PRIVATE AKAROA TO CHRISTCHURCH TOUR
PRIVATE FULLY GUIDED SCENIC TOUR
Tours depart Akaroa wharf anytime to suit you from 9.00am and return at a time to suit you, and your cruise ship schedule. Please note that Akaroa is a tender port.
ITINERARY - Leaving Akaroa you will enjoy the spectacular scenery of Banks Peninsula, a volcanic mass, encompassing two large harbours and many smaller bays and coves, before arriving approximately 2 hours later in Christchurch.
Christchurch is New Zealand's second largest city and gateway to the South Island. Bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains that stretch to the Southern Alps. Photo stops are made enroute.
A convenience stop is made in the small rural town of Little River - time to get a coffee and browse through the art gallery. We continue through Gebbies Pass to Lyttelton Harbour, then we travel over Christchurch's Port Hills, stopping at Sign of the Takahe, for views up to the Southern Alps, over the Canterbury Plains and across the City.
Arriving in Christchurch City late morning we will drive through the city. You will be able to see damage from the 2011 earthquake, and the reconstruction progress. You will have time to visit: the Canterbury Museum, the Botanic Gardens, the Art Gallery, & The Arts Centre; explore the central city, do some shopping, and buy your own lunch(your driver will point out various restaurants where you may like to dine), before heading back to Akaroa, arriving approximately 4.30pm. A stop can be made at the Barrys Bay Cheese Factory for a sample of their crafted cheeses, and where you can purchase delicious New Zealand cheese and wine.
Listed below are optional excursions that you may wish to include in your charter. Please consider just one option, if any, for the full group.
Please note that as all tours are private, we are able to accommodate any requests to add to or change our standard itinerary, as requested.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Shamarra Alpaca Farm
Take a tour with a difference; get up close and personal at Shamarra Alpaca Farm overlooking Akaroa Harbour
$50 adult / $30 child (5-15) Minimum numbers apply.
Experience the wonder and magic of Antarctica without leaving Christchurch, at one of New Zealand’s best, award winning tourist attractions.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a leading New Zealand tourist attraction, providing closeup opportunities to view New Zealand kiwi in their natural habitat.
Adults $32.50; Seniors / Student (with ID) $26.00; Children 5 – 14 years $12.00; Child under 5 years free
Wine Tastings
Visit this wonderful boutique vineyard, located in the centre of an ancient volcano, on the shore of Akaroa Harbour, Banks Peninsula
$10 per person
Visit a working Sheep Farm
Watch sheep shearing (removing wool) after the dogs have rounded up the sheep on this 750 acre working farm with 1500 sheep.
$45 per person or $55 per person including morning or afternoon tea (minimum numbers required).
Orana Wildlife Park
Visit Orana Wildlife Park the only open range zoo in New Zealand based in Christchurch.
$34.50 adult / $9.50 child (5-14) $29.50 (senior 60 years or over)
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Christchurch cityscape, over the Canterbury Plains out to the mighty Southern Alps and the dramatic hills of Banks Peninsula.
$28 per adult $12 per child
Jet Boating
30 minutes of jet boating on one of New Zealand’s most challenging and exciting rivers – the Waimakariri. Experience the thrills that only jet boating can offer – skim the shallows, spin in your own length, feel the power of our Hamilton Jets.
Adults $90 Child $65.00
Punting on the Avon River
An iconic Christchurch activity not to be missed. Admire the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens or the changing face of the city centre as you are expertly guided gently along the Avon River on our authentic Edwardian punting tours.
$28 per adult $12 per child
Fabulous Lunch
Whatever your budget may be!
VEHICLES AND PRICING
TOYOTA COASTER
Capacity - comfortably up to 16 passengers or up to 18 passengers if children are part of your group.
NZ$895 for 9 - 12 passengers (approx US$595); NZ$950 for 13 - 14 passengers (approx US$630); NZ$1100 for 15 - 16 passengers (approx US$726); NZ$1200 for 17 - 18 passengers (only available if including children) (approx US$795)
BOOKINGS
To make a booking we require a 20% deposit please. We will generate an email invoice through Paypal, where you can pay this please. You do not need a Paypal account to do this. The invoice is for the full amount, plus the Paypal transaction fee of 3.45%, but you can make a part payment of 20%. Please also use this invoice to pay the remaining balance prior to your tour date, if you are paying by credit card, otherwise we accept NZ$ on the day of your tour. Your driver/guide is unable to accept credit cards on the day of your tour.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
We do not accept cancellations within 28 days prior to your tour date.
You will be refunded in full if you cancel, and give us more than 28 days’ notice by email.
You will be refunded in full if your ship does not dock in Akaroa on the scheduled date.
No partial refunds are due to you, should your tender to shore be delayed for whatever reason, therefore delaying the departure time of your tour.
We reserve the right to alter your itinerary in the event of a delay to your departure time, or conditions outside of our control.
If the Captain cancels all tenders for the day, then a full refund is payable by us to you.
Lunch and refreshments are not included in price.
DEPARTURE PROCEDURE
Please book an early tender. Please look out for our driver just as you leave the wharf. He will have a sign with your name on it. He will be on the wharf at 9.00am, or at a predetermined time. If you do not immediately connect with your driver, please wait by the historic cannon, which is located on the small reserve just to the right as you leave the wharf. If you have any problems connecting with your driver, or you are delayed please call the office on +64275578262. If you will be travelling with a cell phone, please forward your cell phone number (international format) to our office.