Akaroa Harbour

Embark on a journey of discovery with the knowledgable crew and expert dolphin-spotting dogs, as they unveil the breathtaking highlights, enchanting magic, and captivating wonder that Akaroa Harbour has to offer. This company holds a Department of Conservation Marine Mammal Viewing Permit, meaning legally they are able to take guests to view dolphins & seals. Only two permitted companies operate all year round. For conservation reasons, they do not swim with the dolphins. Their luxurious low-lying catamaran provides a closer encounter with the rare Hector's dolphins. Along the way, you will also learn about the incredible history & see NZ fur seals, penguins, seabirds, sea caves & spectacular volcanic formations. Enjoy a complimentary drink of local NZ wine, beer, or juice, as well as delicious home baking. A 100% locally owned & operated family business, going back 7 generations to the area, who are committed to raising awareness with a portion of your fare going towards conservation efforts protecting the precious wildlife & marine environment. Please note, they have a high success rate with dolphin sightings all year round, as we are in a hotspot for the Hector's dolphins. However, as the dolphins are wild they can never guarantee to see them. If your tour does not see a dolphin, you will be offered another trip free of charge. No refunds will be given in the event of not seeing dolphins. To learn more please visit their website.

Join a 4WD eco-tourism safari to the spectacular award-winning Wild Side Conservation area. Depart Akaroa for a scenic drive in a 4WD minivan over the crater rim of the Akaroa volcano to Pohatu Flea Bay. Along the way, learn the region's history from your local guide. Stop for photo opportunities with views of Akaroa harbor and the Pacific Ocean. Arrive at a local family's farm where you can meet friendly pet sheep and hand-feed them for a real kiwi experience. In season, monitor nesting sites with your guide and learn about the conservation work done for the largest colony of little penguins on mainland New Zealand. At certain times of the year, you may even see some of the rehabilitation efforts such as supplemental feeding. The extended 4-hour tour includes visits to the spectacular cliff-tops of Akaroa Heads Lighthouse Reserve. You will have more time to enjoy the area with homemade muffins and cakes, and more time to see the native wildlife and to explore Flea Bay. This activity directly funds the conservation work that takes place at Pohatu Bay to protect the penguins.

Experience the natural wonders of Akaroa Harbour harbour and marine reserve by sea kayak on a 2.5 hour sustainable tour. Paddle in one of New Zealand's most scenic and ecologically diverse natural environments. Akaroa is one of the best places to sea kayak in NZ! A local kayak/nature guide leads each small group to ensure a personal, informative, and safe experience. We are the most sustainable tour in Akaroa and leave minimum impact on the fragile marine reserve which is our backyard. Paddle and explore serene inlets and bays as you glide through the turquoise waters of the extinct, sea-flooded volcanic crater. Your nature guide will guide you through the marine reserve and share information about some of the rarest marine mammals in the world including white flippered penguins and hector dolphins which are native to NZ, fur seals, a large array of birdlife and many other sea creatures! Chance sightings are very frequent during the sea kayak season! The views are stunning, there are lots of caves and features to paddle through, the guides are informative, friendly and the best in the business and our tours are suitable for all abilities.

Join us for a wildlife tour that explores the spectacular volcanic coastline and abundant wildlife of Banks Peninsula and Akaroa. Our tour numbers are kept limited, offering you a small and intimate tour that will take you where others can’t. Some of the wildlife you’ll get to see include little blue penguins and an array of seabirds. Our friendly and knowledgeable crew love meeting and talking with our guests and Scruffy, our friendly boat dog, joins us on afternoon trips! Tony, a real Kiwi, has been exploring the waters around the Peninsula since the 1960s. He’ll entertain you with his the stories of his adventures and share his enthusiasm for this wonderful environment and stunning wildlife. Our characterful and comfortable boat - Wairiri, is a 41-foot Kauri Launch built in 1964. Our tours specialise in small groups and enough space to move around the boat for the best wildlife viewing and photo opportunities! Tony often still has a lobster pot out and we pull it up on some of our trips. We never know what we find in it: Lobster, octopus, conger eel, starfish and sand sharks are just a few of the creatures we might have caught.

Enjoy two activities in one day! This is the only way to see Akaroa if you are an outdoor lover! Jump on the latest model of electric mountain bikes and follow your local guide as you climb to the top of the crater or enjoy an ebike tour with your local guide. The routes have uninterrupted ocean views over the stunning harbour. There will be plenty of photo opportunities so don't forget your camera! The ride takes about 2 hours and takes place on quiet scenic sealed roads in and around Akaroa. Now its time to get the arms moving, join a sea kayak safari and paddle through the marine reserve with the local guide. You can see caves, lots of species of marine life and birds and if you are lucky you may cross paths with the local Hector Dolphins, NZ fur seals, or white flippered penguins! Get the best of both worlds as you pedal and paddle your way through this action-packed unforgettable day of adventure in beautiful Akaroa. You have the option of which activity you want to do first.

Take flight and experience the taste and tales of the Akaroa harbour, told in gin. Experience unique views of Canterbury from above, the landscape before you an extinct volcano making up Banks Peninsula. Lush forests and grassland run down the hillsides to the azure water of the endless bays. The spectacular rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean flows inland to Akaroa harbour. This is the home of Akaroa Craft Distillery, prepare for a journey to taste Akaroa On landing on the hill above Akaroa at our helipad, Take in the amazing view of the harbour before you. A short drive down into the village to the Akaroa Craft Distillery Tasting House at 45 Rue Lavaud. The Tasting House has been lovingly restored to become a place that feels like home. Somewhere relaxing and memorable for guests to sample a range of gins and learn more about the story and vision of the Akaroa Craft Distillery. Every bottle sampled is a taste of Akaroa and surrounds. Kelp gathered in Wainui, Pinot Noir from French Peak Vineyard, Lemon Verbena from Little River. Locally grown grapes, lemons, and honey for gins that are true evocation of this beautiful place. Your tasting experience is followed by a food platter between two people whilst enjoying a G&T each. A complementary bottle per couple of Hector's Gin - Named after the Hector's dolphins that swim off Akaroa, Hector's Gin comes in flavour profiles foraged from the Banks Peninsula. Akaroa Craft Distillery aims to aid to the story of Akaroa and give back to the region through their relationships with local community businesses, charities and trusts. They are proudly in partnership with the New Zealand Whale and Dolphin Trust to aid their continuing good work with the preservation and conservation of marine life in New Zealand. For every bottle of Hector's Gin that they sell out of the tasting house, a portion of the proceeds are donated to the trust. If time should allow, a short walk of the surrounding township may be possible. A relaxing flight back to Christchurch flying over the gathering areas that make up the gin flavour's of the Akaroa Craft Distilleries Gins. Please Note: Minimum of 2 per person fares required for trip to depart Weather dependent Legal age to consume or buy Alcohol is 18 years old. ID must be carried and produced if requested. Minimum age 18 years old for this tour Helicopter used is at the discretion of GCH Aviation Bring your credit card to make further purchases