Akaroa tour
Full-day seat-in-coach excursion with lunch
This intriguing tour takes you from Christchurch, often described as ‘the most English city outside England’, to the distinctly French-flavoured village of Akaroa. This settlement was established in 1838 when the captain of a French whaling vessel bought the Banks Peninsula from the local Maori chief.
Little streets with names such as Rue Lavaud, Rue Jolie and Rue Balguerie climb up the hill from the waterfront and Langlois-Eteveneaux House, part of the Akaroa Museum, offers a glimpse of the area’s past. For those with the energy, a steep climb to the Garden of Tane will take you to a spectacularly sited cemetery. Check out the towns many fine craft shops before having lunch at Bully Hayes, a popular waterfront brasserie-style restaurant.
In the afternoon, board the Canterbury Cat for a two-hour scenic cruise. Accompanied by an informative commentary, you will see a rich variety of marine life including seals, the playful Hector’s Dolphin and the rare Little Blue Penguin.
After the cruise a scenic drive takes you back to Christchurch, arriving in the evening.