Akaroa

PRICED FROM $985 | DURATION: 3 days & 2 nights

Discover a quaint seaside town famous for its French influenced cuisine, spectacular harbour, sightseeing, and rare wildlife.

Regional Highlights

Akaroa, nestled on the Banks Peninsula of New Zealand's South Island, is a picturesque seaside town renowned for its stunning landscapes, rare wildlife, rich history, and French heritage.

Dolphin and Wildlife Cruises: Experience the world's smallest and rarest marine dolphins on scenic harbor cruises.
Akaroa Harbour: Explore the tranquil waters for water-based activities and scenic views.
French Influence: Discover Akaroa's unique heritage at the Akaroa Museum and through French-inspired cuisine.
Akaroa Village: Stroll through charming streets lined with colonial buildings, boutique shops, and cafes.
Hiking and Walking Trails: Explore the natural beauty of the Banks Peninsula with a variety of trails.
Akaroa Lighthouse: Visit the historic lighthouse for panoramic views and maritime history.
Wine Tasting: Experience the Banks Peninsula wine region with boutique vineyards and cool-climate wines.

Includes

Guided Akaroa wine and cheese including lunch Christchurch to Akaroa
Evening Pōhatu Penguin tour including 4x4 excursion and conservation walk and talk.
Akaroa 2 hour nature cruise
2 nights accommodation at the 4-star Akaroa Criterion Motel
Transfer Akaroa to Christchurch Airport

Price per person - share twin

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1. CHRISTCHURCH / AKAROA

What better place to taste wine and cheese than on your way to the French-influenced village of Akaroa. Departing with your guide, discover the hidden gem that is Little River that is home to a mix of craft shops and a funky art gallery. Visit award-winning vineyards for tastings and local producers such as a boutique cheese maker and an olive grove.
As night falls, visit the largest Australasian Little Penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. Take part in the monitoring program and learn first-hand the conservation efforts and work done in rehabilitating their numbers. Gain insight into the life of a penguin, and an opportunity to see them up-close socialising on the water and relaxing on the rocks before heading to their nests.
**Stay: Akaroa Criterion Motel**

DAY 2. AKAROA

Ranked as New Zealand’s #1 wildlife activity, embark on an award-winning nature cruise. Witness the world’s rarest and smallest dolphin, the Hector’ dolphin, exhibiting their playful demeanour, often swimming alongside your vessel and delighting with acrobatic jumps. Be awed by the majestic volcanic sea cliffs and immerse yourself in Akaroa’s captivating history. Make sure to charge your device!
Enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure. As a foodies paradise you are spoilt for choice of where to eat, stroll down Rue Jolie or the Rue Lavaud, two of Akaroa’s main streets, past bistros serving iconic freshly caught fishing and chips or fine dining with a touch of France overlooking the harbour. Explore the Giant’s House, a one-of-a-kind garden filled with giant mosaics, sculptures and interactive fun, recognised as a “Garden of International Significance”. Or treat yourself to a gin tasting at the Akaroa Craft Distillery. Using distinctly local flavours, every bottle of gin is a taste of the Banks Peninsula.
**Stay: Akaroa Criterion Motel**

DAY 3. AKAROA / CHRISTCHURCH

Enjoy a relaxed morning before your driver collects you to transfer to Christchurch airport to board flights home.

Your Accommodation

Akaroa Criterion Motel | 75 Rue Jolie, Akaroa

Perched close to the waterfront with spectacular views of Daly's Wharf and the sparkling Akaroa Harbour, the Akaroa Criterion Motel is the perfect location for a Banks Peninsula getaway. All the best cuisine, experiences and shopping is right at your door.