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.

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.