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 $169.99
Children (12 & under) from $119.99
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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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.
The Fox II Nature Sail
AK1025
Akaroa
3 hours
Adult: $95.99pp
Child: $89.99pp
This is your chance for an up-close and personal encounter with wildlife including dolphins, penguins and seals on New Zealand’s oldest ketch Fox II.
Little River Tour
AK1140
Akaroa
2 hours
Adult: $59.99pp
Child: $59.99pp
Spend a lovely two hours enjoying the picturesque scenery of the volcanic Banks Peninsula and the towns and villages along the way on this elegantly crafted tour designed by Princess Cruises and inspired by local expert Hollie Hollander. Your destination is the town of Little River, and the drive from Akaroa, the only French-founded community in New Zealand, traverses the countryside, which is dotted with the petite villages of Takamatua Bay, Robinsons Bay, Duvauchelle and Barrys Bay. Continue through Cooptown to Little River, once the end of a railway branch from Christchurch. Today, this artistic enclave is home to painters, writers and farmers, who sell their wares in the local shops and galleries. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore the Little River Craft Station and information center and the Little River Gallery and Café displaying artwork from some of New Zealand’s preeminent artists. Your return drive includes a panoramic photo stop before returning to port.
