things to do in Akaroa
Akaroa & Bays Tours & Transfers
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Akaroa Tours
& Transfers
SERVICES
Scenic Bays Tour
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Departs Akaroa Information Centre at 9.30am, returns 1.30pm.
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Small groups of 4-11 people.
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Bookings essential.
Shuttle Transfers
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Banks Peninsula Track transfers from Akaroa to Christchurch and return.
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Corporate & Conference transfers.
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Special occasions
Cruise Ship Excursions
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Scenic Bays Tour departs Main Wharf at 9.30am, returns 1.30pm.
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2 hour Scenic Akaroa harbour tour departs 2pm.
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Small groups of 4-11 people
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Bookings essential.
ABOUT
Hi, I'm Philip Narbey. I'm a fourth generation direct descendant of one of the original French settlers’ families. I have spent the majority of my life farming the original family farm, settled by my ancestors in 1850. I am currently semi-retired and live in Akaroa. Due to my long association within the area, I have accumulated extensive local knowledge, and have a strong background with farming practices, evolved from the first farming families.
Learn about the geological evolution and subsequent events which moulded the landscape to become one of the most scenic gems in New Zealand. Your 4-hour tour starts with a pickup at 9.30am from Akaroa Main wharf or the Akaroa Information Centre, and returns at approximately 1.30pm.
A drive through the quaint Akaroa village leads us around to the bays at the head of the harbour. Our first stop is at the award winning Barry’s Bay traditional cheese factory, where cheese making on alternative days can be seen. Cheese tastings available. Travel to the hilltop, along the Summit Road, and into Little Akaloa, to stop for a complimentary "kiwi smoko" (morning tea). A stop-over at the historic St Luke's church leads to Okains Bay viewing magnificent sea scapes along the way. If time permits a stop at the Okains Bay Museum will allow you to explore the many displays of Maori culture and our colonial past. An entry fee of $10 per person is payable on entry.
An exclusive photo stop of Akaroa and the harbour with your cruise ship in the background for cruise ship passengers, completes your tour. On your return to the village you will have time for lunch and to explore the township.
What our guests said,
"Philip,Thank you for a wonderful day. Your hospitality and enthusiasm has been clear from the start. I'll definitely recommend you to all our friends. Thanks again for the lovely biscuit. Cheers, Magdy and the gang."
Visit Akaroa Adventure Centre to read this review on TripAdvisor
Reviewed 30 January 2017
We tried to get on the mail run tour, but it was filled. This tour, the Akaroa & Bay Tour, covered almost the same route as the mail run, but without making the mail stops. Our guide was a retired farmer, who grew up in Akaroa. He drove us all around the beautiful town and rim of the volcano. It was an awesome tour as he took us on all the back roads and stopped at beautiful vantage points. He was very informative, and told us so much about the area and farming! We stopped in the morning for tea and his wife sent along homemeade delicious apricot scones for us! He has a small comfortable, air conditioned van. It was the same price as the mail run tour. This tour is booked through Akaroaadventurecentre@gmail.com. It was one of our best tours in New Zealand!!
Visited January 2017