Beautiful Akaroa

Explore the Beautiful Akaroa and Fabulous Kaikoura.

Dates to be confirmed

Duration: 7 Days

Tour starts and ends in Christchurch. Beautiful Akaroa, is a French inspired coastal village. The local Maori tribe had already discovered the beauty of the location well before Captain Cook sighted Akaroa Harbour in the 1770s.

The township was established by the French settlers in 1840. We take an informative tram ride around central Christchurch and visit the renowned international Antarctic Centre. Our time in fabulous coastal Kaikoura is a photographers dream.

Day 1 (B&D)
We travel from Christchurch up the summit road to Akaroa with a short stop at the Hilltop tavern where you can purchase a coffee or tea. It is a great photo stop here. We will continue to the township of Akaroa which is the site of early French attempt to colonize New Zealand, Akaroa still retains its charming French ambience. We will be there at our fabulous stunning waterfront accommodation, where every unit has an ocean view for 2 nights.

​Day 2 (B)

Today after breakfast we will be seeing some amazing scenery as we do the Black Cat Cruise to see the rare and endangered Hectors’ dolphins (approx 2 hours). The Hector dolphin is the rarest and smallest ocean-going dolphin in the world. After our cruise we will go and see the worlds famous Giants House – this is amazing, you will love it Then you will have some free time to explore this beautiful area.

Day 3 (B)

Today we will say Au revoir (goodbye) to French Akaroa and head for Okains Bay where we will visit the incredible museum here, after which we will travel back to Christchurch for your overnight stay and take in the very informative tram-ride around central Christchurch. Then you will have some free time to have a look around at your leisure.

​Day 4 (B&D)

Before departing Christchurch, we will take in the renowned International Antarctic Centre Experience where you will have the opportunity to see penguins or maybe have a snow fight before travelling on to Kaikoura. We will be making a lunch stop along the way before carrying on to our fabulous ocean view motels in Kaikoura where we will stay 3 nights.

Day 5 (B)

Today we take in the Whale Watch, hopefully we will see the Giant Sperm Whales that can grow up to 20 meters in length plus several different species of whales. We may also see the spirited dusky dolphins, NZ Fur Seals and a wide range of sea birds including the Royal Albatross. After which you will have some leisure time in this beautiful coastal area.

​Day 6 (B&D)

We are going to take in the amazing Fyfe House. Fyfe House was built on whale bones 1844 – 1860. This is all that remains of Kaikoura whaling station. After visiting Fyfe House we will do a scenic coastal Tiki Tour up to Ohau Point seal colony.

Day 7 (B)

Sadly this interesting and amazing tour has come to an end, we leave this beautiful area to travel back to Christchurch via the winding Waiau river. We will call in at Hanmer Springs, the largest geothermal resort in the South Island. Surrounded by mountains, forests and clean air it is a village worth exploring. You will have free time here for lunch and browse around before continuing to Christchurch.

Our all-inclusive price covers the following:

1.     Comfortable mini-bus pick-up from designated area 8.30am / 8.45 at designated area.           

2.     Accommodation and meals as indicated.

3.     All sight-seeing and entry to listed attractions.

4.    Prices are per person on a share twin basis ex Christchurch.

5.     All breakfasts (continental).

NOTES
B = Continental breakfast provided 
L = Lunch
D = Dinner (main meal) provided (please note any drinks will be at your own expense) 
Morning cuppa and 'bikkies' provided from the bus most days. 
We stop at various places for you to purchase your own lunch.