Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula Highlights

The Giants House sits on the edge of Akaroa with its gardens and mosaics built entirely by one artist over decades.

A six-hour shore excursion from Akaroa that travels through Banks Peninsula to Christchurch, tours the city centre and its earthquake recovery, visits the Sign of the Takahe viewpoint, and returns for a guided tour of the Giants House with its handmade sculptures and gardens. Pickup and drop-off happen at the Akaroa Wharf, timed to your ship's schedule.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Banks Peninsulapassing by
2. Christchurch Botanic Gardens30m
3. The Giants House1h · entry included

Banks Peninsula and Christchurch tour

• Collect at Akaroa Wharf park
• Drive through Akaroa village and Banks Peninsula
• Travel Akaroa Highway with scenic views
• Visit Christchurch Botanic Gardens
• Explore Botanic Gardens for 30 minutes
• City sightseeing tour highlighting earthquake damage
• Lunch break in Christchurch city
• Visit Sign of the Takahe for views
• Return to Akaroa Township
• Guided tour of the Giant’s House
• Return to Akaroa Wharf or explore on foot

The experience

The tour starts at 10:30am at the Akaroa Wharf and heads straight into Banks Peninsula, where the drive itself is the first stop. Rolling hills, lakes and coastlines frame the route to Christchurch. Once in the city, you'll spend 30 minutes on your own at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens before a guided walk through the city centre. The tour highlights the earthquake damage of 2011 and the rebuild efforts that followed, stopping at surviving landmarks. You'll have 45 minutes for lunch on your own (at your own cost) before heading up to the Sign of the Takahe on the Port Hills, where clear days open views across Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains, and on to the Southern Alps and Kaikoura Mountain Ranges.

The return to Akaroa brings you to the Giants House, where a guide takes you through the gardens and mosaics: sculptures and tilework that cover the property. After the tour, you can either ride back to the wharf or walk back through the township. The whole excursion runs six hours and stays timed to your ship's departure, so you don't have to worry about missing it.

What’s included

• Driver and guide throughout.
• guided tour of the Giants House.
• air-conditioned coach.
• pickup and drop-off at Akaroa Wharf.
• the Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee so your tour is timed to your ship's schedule.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (3 to 14 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Leisure Tours

Is this one for you?The tour is led in English by a live guide, so you'll hear commentary on Banks Peninsula and Christchurch as you travel, and a full explanation of the Giants House during the guided portion. If you're comfortable following an English-language tour, this works for the full six hours.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 14 years); Infant (under 3).

What is the Giants House and why is it worth a guided tour?

The Giants House is a private home in Akaroa whose owner spent decades creating mosaics and sculptures throughout the gardens and on the building itself. The guided tour shows you the scale and detail of the work across the property, which you wouldn't see as fully on your own.

How much time do I spend actually exploring Christchurch on foot?

You get 30 minutes at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens to walk on your own, then a guided tour of the city centre that stops at key sites, followed by 45 minutes for lunch where you can wander the area around the city. The guide covers the earthquake recovery and landmarks during the walking portion.

Does the tour include food and drinks?

Food and drinks are not included. You'll have a 45-minute lunch break in Christchurch where you can buy your own meal, and you can bring snacks or purchase drinks throughout the day.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?

The tour runs in most weather conditions since it's a coach-based excursion with stops that work rain or shine. The views from the Sign of the Takahe are best on clear days, but the drive through Banks Peninsula and the city tour proceed regardless.

Can I do this tour if I use a wheelchair or have mobility concerns?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. The coach has wheelchair access, and the Giants House tour is designed to accommodate visitors with varying mobility levels. The Botanic Gardens and city centre stops are navigable, though some areas involve walking on your own pace.