Private Day Excursion from Akaroa to Christchurch and Banks Peninsula

Private Day Excursion from Akaroa to Christchurch and Banks Peninsula

This is a private small group tour for up to 9 people. The route from Akaroa to Christchurch takes you over the old volcanoes of Banks Peninsula with varied scenery (farms, sheep, volcanoes, harbours, lakes, villages) and there is 1.5-2 hours driving time (90 km/50 miles) each way. We are happy to customise your tour to include attractions such as the International Antarctic Centre or Willowbank Wildlife Park (cost extra) , etc. We are locals and give an in-depth commentary covering the volcanoes, NZ and local history, earthquakes etc. The route is more or less like a figure "8" so the scenery is always changing and we cover a lot of places of interest on this day excursion to Christchurch and back. We have you back at Akaroa Wharf at least 1 hour before the last tender.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Christchurch Cathedral, Cathedral Square, Christchurch New Zealand

We stop here and stroll around the city centre, enjoying the Avon River, new architectural precincts and historic buildings.....time for lunch and shopping (stalls, souvenir shop)

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Rolleston Ave, Christchurch New Zealand

A stroll in the gardens and nearby Arts Centre (old University of Canterbury) is an option. Canterbury Museum and Christs College are some of the historic Gothic buildings nearby.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Lyttelton Farmers Market, 24 Oxford st, Lyttelton New Zealand

This is an option only on Saturdays.....a village market with food, produce and live music. Lyttelton was the original settlement back in 1850 and is now the largest port in the South Island.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Lyttelton Harbour, Lyttelton 2004 New Zealand

Ancient volanic crater....Summit road follows the volcanic rim with views to the Southern Alps 50 miles away across the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour on the other side (weather dependent).

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Akaroa Lighthouse, Beach Road, Akaroa, Akaroa New Zealand

The start of the tour is through Akaroa where we talk about the unique French history and points of interest such as the lighthouse.

Duration: 30 minutes