Christchurch Day Trips To Hanmer, Kaikoura & Akaroa
Christchurch Day Trips To Kaikoura, Akaroa & Waipara Wine Region
Unveil the Wonders of South Island with Canterbury Trails: Discover Akaroa, Kaikoura, and Waipara
Welcome to Canterbury Trails, your Christchurch-based gateway to experiencing the magic of New Zealand’s South Island! We craft intimate and immersive day trips that take you beyond the ordinary, showcasing the best of Akaroa, Kaikoura, and Waipara’s stunning landscapes, captivating wildlife, and delectable wines.
Akaroa: Charm, Dolphins, and Volcanic Beauty
Journey to the enchanting harbour town of Akaroa, nestled within the caldera of an ancient volcano.
Picture yourself cruising the tranquil waters on a dolphin-watching adventure, surrounded by playful Hector’s dolphins, the smallest in the world! Immerse yourself in the rich French colonial heritage, wandering through quaint streets with charming boutiques and cafes. Savour fresh seafood and breathtaking panoramas – Akaroa promises an escape to tranquillity and beauty.
Kaikoura: Where Mountains Meet the Sea
Kaikoura, a coastal haven between rugged mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean, awaits your exploration.
Feel the thrill of witnessing majestic sperm whales breaching offshore or spot playful fur seals basking on the rocks. Hike through native forests or soar above the landscape on a scenic helicopter flight – Kaikoura’s diverse ecosystem caters to every adventurer.
Don’t miss the chance to indulge in fresh seafood, renowned as some of the best in the country.
Waipara: A Toast to Tranquility and Flavor
Escape the hustle and bustle to the idyllic Waipara Valley, a haven for wine connoisseurs and nature lovers.
Rolling vineyards bathe in the golden sunshine, promising an afternoon of indulging in award-winning Pinot Noirs and crisp Sauvignon Blancs. Cycle through picturesque landscapes, stopping at charming cellar doors for tastings and vineyard tours.
Waipara offers a taste of pure serenity paired with the finest local vintages.
Your Perfect South Island Day Awaits:
Canterbury Trails caters to every travel style. Whether you seek a wildlife encounter in Akaroa, an adrenaline rush in Kaikoura, or a leisurely wine-tasting experience in Waipara, we’ll craft the perfect day trip for you.
Our knowledgeable guides, passionate about the region, will share their insights and ensure a memorable journey.
Start planning your adventure today!
Canterbury Trails – Day Trips from Christchurch to Kaikoura
Price: $640 per person – Child $320 pp
Departs: Christchurch 8.00 am approx.
Duration: 8 Hours
After departing Christchurch you travel through the beautiful rural pastoral scenes of North Canterbury to Kaikoura where the mountains meet the sea.
This Tour Includes:
Here you can take a cruise on Whale Watch Kaikoura or the option to take a scenic flight to see the whales (Whale Watch trip included) to look for majestic Sperm Whales and Dusky Dolphins.
Other sightings might include Southern Right, Humpback, and Pilot whales.
Enjoy a café lunch (Lunch included)
Drive to a lookout with spectacular views of the peninsula and the Pacific Ocean andVisit the Kaikoura Peninsula where sightings can be made of the NZ Fur Seals.
Our return journey to Christchurch experience some local wines at a Waipara Winery
Kaikoura whale watching cruise with Whale Watch Kaikoura
Canterbury Trails – Day Trips from Christchurch to Akaroa
A day tour to Akaroa, the only settlement attempted by the French in New Zealand, passes through the beautiful landscapes of the Banks Peninsula.
This region was formed following violent eruptions of volcanoes over 6 million years ago and the picturesque town of Akaroa itself sits in an ancient volcanic crater.
You will travel to Akaroa NZ over the beautiful Banks Peninsula on a high summit route which gives glorious views of farmlands, Akaroa Harbour, the Canterbury Plains and the distant Southern Alps as well as remote bays indenting the coastline.
Depart Christchurch at 8.30am and return approximately 5.45pm.
Courtesy city hotel / homestay pickup and drop off.
Akaroa Activity Tour Options:
Christchurch Day Tours – Akaroa Kayaking Tour
Price: $530 per person – Child $265 pp
Departs: Christchurch 8.30 am.
Duration: 8 to 9 Hours approx
You have an opportunity to wander around the charming 175 year old French harbour side village of Akaroa with it’s museum of settlers’ history, art and craft shops and studios before we deliver you to your Akaroa Sea Kayaking Safari.
Here your kayak guide will introduce you to kayaking and how to get the best out of a tour of Akaroa.
This includes setting up your kayak so that you will have the maximum comfort when paddling, weather information and chart briefing so you know where you are going. You are accompanied by your kayak guide who will show you the best of Akaroa from the water.
On your return we will have a late lunch at the award wining Bully Hayes cafe before returning to Christchurch.
On the journey back to Christchurch we visit the Cheese Factory at Barry’s Bay, the only one remaining on the peninsula from a bygone era, the Little River Art gallery and if time permits Vince’s Gem Stone Museum.
Christchurch Day Tours – Akaroa Farm Tour
Price: $495 per person – Child $248 pp
Departs: Christchurch 8.30 am.
Duration: 8 to 9 Hours approx
Y
ou have an opportunity to wander around the charming 175 year old French harbour side village of Akaroa with its museum of settlers’ history, art and craft shops and studios before enjoying lunch at an award winning cafe.
After lunch we take a spectacular drive over the summit road to Paua Bay Farm. Here you will experience a slice of life on a working sheep farm.
A working sheep dog demonstration, sheep shearing and stories from the owner Murray Johns will entertain and delight along with a farm style afternoon tea to end the day.
If time permits on the journey back to Christchurch we visit the Cheese Factory at Barry’s Bay, the only one remaining on the peninsula from a bygone era.
Please note that the order of events are subject to timings of Paua Bay Farm.
Christchurch Day Tours – Akaroa Swim with the Dolphin’s
Price: $600 per person – Child $300 pp
Departs: Christchurch 8.30 am.
Duration: 8 to 9 Hours approx
On arriving at the main wharf in Akaroa we will introduce to Black Cat Cruises where you will be briefed for your Swim with the Dolphins Experience. This opportunity is truly memorable as these unique mammals choose to interact with you in the water.
You will have an opportunity to wander around the charming 175 year old French harbour side village of Akaroa with it’s museum of settlers’ history, art and craft shops and studios before enjoying lunch at an award winning cafe.
On the journey back to Christchurch we visit the Cheese Factory at Barry’s Bay, the only one remaining on the peninsula from a bygone era, the Little River Art gallery and if time permits Vince’s Gem Stone Museum.
Christchurch Day Tours – Akaroa View Hector Dolphins
Price: $495 per person – Child $248 pp
Departs: Christchurch 8.30 am.
Duration: 8 to 9 Hours approx
A day tour to Akaroa, the only settlement attempted by the French in New Zealand, passes through the beautiful landscapes of the Banks Peninsula. This region was formed following violent eruptions of volcanoes over 6 million years ago and the picturesque town of Akaroa itself sits in an ancient volcanic crater.
We will collect you from your Christchurch hotel and travel to Akaroa NZ over the beautiful Banks Peninsula on a high summit route which gives glorious views of farmlands,the Canterbury Plains and the distant Southern Alps as well as remote bays indenting the coastline.
From the main wharf in Akaroa boats depart for a Nature Cruise on the harbour. See Hectors Dolphins, little blue penguins, NZ fur seals and local bird life. Learn more about the local history from your boat skipper and be awed by the volcanic cliffs that act as sentinels to the harbour entrance.
You will have an opportunity to wander around the charming 175 year old French harbour side village of Akaroa with it’s museum of settlers’ history, art and craft shops and studios before enjoying lunch at an award winning cafe.
On the journey back to Christchurch we visit the Cheese Factory at Barry’s Bay, the only one remaining on the peninsula from a bygone era, the Little River Art gallery and if time permits Vince’s Gem Stone Museum.
