Modern coaches and shuttle back to your cruise shipOptional lunch at Bully Hayes2-hour nature cruise in Akaroa HarbourCheese tasting at Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory (if time permits)Visit: Historic French settlement Akaroa; Birdlings Flat and the Sign of the TakaheGroup size 20 people

Adult: 16 years +Children: 3-15 yearsInfants: 2 years and under, free if not occupying a seat

Cancellations & Refunds

8 days or more before departure: Full refund**Between 7 days and 24 hours: 50% refund**Within 24 hours: No refundShould the cruise ship not berth for any reason, other than rescheduling within 7 days, no cancellation fees applies**.Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Overview Itinerary Dates & Pricing Book now

Akaroa Nature Cruise Shore Excursion from Lyttelton

South Island

Leisure Tours

from

US$163

per adult

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Cruise boat with passengers watching two Hector’s dolphins leaping in front of scenic cliffs in Akaroa

Experiences

Shore Excursions Cruises

Cruises

Nature & Wildlife

Family-friendly Tours

Small Group Tours

South Island

Start: Lyttelton

Locations: Lyttelton, Christchurch

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 8 hours

This full-day Akaroa shore excursion takes cruise passengers from Lyttelton across Banks Peninsula to the historic French-influenced town of Akaroa for a two-hour nature cruise on Akaroa Harbour. Departing from Lyttelton township at around 9:00am, the journey to Akaroa takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, followed by the two-hour harbour cruise and around 1 hour 45 minutes for an optional lunch and time to explore Akaroa before the scenic return journey; the complete excursion takes approximately eight hours, returning to Lyttelton at around 5:00pm. Available on selected cruise-ship days and subject to minimum numbers, it includes coach transport, the two-hour nature cruise, sightseeing stops at Birdlings Flat and the Sign of the Takahe, cheese tasting at Barry’s Bay if time permits, and a shuttle back to your cruise ship. Lunch is not included. Designed exclusively for cruise passengers, it suits travellers wanting to combine Banks Peninsula scenery, Akaroa’s French heritage and the chance to see Hector’s dolphins, seals, penguins and seabirds in a single port day.

Across Banks Peninsula to Historic Akaroa

Leave Lyttelton behind and travel around the inner harbour through Governors Bay before crossing Gebbies Pass towards the Akaroa Highway. The scenery changes continuously as you pass Lake Ellesmere, Lake Forsyth and the rural landscapes of Banks Peninsula, with views towards the Southern Alps on clear days. At the Hill Top above Akaroa Harbour, pause for a spectacular first look across the water and surrounding volcanic hills before descending towards the township.

Akaroa itself brings a distinctive character to the journey. Established by French settlers in the 19th century, the small harbour town retains reminders of its French heritage in its street names, historic buildings and relaxed waterfront atmosphere. After the nature cruise, there is time for an optional waterfront lunch and a wander through local shops, craft stores and historic streets before beginning the return journey towards Lyttelton.

Scenic view of Akaroa Harbour with rolling green hills and blue skies

Small boats moored at a wooden jetty on Akaroa Harbour with hills in the background

Elevated view of Akaroa township with boats in the harbour and surrounding hills

Jetty and ferry service in Akaroa Harbour

Black Cat Cruises boat passing Akaroa Lighthouse with green hills in the background

Cruise boat near dramatic sea cliffs with seabirds flying overhead in Akaroa

Cruise boat entering Cathedral Cave near Akaroa’s sea cliffs

A pod of Hector’s dolphins gliding through turquoise waters during a cruise in Akaroa

Akaroa town centre with colonial buildings, cafes, and visitors along the street

Hector’s dolphin leaping high above the water surrounded by a playful pod in Akaroa Harbour

Royal albatross flying over the ocean with outstretched wings

Boats anchored near Akaroa Lighthouse with pine trees and mountains in the background

Close-up of striped boat shed on Akaroa harbour

Scenic lookout over Akaroa Harbour and surrounding islands

Cruise Akaroa Harbour in Search of Dolphins & Wildlife

Board the Canterbury Cat for a two-hour nature cruise through Akaroa Harbour, where volcanic cliffs, sea caves and sheltered bays provide a dramatic setting for wildlife encounters. Keep watch for Hector’s dolphins — one of the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin species — as well as New Zealand fur seals, penguins and native seabirds, while your guides share stories about the harbour’s wildlife, geology and history.

The scenery continues long after leaving Akaroa. If time permits, stop at Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory for a tasting before travelling to Birdlings Flat, where a rugged shingle beach meets the Pacific Ocean. The return journey crosses the Canterbury Plains and finishes with panoramic views from the Sign of the Takahe before travelling through Christchurch’s eastern suburbs and the Lyttelton Harbour Tunnel back to your ship.

This tour is only available to cruise passengers.

Worry-Free Guarantee: Ensuring timely return to your cruise ship or transfer to the next port of call if needed.

Tour code: LT79CS / LT79ACS

Modern coaches and shuttle back to your cruise ship
Optional lunch at Bully Hayes
2-hour nature cruise in Akaroa Harbour
Cheese tasting at Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory (if time permits)
Visit: Historic French settlement Akaroa; Birdlings Flat and the Sign of the Takahe
Group size 20 people

Adult: 16 years +
Children: 3-15 years
Infants: 2 years and under, free if not occupying a seat

8 days or more before departure: Full refund**
Between 7 days and 24 hours: 50% refund**
Within 24 hours: No refund
Should the cruise ship not berth for any reason, other than rescheduling within 7 days, no cancellation fees applies**.

Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Itinerary

⚠️ Please note: The itinerary may vary slightly depending on cruise ship schedules and weather conditions.

08:45 Meet and greet in Lyttelton township for your twin harbour shore excursion to Akaroa Harbour.

09:00 Depart Lyttelton, traveling through the inner bays of Lyttelton Harbour to Governors Bay, then on to Gebbies Pass and the Akaroa Highway near Lake Ellesmere. On clear days, enjoy views of the snowcapped Southern Alps across the lake. Continue through Lake Forsyth and Little River before reaching the summit of Akaroa Harbour at the Hill Top, offering a stunning view and photo opportunity. The tour proceeds to the township of Akaroa, known for its French heritage.

10:45 Embark on a 2-hour nature and harbour cruise with Black Cat Cruises on the Canterbury Cat. Experience diverse marine and bird life, including the playful Hector’s dolphins, while learning about Akaroa’s rich history. Enjoy views of volcanic sea cliffs, sea caves, penguins, and seals.

12:45 After the cruise, you’ll be transferred to the popular waterfront restaurant Bully Hayes for an optional lunch. After lunch, explore the charming French settlement of Akaroa, with time to visit local shops, craft stores, and historic French colonial buildings.

14:30 Depart Akaroa and visit the Barry’s Bay Cheese factory for a cheese tasting. The excursion continues to Birdlings Flat, a shingle beach with stunning views of the rugged southern coastline and colorful pebbles. The tour then travels through the Canterbury Plains and southern Christchurch suburbs to the Sign of the Takahe, offering panoramic views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps. The tour concludes with a drive through Christchurch's Eastern Suburbs and the Lyttelton Harbour Tunnel.

17:00 Return to Lyttelton township, where a shuttle will transfer you back to your cruise ship.

Tour Duration: 8 hours.
Please note: Minimum numbers are required for this tour to proceed.
The 2-hour nature cruise is included in the excursion cost. Lunch at Bully Hayes is an optional extra.