
Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 144 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 303 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch worth booking?
Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch is a 9.5-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $20 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 303 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 144 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (303)
- Duration
- 9.5 hours
- From
- $20 per person
Enjoy a Sightseeing tour to Akaroa through the spectacular scenery surrounding Banks Peninsula, formed following violent eruptions of two ancient volcanoes. The Akaroa crater nurses the picturesque harbor and Akaroa vil
What you get
- Lunch - (if option chosen)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Driver/guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
About this experience
Enjoy a Sightseeing tour to Akaroa through the spectacular scenery surrounding Banks Peninsula, formed following violent eruptions of two ancient volcanoes. The Akaroa crater nurses the picturesque harbor and Akaroa village. Experience a Nature Cruise with highlights including the rare, NZ native dolphin - the Hector's Dolphin, as well as penguins and other sea birds. And you'll see giant volcanic sea cliffs and hear about Akaroa's fascinating past. The Tour also includes a delightful lunch at Bully Hayes Restaurant.
What's included
Included
- Lunch - (if option chosen)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Driver/guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Akaroa
Following a morning pickup by air-conditioned coach from your Christchurch hotel, head out along the road to Akaroa to begin your tour. Tour includes Tourism Award Winning & Supreme Tourism Award winning cruise, on Akaroa Harbour. Visit the beautiful unspoilt old French whaling depot of Akaroa. A charming small township nestled in a inner harbour bay of Akaroa Harbour on Banks Peninsula. The township contains a host of historic buildings, craft and gift shops together with a multitude of idyllic photo opportunities. Lunch is available at the naturally picturesque setting of Akaroa Village at the popular Bully Hayes. (Lunch is an optional extra) In the afternoon enjoy the Akaroa Harbour Cruise on the Canterbury Cat. On your return journey to Christchurch a stop will be made at the Barry’s Bay Cheese factory, where you will get to sample some fine New Zealand cheese
Lake Ellesmere
Travel to Akaroa via Lake Ellesmere, Lake Forsyth and Little River
Pass by without stopping
Barrys Bay Cheese
Visit the Barry's Bay Cheese Factory for a cheese tasting of locally made cheeses, the only remaining cheese factory on the peninsula from a bygone era. Next you can enjoy the quaint colonial architecture and wander around the charming 150 year old French harbor side village of Akaroa with its museum of settlers' history, art and craft shops and studios and al fresco cafes and wine bars. In the late-afternoon, hop back aboard your coach for the drive back to your Christchurch hotel, where your tour will come to an end.
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Akaroa - Cruise Only
Akaroa - Cruise only: Akaroa Day Tour including a 2 hour Nature Cruise on Akaroa Harbour (No lunch included) Pickup included
Akaroa Day Tour w/ Lunch
Akaroa Day Tour: Tour includes lunch at Bully Hayes restaurant and a 2 hour Nature Cruise on Akaroa Harbour. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Leisure Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
Photos





Good to know
- Duration
- 9.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 144h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $20 to $330
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 106
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Christchurch.
How much does Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch cost?
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Prices start at $20 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Christchurch usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch take?
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Plan for about 9.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Christchurch is not rushed.
Is Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 303 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Christchurch, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 144 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch?
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Around 106 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Christchurch can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Christchurch and add a light layer if any part of the 9.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Christchurch within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Christchurch?
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On Outty we rank every Christchurch experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip, Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Christchurch?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Christchurch?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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