Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch: Scenic drive and harbour

Volcanic cliffs, a cheese factory stop, and Hector's dolphins in one day

A full-day tour from Christchurch to Akaroa Harbour with hotel pickup and return transport, passing through Gebbies Pass, Lake Ellesmere and the village of Little River. The drive showcases the South Island's volcanic landscape and remote sea caves. An optional 2-hour nature cruise lets you watch Hector's dolphins, the world's smallest oceanic dolphin, and fur seals in their habitat. A stop at Barry's Bay Cheese Factory includes local tastings.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic tour and Akaroa visit

• Depart from Christchurch hotel
• Drive through Governor’s Bay and Gebbies Pass
• Pass Lake Ellesmere and Little River
• Stop for coffee in Little River
• Visit Barry's Bay Cheese Factory
• Optional Akaroa Nature Cruise
• Return to pickup point

The experience

The tour departs from your Christchurch hotel in an air-conditioned coach with a professional driver. The route climbs through Gebbies Pass and descends past Governor's Bay and Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora), with time to stop for photos of the landscape and the volcanic cliffs that frame the harbour. Little River, a small town partway down, is a natural pause for coffee and refreshment before continuing to Akaroa.

Barry's Bay Cheese Factory sits on the route into Akaroa Harbour and offers tastings of locally made cheeses. The harbour itself is ringed by steep volcanic cliffs and sea caves visible from the water. If you booked the nature cruise option, a 2-hour catamaran departs from the waterfront and circles the harbour. Hector's dolphins (rare, small and found nowhere else) often appear alongside New Zealand fur seals, blue penguins and yellow-eyed penguins. The waterfront has restaurants and shops if you want to spend time ashore. Return transport is included and drops you back at your Christchurch pickup point.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned coach with professional driver.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Christchurch.
• the full-day itinerary including stops at Little River and Barry's Bay Cheese Factory.

Options for this experience

2 options

Day tour to Akaroa, excluding the cruiseGuide in English · 07:00 and 09:00Includes pickup

Akaroa tour that includes a nature cruiseGuide in English · 07:00 and 09:00Akaroa nature cruise, pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 09:00

AgesUp to age 90

GroupUp to 11

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by My Holidays Diary

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're traveling without a car and want a full day that includes hotel pickup in Christchurch, plus the option to add a nature cruise for dolphins and seals or stay longer exploring the town.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What are Hector's dolphins and will I see them on the cruise?

Hector's dolphins are the world's smallest oceanic dolphin and are found only in New Zealand waters. The 2-hour nature cruise around Akaroa Harbour is designed to encounter them, along with fur seals and penguins, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The cruise is an optional add-on at checkout.

How much time do I spend in Akaroa itself?

The tour spends several hours in and around Akaroa Harbour. If you choose the nature cruise, that takes 2 hours on the water. The rest of the time is available for the cheese factory, waterfront restaurants, shops and exploring the town before the return drive to Christchurch.

What is Barry's Bay Cheese Factory?

Barry's Bay Cheese Factory is a working dairy on the route into Akaroa where you stop to taste locally made cheeses. It is a standard stop on the drive, not a lengthy detour.

Is the nature cruise included in the tour price?

The nature cruise is optional and you choose it at checkout. The tour operates with or without the cruise. Both versions include the drive, cheese factory stop, and return transport.

What scenery will I see on the drive from Christchurch?

The drive passes through Gebbies Pass, Governor's Bay, and along Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora) before reaching Akaroa Harbour, which is surrounded by steep volcanic cliffs and remote sea caves. The route is known for its views of the South Island's volcanic landscape.