Akaroa – Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Centre

Travel through Banks Peninsula and discover the city of Christchurch, together with admission to the International Antarctic Centre with Hagglund Ride, Little Blue Penguins, Antarctic Storm room and 4 D Movie.

This shore excursion departs Akaroa and travels via the Akaroa Highway with breathtaking scenery of Akaroa Harbour, Little River, Lakes Forsyth and Ellesmere, the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains. On arriving in Christchurch and following a stop at the botanical gardens, join us on a brief sightseeing tour showing city landmarks of the earthquake-damaged city centre. See for yourself both the destruction of the central city and the rebuild that is taking place before heading to the International Antarctic Centre.

The tour then moves on to the International Antarctic Centre. Learn about Antarctica’s rich history and unique relationship with Christchurch. Get a true feeling for the atmosphere of Antarctica with a snow and ice experience with Antarctic Storm, the blue penguin encounter, 4D movie and an exhilarating Hagglund ride.

The Penguins held here are birds that have been rescued and cared for, some since they were chicks. Due to physical disabilities that have left them defenseless, many of them would not have survived on their own back in the wild.

10.30: Depart Akaroa for Christchurch, travelling via the Akaroa Highway with breathtaking scenery of Akaroa Harbour, Little River, Lakes Forsyth and Ellesmere, the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains.
12.00: Arrive at the Christchurch Botanical Gardens where you will have some time to explore.
12.30: Depart the Botanical Gardens for a Christchurch City tour highlighting city landmarks and the rebuild of city centre after the 2011 Earthquake.
13.00: Arrive at the Antarctic Centre (admission and Hagglund ride included).
15.00: Depart from Christchurch for Akaroa.
16.30: Arrive at Akaroa to reboard your ship.

This tour from Akaroa to Christchurch is specifically designed for cruise ship passengers.

Our coach departs Akaroa at 10.30am and returns to Akaroa by 4.30pm. This will ensure you arrive at the cruise ship before departure.

After disembarking the ship and being tendered ashore, please proceed to the end of the wharf, where you will meet your Leisure Tours representative.

Typical start time: 10:00am
Duration (source): 6 hours