New Zealand · AKAROA TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 akaroa tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
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.”
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.”
Cruise Akaroa Harbour by catamaran, spot Hector’s dolphins, penguins and seals, and hear lively local stories for a memorable two-hour outing.
“The meeting Pont is wrong. We lost the activity. Zero support from viator. Better to book directly with the supplier.”
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.”
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.”
Review of Akaroa’s Banks Peninsula and Christchurch tour, with scenic drives, earthquake history, gardens, timing, costs, and practical booking advice.
“This was a great trip. Beautiful scenery and very interesting. Excellent and informative commentary by our driver Bruce.”
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.”
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.”
Ride from Akaroa to Pohatu Bay for volcano views, sheep, seals, little penguins, and a close look at family-run conservation work.
“Great esp as not many on it. Sometimes those trips are cancelled”
Swim with rare Hector’s dolphins in Akaroa Harbour, with warm wetsuits, expert guides, wildlife sightings, and hot showers included.
“It was amazing! The guides and skippers were all great fun. Lots of joking around. Great vibe. And we saw many dolphins and the swimming was absolutely unreal. Magical to be so close to these beautiful creatures. There is a guide with you in the water so you’ll feel completely safe at all times. Definitely recommend if you get the chance!”
Paddle Akaroa Harbor at sunrise, spot Hector dolphins and seabirds, and explore an extinct volcano basin with a small local guide team.
“Bellissima esperienza all'alba, anche sotto la pioggia è stata un esperienza unica! Grazie a Peter per tutte le spiegazioni ricevute, una guida ottima!”
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 !”
See wild white-flippered penguins at Pohatu from Akaroa on a scenic 4WD evening tour supporting 30 years of local conservation.
“Amazing views on the drive out there. checking the boxes we saw a few little penguins, very cute. guide is very knowledgble”
Meet friendly alpacas, feed the females, and enjoy Akaroa Harbour views on this one-hour farm visit from Akaroa.
“We were absolutely fascinated by the cuteness of alpacas on the wonderful scenery! The people at the farm were super friendly too.”
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.”
Pick an island, a lake or a cave.
