Akaroa, New Zealand
Situated 75 kilometres from Christchurch, Akaroa is a historic city nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. Explore the colonial architecture in the village, relax at French Bay or cruise the beautiful harbour. From Lyttelton there's an opportunity to discover the delights of Christchurch.
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Featured Shore Tours from Akaroa
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Arthur’s Pass Scenic Drive & Tranzalpine AK1-000
Take in the best of Canterbury with this scenic drive and train ride. Enjoy a two hour stunning scenic drive up to Arthur’s Pass, stopping at...
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Akaroa Harbour Swim with the Dolphins AK1-015
There is only one place on the planet where you can swim with hector’s dolphins and that is the sheltered Akaroa Harbour. Make a date with the...
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Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise AK1-020
Make a date with the world’s smallest, rarest, and friendliest dolphins at the beautiful and sheltered Akaroa Harbour. Akaroa lies inside the eroded...
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The Fox II Nature Sail AK1-025
Sail with dolphins, see wildlife and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery of the Banks Peninsula. This is your chance for an up-close and personal...
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Discover Historic Akaroa AK1-035
Enjoy a gentle one and a half hour stroll around the South Island’s oldest town with your knowledgeable guide. You will visit some of the most...
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Traditional Akaroa Farm Experience AK1-040
Meet farmers Murray, Sue, and William Johns as they welcome you to Paua Bay Farm. The farm is 367 hectares and farms up to 4500 sheep, 100 cattle,...
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Christchurch On Your Own AK1-045
Explore independently while enjoying the convenience of pre-arranged transportation between your ship and Christchurch. You'll set the pace and...
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Artistic Akaroa AK1-050
This is your chance to visit two distinctive gardens of New Zealand. Travel by coach to the far side of Akaroa harbour and to the French Farm garden...
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Scenic Akaroa & Banks Peninsula AK1-055
This tour offers you the opportunity to view Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula by coach while still having time to enjoy your day in this quaint town....
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More about Akaroa
Docking / Disembarkation
Your ship will drop anchor and the ship’s tender boats will transfer you ashore to Main Wharf. Passengers will meet at a specific location for each shore excursion departure. Please refer to your tour
ticket for the correct place and time.
Taxis
A limited number of taxis are available at the end of the pier. Taxi drivers accept local currency only.
Tourist Information Office
The Akaroa Visitors Centre is located near the corner of Rue Jolie and Rue Balguerie, only a short walk from the pier.
Shopping
The main shopping area is the Main Street of Akaroa which is a two minute walk from the end of the pier. The popular buys are wool and sheepskin items, Maori and greenstone artifacts and paua jewelry.
Dining
Some local foods to try are local seafood, lamb, kiwifruit and hokey pokey ice cream. Local award winning wines (sauvignon blanc and pinot noir) and beers can also be found.
Climate
Akaroa has a sub-mediterranean climate. Its summer average temperature ranges from16-22°C. The average daily winter temperature ranges from2 to 13°C.
Tipping
Suggested tipping is 5 to 10 percent for good service.
How to book
To take advantage of our fantastic low cost cruises, book now. Visit your travel agent or call 13 24 94 for Australian bookings or 0800 780 716 for New Zealand bookings.
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New Zealand at a Glance
SIZE: 268,680 sq km
POPULATION: 4,076,140 (as at July 2006)
LANGUAGE: English and Te Reo Maori
TYPE OF GOVERNMENT: Parliamentary Democracy
CURRENCY: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Places of Interest
ORANA PARK WILDLIFE TRUST
Established to conserve and breed endangered species, the park features animals in natural settings with few fences.
BOTANIC GARDENS
Nestled in a bend of the Avon, the 75-acre Gardens offer stands of mature trees, a rose garden, several water gardens and seasonal flower displays.
VICTORIA SQUARE
T he old heart of commercial Christchurch boasts statues of Queen Victoria and Captain Cook, a floral clock and the oldest iron bridge in the city.
AKAROA
This old whaling port is rich in Maori, French and maritime history. The village boasts an old custom's house, Victorian bungalows and great souvenir shopping.
INTERNATIONAL ANTARCTIC CENTER
Hands-on exhibits, video presentations, laser holograms and stereo sound bring the frozen continent to life.
CHRISTCHURCH ARTS CENTER
The former home of Canterbury University, these Gothic buildings house over 40-artisan studios, galleries and shops offering New Zealand goods.
WILLOWBANK NATIVE BIRD RESERVE
The reserve features a special observatory where you see endangered kiwis, and other birds and animals in their natural environs.
TRANZ ALPINE EXPRESS
A two-hour trip aboard New Zealand's famous train travels the Canterbury Plains to Arthur's Pass National Park in the heart of the Southern Alps.
AIR FORCE WORLD
Located at Wigram, the oldest airbase in the country, Air Force World offers 28 vintage aircraft on display as well as a flight deck and jet fighter simulator.
MONA VALE HOMESTEAD
Built in 1900 in the grand style, Mona Vale Homestead features sweeping lawns, sparkling fountains and 14 acres of English gardens.
CANTERBURY MUSEUM
The historical exhibits focus on early colonial life, Antarctic exploration, and the voyages of Captain Cook.