Antarctic Experience & Botanic Gardens
Depart Akaroa for a 90 minute coach ride to the International Antarctic Centre, located in a unique working Antarctic campus, home to the New Zealand, United States and Italian Antarctic programmes.
Enjoy a fun, exciting and interactive Antarctica experience. Have fun in real snow & ice, get ‘exchillarated’ in the Antarctic Storm, explore the Antarctic gallery, see Little Blue penguins, take a cruise down to Antarctica in the 4D EXTREME Theatre, ride in a genuine Antarctic vehicle, the Hagglund. This is one Antarctic adventure not to be missed. Finally, visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and view beautiful flowers and stunning plants.
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Location
Akaroa
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Tour Code
AK1065
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Duration
7.5 hours
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Price
Adult from $179.99
Children (12 & under) from $149.99
Please bring your camera!
Refreshments
Enjoy lunch at the Antarctic Centre (own cost)
Please wear comfortable flat-soled shoes, clothing suited to the weather conditions, a hat and jacket, plenty of biodegradable sunscreen and bring bottled water
The visit to the Botanic Gardens is self-guided
The drive between Akaroa and Christchurch is approximately 1 3/4 hours each way
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Fresh from the Wharf Cooking Experience
AK1085
Akaroa
5 hours
Adult: $299.99pp
Child: $299.99pp
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Banks Peninsula & City Drive
AK1135
Akaroa
5 hours
Adult: $159.99pp
Child: $139.99pp
Board your motor coach and skirt the bays bordering historic Akaroa Harbour. Drive to Manderley Farm on Lake Forsyth. The historic farmhouse, dates to 1876. Manderley is renowned for fine Merino sheep and champion sheepdogs. Enjoy tea in the gardens and observe a demonstration featuring the farm’s prized collies. Continue through the township of Tai Tapu to Christchurch for a brief stop. After your city visit, travel back past Tai Tapu and Lakes Ellesmere and Forsyth to Hilltop. This overlook is perched atop the rim of the caldera forming Akaroa Harbor. Descend to the harbor and your ship.
Akaroa History Safari
AK1145
Akaroa
3 hours
Adult: $169.99pp
Child: $169.99pp
A fascinating historical and cultural experience designed by Princess Cruises and inspired by local expert Hollie Hollander awaits on this three-hour exclusive adventure. Your local guide, Marie Haley, was born and raised on her family’s farm on Banks Peninsula. Begin at the site of Takapuneke to learn the story of the infamous Te Rauparaha massacre that led to the Treaty of Waitangi. Continue on to Onuku Marae, where this treaty was first signed. At the Britomart Monument, learn directly from a French descendant about the “Race for Akaroa,” and at Heritage Park, stop for panoramic photos and a light refreshment. Next, at the Hinewai Reserve and the Wildside Conservation Project, delve into the business of sustainable sheep farming in New Zealand, learning directly from a farmer’s daughter. On to Pa Nga Toko Ono, one of the oldest visible Maori pa (fortification) sites in New Zealand. Finally, pause at Otanerito Lookout, then return to port.
