



AI Picks
Tours & activities worldwide.
This small-group day tour takes you from Christchurch across the volcanic landscapes of Banks Peninsula to the French-inspired village of Akaroa. Take in the view of Akaroa Harbour, set inside a vast volcanic crater, from the Hilltop lookout, then explore Akaroa village at your own pace. The highlight is a Black Cat nature cruise (about 2 hours), where you look for Hector’s dolphins, little blue penguins, seabirds and volcanic sea cliffs. On the way back, taste handmade cheese at the Barry’s Bay cheese factory.

Travel through the volcanic scenery
of Banks Peninsula to Akaroa
After pickup from your accommodation in central Christchurch between 8:15 and 8:45 AM, head to Banks Peninsula with your driver-guide. Travel through ancient volcanic landscapes with scenic stops at the Sign of the Takahe, Lake Ellesmere and Little River.
At the Hilltop lookout, enjoy sweeping views of Akaroa Harbour, nestled inside a vast volcanic crater.
Explore the French-inspired village of Akaroa

In the historic French village of Akaroa, browse boutique shops and charming streets and learn about the area’s whaling heritage. If you chose the lunch option, you will have lunch here.
Cruise Akaroa Harbour on a Black Cat nature cruise

Explore Akaroa Harbour on the award-winning Black Cat nature cruise for about 2 hours. Look for Hector’s dolphins, one of the smallest dolphins in the world, along with little blue penguins and seabirds, and admire the impressive volcanic sea cliffs.
Taste cheese at Barry’s Bay on the way back

On the way back to Christchurch, stop at the Barry’s Bay cheese factory to sample locally handmade artisan cheese. The tour ends with drop-off at your central city accommodation at around 5:30 PM.
※ Wildlife such as dolphins, penguins and seabirds live in the wild, so sightings are not guaranteed.
※ Lunch is only included in the lunch option.
※ The itinerary may change depending on local conditions.
Meeting point :
Christchurch hotel pickup
Meeting point information:
Pickup takes place at the hotel or designated pickup point you selected when booking. Please check the voucher provided after confirmation for the exact pickup location and time. Pickup and drop-off are at hotels in central Christchurch, with pickup between 8:15 and 8:45 AM. Let the operator know where you are staying and they will advise a suitable city pickup point and time.
Hotel pickup in central Christchurch