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Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour provided by Leisure Tours

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Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour

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Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour
4
35
By Leisure Tours
Book in advance
from $87.18 per adult
Free Cancellation up to 7 days in advance
Full view
Travel safe during COVID-19
Last updated: 25 Sep 2020
A note from Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour
Follow the safety guidelines as issued by the New Zealand Government and maintain good hygiene and social distancing measures. Do not travel if you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms. If the city in which you are departing from is in alert level two, then please wear a facemask for all transport.
About
This tour from the Banks Peninsula to Christchurch has been carefully designed so cruise ship passengers can make the most of their short time on land. After disembarking at Akaroa—a town renowned for its French heritage—travel through scenic countryside to Christchurch city. Check out some of the highlights, including the Botanic Gardens, Sumner Beach, and Lyttleton.
Know before you go
  • Duration: 6h
  • Mobile tickets accepted
  • Instant confirmation
Cancellation policy
  • If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
  • If you cancel within 2 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
  • If you cancel at least 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
Available languages
English
Know before you go
  • Duration: 6h
  • Mobile tickets accepted
  • Instant confirmation
Available languages
English
Cancellation policy
  • If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
  • If you cancel within 2 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
  • If you cancel at least 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
Highlights
Port transfers are provided, so you don't need to worry about getting around
An easy way to see a lot in a relatively short time
Be amazed by the beautiful landscape so close to urban Christchurch
Relax on a worry-free excursion, with guaranteed return to your ship or the next port-of-call
What to expect
When your ship pulls into Akaroa Harbour, you’re picked up at the port for your shore excursion. Get settled comfortably aboard the coach for the drive to Christchurch, traveling a scenic route along the Akaroa Highway through the Banks Peninsula. On the journey through the Canterbury Plains—a farmland region east of the Southern Alps—hear narration about the highlights you pass. On arrival at your destination, hop off the coach at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens for a stroll with your guide, and learn about one of New Zealand’s most impressive collections of native and exotic plants.  Your city tour continues with a drive around the old CBD to observe recovery efforts since the damaging 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Your guide provides information on each landmark before stopping for lunch (own expense) in the beach suburb of Sumner. See the coastal town of Lyttleton and view Christchurch from the hills above during the leisurely return to the  Akaroa cruise port in the afternoon. Worry-free Shore Excursion: We ensure your timely return to the Akaroa cruise port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
Need help booking?
Call the number below and use the product code: 2950PRTCHCCLT65CS
Call +1 855 275 5071
Important information
Inclusions
Port pickup and drop-off • Driver/guide • Air-conditioned vehicle • Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
Exclusions
Food and drinks • Gratuities
Duration
6h
Departure details
Akaroa Dolphins, 65 Beach Road, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand From the Main Wharf in Akaroa, head down to the end where you will see the Akaroa I-Site and a small park on the right-hand side. Next to the Canon statue, a representative will be waiting for you. Please arrive by 10.15am for a 10.30am departure.
Inclusions
Port pickup and drop-off • Driver/guide • Air-conditioned vehicle • Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
Exclusions
Food and drinks • Gratuities
Departure details
Akaroa Dolphins, 65 Beach Road, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand From the Main Wharf in Akaroa, head down to the end where you will see the Akaroa I-Site and a small park on the right-hand side. Next to the Canon statue, a representative will be waiting for you. Please arrive by 10.15am for a 10.30am departure.
Duration
6h
Return details
Returns to original departure point
Additional information
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Infants must sit on laps
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travellers can participate
Please note that activity times and schedules can be slightly amended depending on your cruise ships timetable.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travellers
Itinerary
  • You'll start at
    Akaroa Dolphins
    65 Beach Road, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand
    From the Main Wharf in Akaroa, head down to the end where you will see the Akaroa I-Site and a small park on the right-hand side. Next to the Canon statue, a representative will be waiting for you. Please arrive by 10.15am for a 10.30am departure.
    See address & details
  • Pass by
    Akaroa Village Inn
  • 1
    Christchurch Botanic Gardens
    Stop: 30 minutes
    See details
  • 2
    Christchurch Cathedral
    Stop: 45 minutes
    See details
    Pass by
    Lyttelton
    Sign of the Takahe
  • You'll end at
    Akaroa Dolphins
    65 Beach Road, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand
    From the Main Wharf in Akaroa, head down to the end where you will see the Akaroa I-Site and a small park on the right-hand side. Next to the Canon statue, a representative will be waiting for you. Please arrive by 10.15am for a 10.30am departure.
    See address & details
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Popular mentions
4.0
35 reviews
Excellent
20
Very good
5
Average
5
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Jamtraveltips
Palm Beach Gardens, FL210 contributions
Didn't really see a whole lot
Feb 2020
Our full day, small group tour of Christchurch began in Akaroa and was given by Ian. It took us about an hour and a half to get to the city of Christchurch from Akaroa. The scenes along the Banks Peninsula of rich farmlands, green hills, gorgeous clear waters and mountains were just magnificent. We ended up in the Central City of Christchurch, but we really didn't have time to see much. We didn't have any time to explore the Botanic Gardens or the Museum, we didn't get to see much of the CBD at all! We had about an hour to have lunch, and we did have a lovely lunch. However, I wouldn't do this tour again.
Written 17 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Canterburyleisure
This review has been posted against the wrong business. In Akaroa we do not offer a small group option on any of our shore excursions. We have repeatedly asked Tripadvisor to remove this review with details of the company against whom the review should be posted and as normal the ignore the requests and do nothing!
Written 1 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sharon C
70 contributions
Waste of a Day
Feb 2020
Although the bus left on time and we were aware of the travel time to Christchurch, we didn’t expect to have only 30 minutes at the botanical gardens (also a bathroom stop). Unfortunately our driver Steve wasn’t the best. The bus didn’t start after our 30 minute stop and he didn’t explain anything to the people on the bus, except for those in the first two rows who he spoke to often without using the microphone. After being stuck for 30 minutes off we went without any explanations of what had been wrong with the bus. We then stopped for an hour and then we drove and drove and drove. I should add our driver seemed to have problems shifting gears and was constantly the only bus to pull into the passing area so other buses and cars could go by. We didn’t realize that the major of the day would be spent on a bus.....over 6 hours of driving. We arrived back at the port at 5:15.

I would definitely not recommend this tour.
Written 14 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Canterburyleisure
It is always disappointing to receive a negative review especially when the comments made by the reviewer are untrue. The reviewer traveled with us on the 7th March on the 14th April, some 5 weeks after completely the trip the reviewer requested a refund on the grounds that the excursion departed late, however, when it was shown that the excursion had departed actually a little earlier that the scheduled departure time the refund was rejected this negative review was posted. We understand that all reviews are subjective, however, it is always disappointing when outright falsehoods are stated. Please see some of the other wonderful reviews for this product, there are currently over 200 reviews with an 4.5 star average, from this I am sure you can judge the creditability of the reviewer.
Written 17 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Geoffrey M
Atherton, UK74 contributions
Cruise trip from Akaroa
Chris was a very knowledgeable driver and guide. He must have needed throat lozenges after this trip as he never stopped talking. Brilliant! Christchurch is a very sad place following the 2011 quake. Large areas of the city are abandoned. I'm glad I went there but I feel so sorry for the locals. Fantastic scenery all around the area and it's a great day out.
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Canterburyleisure
Thanks for the great review, Geoffrey. It's great to hear that you enjoyed your Banks Peninsula and Christchurch Sightseeing tour from Akaroa. It's also nice to know that your driver/guide Chris did such a good job on your excursion and I'll be sure to pass on your kind words to him. Regarding your comments about the earthquakes, it's true that the destruction of our central business district was devastating and rebuild efforts were very gradual, but fortunately our city has begun to recover and is slowly returning to its former glory. Thanks again and I hope you get to return to Christchurch & Akaroa someday soon!
Written 19 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dolly502014
Bury St Edmunds, UK99 contributions
Bit rushed....
Feb 2020 • Couples
Not a bad day but very rushed due to the travel time from Akaroa to Christchurch. The scenery on the way is stunning. The roads are very windy so if you get travel sickness you may want to think again.. the bus is big so it takes time to get 50 people on and off and back on time. Half hour at the Botanical gardens then just over an hour in the town to grab a sandwich have a quick look around and back on the bus to get back to the cruise ship! We’re glad we saw Christchurch but would look at a smaller minibus to travel in.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Canterburyleisure
Thank you for taking the time to submit your review. I am sorry to learn that you felt the tour was a bit rushed. As you are aware Akaroa is a tender port and the time ashore is dictated by the cruise ship and the last tender time. Some of the cruise ships such as the Noordam have very late last tender times which allows us to extend the excursion on the day of travel and give everyone longer in Christchurch. As you say the scenery is stunning and with this product being half the price of what you would pay for just a shuttle to Christchurch off the cruise ship and all the excellent reviews this excursion receives it is very popular and often sold out well in advance.
Written 6 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vera G
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada7 contributions
Akaroa Tour
Feb 2020
We had Scottie as our tour guide and he was fantastic. He was very friendly and very informative. He made the tour great for us. We would highly recommend taking this tour and having Scottie as your guide.
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Canterburyleisure
Thanks for great review, Vera! I'm happy you enjoyed your Banks Peninsula and Christchurch Sightseeing Tour from Akaroa. Scotty is one our most positively review driver/guides as he's incredibly outgoing and has a good knowledge of both Christchurch and Akaroa's rich history. It's really awesome that you would recommend the tour because of him and I'll be sure to pass on your kind words when I next see him. Thanks again and I hope you get to return to Akaroa and Christchurch some time soon!
Written 11 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan R
Greater Adelaide, Australia5 contributions
Christchurch
Feb 2020
The trip over was a bit long but certainly beautiful scenery. Would have liked to see more of Christchurch. Just dropped in centre and left to look around.
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Canterburyleisure
Thanks for the positive review of your Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sightseeing tour from Akaroa. I'm pleased you had, for the most part, an enjoyable time on your excursion. With regards to your comments about travel time and time spent in Christchurch, I would just like to state that the travel time to Christchurch is stated as one hour and thirty minutes and that this is one of the most comprehensive shore excursions of Christchurch with a 30 minute stop at the Botanical Gardens, a guided tour of the CBD, a stop in the central city, a tour of our beachside suburbs and Port Hills, and a visit to Lyttleton township.
Written 5 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David C
Mesa, AZ5 contributions
Very informative
The tour company was very flexible as the ship had problems with their tenders. It helped people who were late and gave us extra time in Christchurch. Our driver Scott was very informative about everything we passed on the way there and back as well as about the city and the earthquakes.
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Canterburyleisure
Thank you David for the great review and for praising our organisational skills. As I'm sure you were aware on the day of your departure, at least three of the cruise ships tenders broke down which caused delays throughout the morning. Fortunately, we're adaptive and prepared for all types of scenarios to ensure that our passengers can still enjoy a great day with us! Thanks to a late last tender time on the day you travelled and our passengers being well organised, this allowed us to depart at various times throughout the morning and even allowed for more time in Christchurch for many people including yourself. It's also great to hear you had a nice time on your shore excursion despite the delays at port. I'll be sure to pass on your kind words to Scott when I next speak to him! Thanks again and I hope you get to visit Christchurch and Akaroa again soon!
Written 3 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Russell F
Greater Sydney, Australia1 contribution
Scotty is number one
Feb 2020 • Couples
Our group of 6 booked the day trip to Christchurch on line while cruising NZ on the Queen Elizabeth. The tour was seamless from booking on line to our return to the ship. It was heaps cheaper than similar tours organized through Cunard and paid for in NZ and not US dollars.
Our tour guide/ coach driver Scotty was the best. He didn't stop telling us the history of NZ, the earth quake and the rebuild from the time we started the journey to our return.
I even tipped him, which is unusual for an Aussie. Highly recommended tour.
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Canterburyleisure
Thanks for the awesome review, Russell. I'm pleased you enjoyed your Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour from Akaroa. You are right, we are considerably cheaper than the cruise ships prices which can be very high for similar tours. It's also great to hear that you had a nice time with your driver/guide, Scotty, who was with you on the day of travel. And thanks for tipping him, which as you said, is unusual for an Aussie! haha I'll be sure to pass on your kind words to him! I hope you get to return to Akaroa and Christchurch again soon!
Written 26 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Renate Duncan
1 contribution
Our Christchurch exoerience
Feb 2020
I thought it was great value for the price. Scottie, our guide, was amazing with his knowledge and passion. We were met at the end of the wharf and had time to look around Akaroa before we left at around 10.15. We were assured that we would be back in time for the cruise ship and the tender. Of course we were. We took a round trip to Christchurch. Scottie gave us commentary throughout the whole trip. He was very interesting and even personalised the experience by getting us to image how things were before the earthquake. I believe the day contained as much content as you could fit into the time period. A great day made even better with Scottie’s commentaries. Thank you
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Canterburyleisure
Thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed review of your Banks Peninsula and Christchurch Sightseeing Tour and thanks for praising our driver/guide, Scotty, who was with you that day. As I'm sure you have noticed in many other reviews for this excursion, Scotty is one of our most popular driver/guides and he does his best to share as many interesting facts about both Christchurch city and the rich history of this part of New Zealand. I'm really pleased that Scotty added to your shore excursion experience from Akaroa and that you feel this excursion is great value for the price! Thanks again for the awesome review and I hope you get to visit Akaroa and Christchurch again soon!
Written 25 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Katie P
Sydney, Australia2 contributions
Fabulous tour to Christchurch from Akaroa
Jan 2020 • Friends
Scotty is an excellent tour guide. He was so informative and knowledgeably it was astounding.
We were a group of 6 and arrived in Akaroa on a cruise, we had all been to Akaroa but not Christchurch. The cost of doing the ships tour was prohibitive and they also try to scare you with the old ‘if you’re not back in time we’ll sail without you’.
This tour guaranteed returning to the ship on time so we gave it a go and we’re so glad that we did.
Straight away Scotty explained the timetable for the day and we could then relax and enjoy the day knowing that we would be back in plenty of time for the last tender.
The bus drive was very interesting and picturesque. The scenery is just beautiful and so varied.
Visiting Christchurch was great and we took Scottie’s recommendation and enjoyed a NZ pie for lunch, delicious!
Scott was up on all the latest rebuilding information and really painted a picture of what the people of Christchurch have gone through since the 2011 earthquake. We saw everything we wanted to see and more.
We made sure we always got back to the bus at the agreed meeting time and the tour was well paced and ran smoothly.
We took a different route back to Akaroa and saw the port of Littleton. This was unexpected and an added bonus
We arrived back at Akaroa 45 mins before the last tender and even had time for more retail therapy before getting back on the ship.
All 6 of us thoroughly recommend this tour and if you are lucky to get Scotty as your driver you’ll have a great day!
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Canterburyleisure
Thank you very much for taking the time to write such a detailed review of your Akaroa Shore Excursion to Christchurch and your high praise for your driver/guide, Scotty. As I'm sure you will notice, Scotty is mentioned a lot in other reviews for this tour and is often commended for his charming, funny personality and excellent knowledge and commentary. It's always great to see him receiving so many 5 star reviews and recommendations! With regards to your itinerary for the day, it's also great to see you enjoyed your many stops and photo opportunities on this tour, as well as the beautiful sights of Christchurch, Lyttelton and the Banks Peninsula. Thanks for the recommendation and we hope you get to visit Akaroa and Christchurch again soon!
Written 18 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour
Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour will start at 10:30 AM. Discover and book Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour on Tripadvisor
Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour price starts from $89.12. Discover and book Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour on Tripadvisor
Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour cancellation policy: If you cancel at least 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee. If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee. If you cancel within 2 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee. Discover and book Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour on Tripadvisor