed and still talk about it…”

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