Christchurch – Twin Harbours – Lyttelton & Akaroa with Kayaking

A tour highlighting the magnificent scenery of Banks Peninsula and the twin harbour’s of Lyttelton & Akaroa. Travel 90 minutes from Lyttelton to Akaroa, a historic French Village with much culture and heritage charm to explore. Enjoy a two hour guided Kayaking tour on the pristine Akaroa Harbour.

Meet and greet in Lyttelton township for your Twin Harbour Shore Excursion with Kayaking.

Depart Lyttelton and travel via the inner bays of Lyttelton Harbour to Governors Bay and then onto Gebbies Pass before joining the Akaroa Highway near Lake Ellesmere, here on a clear day you will have magnificent views across the lake to the Southern Alps which are snowcapped for 9 months of the year. The excursion carries onto Lake Forsyth and then the rural township of Little River prior to ascending to the summit of Akaroa Harbour and the Hill Top. The stop at the Hill Top affords a magnificent view of the entire Akaroa Harbour and a fantastic photo opportunity. The tour continues onto the township of Akaroa, originally settled by the French and maintaining some of its French character.

The township contains a host of historic buildings, craft and gift shops together with a multitude of idyllic photo opportunities.  Today’s excursion includes sea kayaking on the picturesque Akaroa Harbour which is also an extinct volcanic crater. This is an environmentally sensitive tour where small group numbers are key as we you will be guided through fragile, pristine, and relatively undisturbed natural areas. You will be travelling in sturdy NZ made double kayaks with a knowledgeable local nature guide who will point out any wildlife and features along the way and take photos for you, the scenery is pretty special!

Akaroa is one of the best locations to sea kayak in New Zealand, with its neon blue and green water and untouched marine reserve, you also may be able to enjoy chance sightings of hector dolphins, white flippered penguins, NZ fur seals and a variety of sea birds. This experience is often a highlight of many NZ travel itineraries.

In the afternoon on your return journey to Christchurch a stop will be made at the Barry’s Bay Cheese factory, where you will get to sample some fine New Zealand cheese.

Itinerary

Collected from your cruise ship berthed in Lyttelton.
Travel to Akaroa via the Sign of Takahe, Sign of Kiwi, Governors Bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Ellesmere, Lake Forsyth and Little River.
Stop at the Hill Top to experience panoramic views of Akaroa Harbour
On arrival in Akaroa join a 2.5 hour Sea Kayaking Tour of the picturesque Akaroa Harbour and its varied sea life.
On your return journey visit the cheese factory at Barry’s Bay and sample some fine New Zealand cheese
Collected 8.30-9.00am Returned 4.30pm

Note: minimum numbers are required for this tour to proceed.

The 2.5 hour guided Kayaking Tour is included in the cost of the excursion. Tour does not include Lunch.

There will be time to have an early lunch before setting out on your Kayak Tour (own expense)

Please Note: Times can be adjusted to meet the cruise ships schedule.

08.45 Meet and greet in Lyttelton township for your twin harbour shore excursion to Akaroa Harbour.

09.00 Depart Lyttelton and travel via the inner bays of Lyttelton Harbour to Governors Bay and then onto Gebbies Pass before joining the Akaroa Highway near Lake Ellesmere, here on a clear day you will have magnificent views across the lake to the Southern Alps which are snowcapped for 9 months of the year. The excursion carries onto Lake Forsyth and then the rural township of Little River prior to ascending to the summit of Akaroa Harbour and the Hill Top. The stop at the Hill Top affords a magnificent view of the entire Akaroa Harbour and a fantastic photo opportunity. The tour continues onto the township of Akaroa, originally settled by the French and maintaining some of its French character.

10.45 There will be time to have an early lunch before setting out on your Kayak Tour (own expense)

11.30 – Join a two-hour sea kayaking experience on the picturesque Akaroa Harbour, an extinct volcanic crater. This environmentally sensitive tour operates in small groups, allowing you to explore fragile, pristine and relatively undisturbed natural areas.

Travel in sturdy New Zealand-made double kayaks accompanied by a knowledgeable local nature guide, who will point out wildlife and features of the harbour along the way. Your guide will also take photos during the experience, allowing you to capture the spectacular scenery.

13.30 – Return from the kayaking experience and meet up with your tour driver.

14.00 – Depart Akaroa and begin the return journey to Lyttelton, travelling through the scenic landscapes of Banks Peninsula and Canterbury.

Approx. 16.30 – The tour returns you to Lyttelton township where your awaiting shuttle transfers you back to your cruise ship.

Typical start time: 8.45am
Duration (source): 8 hours
Please Note that the timings are indicative only for cruise ships berth by 8 am or earlier.
For all other cruise ships with a later arrival time in Lyttelton this tour may not be available.
Note: minimum numbers are required for this tour to proceed.