Akaroa & Banks Peninsula Day Tour
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Overview
Get ready for an unforgettable journey! Our guide will take us from Christchurch up to the Port Hills, stopping at the historic "Sign of the Kiwi" to enjoy stunning views of Christchurch and Lyttelton Harbour. We’ll continue along Summit Road to the Sign of the Bellbird and through Gebbies Pass, heading toward Kaituna Valley Scenic Reserve for a nature walk and morning tea. Next, we’ll visit the charming town of Little River, where you can explore an art gallery and shop to your heart’s content. From there, we’ll drive over the hills to Akaroa, with optional scenic stops along the way. In Akaroa, you’ll enjoy a café lunch and have time to stroll through the shops, soaking in the beauty of this idyllic harbour town. To finish, your guide will take you back to Christchurch, with more scenic stops possible along the way. This tour promises a day of breathtaking views, charming towns, and memorable experiences.
What's included?
Akaroa Tour Itinerary
Duration: 7 – 7 ½ hours
Transport: Minivan or luxury car (private tours)
Food: Morning tea and café lunch included
Start/Finish: Christchurch City Centre
Start time: 9:00 am
Finish time: 4:00 – 4:30 pm
Min/Max numbers: 2 – 8 pax
(Public Holidays: By request only – Min 4 Pax)
On this tour, explore the scenic settlements around Lyttelton & Akaroa Harbours. Visit Lyttelton, Governors Bay, Little River, Barrys Bay, and Akaroa Township. Enjoy local cuisine, souvenirs, art, and optional bush/coastal walks.
Pick-up/Drop-off:
– Chch Hotels
– Citizens’ War Memorial, Cathedral Square
– Zeros Café Cashmere Road (free all-day parking)
Tour starts – Christchurch
(Travel – 15-30 minutes)
1. Sign of the Kiwi – Photo stop, 10 minutes
(Travel – 25 minutes)
2. Gebbies Pass – Photo stop, 10 minutes
(Travel – 15 minutes)
3. Kaituna Valley Scenic Reserve – Guided Walk, 30 minutes
(Travel – 20 minutes)
4. Little River – Sightseeing, 30 minutes
(Travel – 20 minutes)
5. Barrys Bay Cheese Factory, 15 minutes
(Travel – 15 minutes)
6. Akaroa – Lunch, shopping, sightseeing, 2 hours
(Travel – 20 minutes)
7. Otepatotu Scenic Reserve – Photo stop, 10 minutes
(Travel – 1.5 hours)
Tour finishes – Christchurch
Why us?
Explore the scenic towns around Lyttelton and Akaroa Harbours, including Lyttelton, Governors Bay, Little River, Barrys Bay Cheese Mongers, and Akaroa. Enjoy local food, shopping, and artwork, with optional short walks for the more active. This tour is perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
Optional Extras
For the private tour option, please contact [email protected] for more details.
Akaroa is a charming French-influenced town on the picturesque Banks Peninsula, known for its stunning harbour, wildlife (including Hector’s dolphins), and vibrant arts scene. The peninsula, formed by ancient volcanic craters, features rugged hills, lush valleys, and scenic bays, perfect for hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring quaint towns like Little River. It’s a peaceful destination offering a mix of natural beauty, history, and local food.
Terms of conditions for entry to the Adventure by Nature can be found here https://www.adventurebynature.co.nz/, We – Retreat as a reseller take no responsibility for health and safety during your experience. We all are responsible adults and it is the purchaser’s responsibility to manage risks that may arise.
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