Overview
Your Akaroa Swim with Dolphins from Christchurch with Lunch day tour to Akaroa, the only French settlement in New Zealand, will take you through the stunning landscape of Banks Peninsula, which emerged over six million years ago after massive volcanic eruptions. Akaroa itself sits atop an ancient crater.
Our journey to Akaroa takes us over the Banks Peninsula via a high summit route from where we can see fantastic views of the farmlands, the Christchurch City, the Canterbury Plains, the Lyttelton Harbour, the Akaroa Harbour, and the Southern Alps in the distance. From above, you can also see the coastline indented by many remote bays.
On reaching Akaroa’s main wharf, we will introduce you to Black Cat Cruises who will take you to your Swim with the Dolphins Experience. Dolphins in this area choose to interact with humans, so you will be briefed prior to your encounter to make sure you make the most of this memorable experience.
You will also have a chance to explore the delightful 175-year-old French harbourside township of Akaroa where shops and studios dedicated to arts and crafts abound. Their museum of settlers’ history is also worth visiting before taking a break for lunch at a renowned café.
At Barry’s Bay, we stop by at the Cheese Factory, the last of its kind on the peninsula from a long gone era, as we make our way back to Christchurch. We also drop in at the Little River Art Gallery, and at Vince’s Gem Stone Museum if time allows.
Details
Start: Christchurch (8:30am)
Finish: Christchurch (about 5:45pm)
Includes:
- Swim with dolphins tour with Black Cat Cruises
- Travel by minicoach
- Crater rim scenic drive with spectacular views
- Cheese factory visit
- Delicious picnic morning/afternoon tea
- Cafe lunch in Akaroa
- Courtesy city hotel / homestay pickup and dropoff.
- Fully escorted with informative commentary.
Overview
Your Akaroa Swim with Dolphins from Christchurch with Lunch day tour to Akaroa, the only French settlement in New Zealand, will take you through the stunning landscape of Banks Peninsula, which emerged over six million years ago after massive volcanic eruptions. Akaroa itself sits atop an ancient crater.
Our journey to Akaroa takes us over the Banks Peninsula via a high summit route from where we can see fantastic views of the farmlands, the Christchurch City, the Canterbury Plains, the Lyttelton Harbour, the Akaroa Harbour, and the Southern Alps in the distance. From above, you can also see the coastline indented by many remote bays.
On reaching Akaroa’s main wharf, we will introduce you to Black Cat Cruises who will take you to your Swim with the Dolphins Experience. Dolphins in this area choose to interact with humans, so you will be briefed prior to your encounter to make sure you make the most of this memorable experience.
You will also have a chance to explore the delightful 175-year-old French harbourside township of Akaroa where shops and studios dedicated to arts and crafts abound. Their museum of settlers’ history is also worth visiting before taking a break for lunch at a renowned café.
At Barry’s Bay, we stop by at the Cheese Factory, the last of its kind on the peninsula from a long gone era, as we make our way back to Christchurch. We also drop in at the Little River Art Gallery, and at Vince’s Gem Stone Museum if time allows.
