AKAROA 1: BANKS PENINSULA EXPLORER (4 hours)

Uncovering the unique topography, stunning scenery & delightful treats of Banks Peninsula.

This privately-guided half-day tour delivers a real taste of Banks Peninsula beyond the popular harbour-side town of Akaroa.                               

Discover the beauty & uniqueness of Banks Peninsula first-hand with scenic photo opportunities throughout – all with the experience and knowledge of your own local guide. This unique 4-hour tour includes:

• A stop to explore the volcanic remnants on Onawe Peninsula
• A visit & cheese-tasting at Barry’s Bay Cheese factory
• A stop at the popular Little River Gallery
• A photo-stop and refreshment at The Hilltop Hotel
• Stunning harbour vistas & photo opportunities along the crater rim via the Summit Road
• A visit & tasting at The Olive Grove

Lunch is not included in this tour. There will be opportunities to purchase food and/or snacks at Barry’s Bay Cheese, Little River, The Hilltop or The Olive Grove. Pre-bookings are essential. This tour may be tailored to suit and allows time to explore Akaroa township at your leisure either prior to or at tour end.

Enquire about this tour • Return to top • Return to Home Page

AKAROA 2: IMAGES OF A RECOVERING CITY - Christchurch City Tour (7-8 hours)

Respecting the past, portraying the present, embracing the future.

This privately-guided tour of Christchurch City offers a real taste of how a fractured city and its people are recovering after a series of major earthquakes. A rare opportunity to experience history in the making as the city rebuilds and evolves into a progressive, modern, vibrant place to live, work and play.

The award-winning gardens, Gothic architecture & scenic Port Hills of New Zealand’s second largest city all remain – although now scarred by Mother Earth. Our tour will explore a selection of Christchurch’s heritage buildings and treasured landmarks (as safety and accessibility permits). The panorama of the cityscape, Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains can also be enjoyed as you traverse the Port Hills en route from Akaroa. And of course a trip to the Garden City would not be complete without a stroll through one of our splendid local gardens.

See it first-hand, hear the stories and share in both the beauty and strength of a city rebuilding – all with the experience and knowledge of your own resident Christchurch guide. This unique 7-8 hour tour includes:

• Panoramic city views from Christchurch’s Port Hills
• A guided tour of the city centre (from Red Zone perimeter)
• A visit to a noted private garden - hosted by the owner
• A light morning/afternoon tea or refreshment
• Free time in the city centre to explore the Botanic Gardens or Canterbury Museum
• An (optional) lunch stop in Christchurch City

Lunch is not included in this tour. Your driver/guide will recommend suitable lunch stops (as required) on the day. Pre-bookings for this tour are essential. This tour may be tailored to suit.

Enquire about this tour • Return to top • Return to Home Page

LYTTELTON 1: IMAGES OF A RECOVERING CITY - Christchurch City Sights (4 hours)

Respecting the past, portraying the present, embracing the future.

This privately-guided tour of Christchurch City offers a real taste of how a fractured city and its people are recovering after a series of major earthquakes. A rare opportunity to experience history in the making as the city rebuilds and evolves into a progressive, modern, vibrant place to live, work and play.

The award-winning gardens, Gothic architecture & scenic Port Hills of New Zealand’s second largest city all remain – although now scarred by Mother Earth. Our tour will explore a selection of Christchurch’s heritage buildings and treasured landmarks (as safety and accessibility permits). The panorama of the cityscape, Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains can also be enjoyed as you traverse the city's Port Hills . And of course a trip to the Garden City would not be complete without a stroll through one of our splendid local gardens.

See it first-hand, hear the stories and share in both the beauty and strength of a city rebuilding – all with the experience and knowledge of your own resident Christchurch guide. This unique 4-hour tour includes:

• Panoramic city views from Christchurch’s Port Hills
• A guided tour of the city centre (from Red Zone perimeter)
• A visit to a noted private garden - hosted by the owner
• A light morning/afternoon tea or refreshment
• Free time in the city centre to explore the Botanic Gardens or Canterbury Museum

Lunch is not included in this tour. Your driver/guide can recommend suitable lunch stops (as required) on the day. Pre-bookings for this tour are essential. Tours may be tailored to suit.

Enquire about this tour • Return to top • Return to Home Page

LYTTELTON 2: ESSENTIALLY FRENCH - Akaroa & Banks Peninsula (5+ hours)

A distinctly Anglo-French experience combining breathtaking harbour views with unique history, topography, local arts and the fruits of the volcanic soils of Banks Peninsula.

In 1840 a group of French settlers emigrated to Akaroa just as the territory was claimed by the British. Those early colonists have left their distinctive mark. Add Maori and British influences to the mix and you have a town like no other. This quaint harbour township (Akaroa means 'long harbour') offers an abundance of activities. Swim with the dolphins or enjoy a nature cruise with the opportunity to spy dolphins, blue penguins and New Zealand fur seals. You can also visit a local olive grove or a specialty cheese maker - or simply enjoy the fruits of their labour at one of Akaroa's excellent seaside restaurants and cafes. A range of local artisans, galleries and shops make this a refreshing and unique place to spend a day, or longer.

Lunch is not included in this tour. Local cruises, short hikes, a garden visit or other interests can be included in your own personalised Akaroa experience. Pre-bookings are essential. This is ideally a full-day tour from Lyttelton Port but may be tailored to suit.

Enquire about this tour • Return to top • Return to Home Page