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Oceania New Zealand Christchurch Do & See Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

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Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

The guide was updated: 2024-07-25

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Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

From the historic French Village of Akaroa, 90 minutes from Christchurch, daily harbour cruises show the fascinating landscape with volcanic craters and exciting wildlife. The cruise is packed with highlights including the rare, NZ native dolphin — the Hector's Dolphin — as well as penguins and other sea birds. Each cruise is fully narrated by the skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour.

Useful Information

Address: Black Cat Cruises, Akaroa Main Wharf, Akaroa
More Info: There are several different operators offering transfer between Christchurch and Akaroa.
Opening hours: Daily 9am–5pm
Phone: +64 3 304 7641
Email: akaroa@blackcat.co.nz

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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Punting on the Avon River

Punting on the Avon River

Experience life the way it should be — relaxed, tranquil and thoroughly enjoyable! Sink back into the velvet cushions of your boat as the Edwardian punter gently glides you down the Avon River (Ōtākaro), passing the trailing willows and leafy banks of the stunning Christchurch Botanic Gardens. This is an iconic Christchurch experience and an attraction not to be missed!

International Antarctic Centre

International Antarctic Centre

One of New Zealand's best tourist attractions, the International Antarctic Centre based at Christchurch airport provides visitors of all ages with an interactive, fun and exciting experience of Antarctica. The centre includes a hagglund ride, ice voyage 4D Show, a snow and ice experience, penguin encounter and an informative, hands-on display.

Christchurch Gondola

Christchurch Gondola

Suspended above the suburbs of Christchurch, the Gondola whisks you nearly a kilometre to the Crater Rim of the Port Hills. See in the extinct volcano which exploded six million years ago, sheltering Lyttelton’s sparkling harbour and to the west, the Southern Alps seem close in the clear pure air and to the East, the ocean and the sky stretch as far as the eye can see. Experience the Time Tunnel, a dramatic reconstruction of the history of the Port Hills and Christchurch and revive your spirits with a snack at the new Red Rock Cafe.

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

From the historic French Village of Akaroa, 90 minutes from Christchurch, daily harbour cruises show the fascinating landscape with volcanic craters and exciting wildlife. The cruise is packed with highlights including the rare, NZ native dolphin — the Hector's Dolphin — as well as penguins and other sea birds. Each cruise is fully narrated by the skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour.

Christchurch Tramway

Christchurch Tramway

Christchurch’s historic trams are an ideal way to explore the city centre in style. The route takes in sights such as Cathedral Square, the Botanic Garden, Canterbury Museum and the main shopping areas. At present, there are 18 stops along the route.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens showcase some of the flora of New Zealand and other parts of the world. Founded in 1863 with the planting of an English Oak tree, the Gardens now feature one of the finest collections of exotic and native plants found in New Zealand. Take time to explore the gardens, which are considered to be an oasis in the city of Christchurch with 21 hectares of horticultural displays, several conservatories, memorials, garden art and walking tracks.

Adrenalin Forest

Adrenalin Forest

Live on the edge and set yourself free. Realise your potential and get your blood pumping at Adrenalin Forest’s multi-level aerial obstacle course. Adrenalin Forest is a great confidence builder and adrenalin rush. With 6 increasing pathways, 102 challenges how far are you prepared to go?

The Court Theatre

The Court Theatre

In Christchurch’s suburb of Addington, The Court Theatre company was founded in 1971 and is today one of the top groups of New Zealand. Different high quality performances are held throughout the year. Have a glance at their website to see what is on.

Hiking & Cycling the Port Hills

Hiking & Cycling the Port Hills

The Port Hills shows the contrasts between rocky Crater Rims and the green scenery of Canterbury Plains below. All sorts of outdoor activities are performed in this unique area and hiking is one of them. The Port Hills truly offer breathtaking views, so be ready with the camera.

Air Force Museum of New Zealand

Air Force Museum of New Zealand

Discover one of the world’s premier military aviation collections at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Activities include a flight simulator, guided tours and a replica 1940s home. The museum is based at the Wigram Airfield, approximately 15 minutes from the International airport and approximately 20 minutes from the city centre.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

The Willowbank experience includes unique native wildlife, farm animals and the country's natural history. Dining is available in the award-winning restaurant, acclaimed for its architecture and construction, which allows magnificent views of the surrounding wildlife and gardens.

Orana Wildlife Park

Orana Wildlife Park

Set on 80 hectares of park-like grounds, Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand’s only open range zoo. The Park has been developed as an open range sanctuary for endangered animals, providing them with enclosures as close to their natural habitat as possible. Streams, moats and banks are used as barriers to allow visitors the opportunity to see the animals in a natural manner. Over 400 animals from 70 different species are displayed and there are various daily encounters allowing up close experiences with the animals.

Christchurch Double Decker City Tour

Christchurch Double Decker City Tour

Step on board to the classic 1960s London Open Top Double Decker buses for a fun and informative tour of Christchurch. Learn about Christchurch’s fascinating history from the pioneering days through to modern day times and learn how Christchurch is recovering from the Canterbury earthquakes which has now become a major event in New Zealand’s history. The experience includes a 1 hour Tour around central Christchurch on New Zealand’s only Open Top Double Decker and a 2 hour Tour on a closed top Double Decker visiting places of interest in greater Christchurch.

Quake City

Quake City

Quake City is a compelling attraction that brings to life the story of the Canterbury earthquakes. Using striking imagery, immersive sound, and engaging film, it doesn't just dwell on the past but also places a strong emphasis on the future. Here, you can stand in the presence of iconic objects, like the top of the Christ Church Cathedral Spire, and delve into the intriguing science of earthquakes. In essence, it's an attraction that tells the tale of the 2010–2011 earthquakes through personal narratives and hands-on exhibits.

Caterpillar Garden Tours

Caterpillar Garden Tours

Established in 1863, the Botanic Gardens host, without doubt, the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants to be found anywhere in New Zealand. Operating a continuous daily service, Caterpillar Garden Tours allows visitors to discover the natural beauty, history and culture of this central city oasis while at the same time being taken around the gardens in all weather, comfort and style. The tours are fully guided on an environmentally friendly electric shuttle.

Transitional 'Cardboard' Cathedral

Transitional 'Cardboard' Cathedral

After the February quake caused damage to the iconic Christchurch Cathedral, Japanese architect Shigeru Ban designed one of his famous “Emergency Architecture” buildings, and now the transitional 'Cardboard' Cathedral project is welcoming visitors. Constructed from a series of 96 cardboard tubes and framing, this is an exciting symbol of innovation, hope and inspiration for the city for the next 50 or so years.

Oi Manawa — Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial

Oi Manawa — Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial

Coasting the Ōtākaro/Avon River, the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial pays homage to the 185 lives that were lost in the February 2011 earthquake. The memorial wall spans 111 metres along the southern riverbank, while the north side features a green area with a curved seat.

TranzAlpine Train Ride

TranzAlpine Train Ride

Operating daily, the TranzAlpine train runs from the east coast (Christchurch) via Arthur's Pass to the west coast in Greymouth. Marvel at the diverse landscapes of New Zealand's southern island, with highlights being the Southern Alps and the alpine rain forest terrain, all from the comfort of a carriage. A cafe carriage, providing beverages, snacks and light meals caters to passengers along the ride.

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