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Akaroa Nature and History Tour

2 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 2 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Akaroa, New Zealand

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.

3 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Do not miss out on this incredible New Zealand experience.
Just look at the amazing 5 star reviews!
Guests describe this tour as the “New Zealand’s best kept secret”, “the best thing to do in Akaroa”, “best tour in Canterbury.”

This tour is owned and operated by The 7th Generation descendant of the French settlers, expert trained historian and ecologist and natural born storyteller.

There is NO OTHER TOUR LIKE IT.

Guests consistently report that the tour had a BIG impact on them, leaving them feeling connected to nature and inspired for the future.

Expert guide Marie Haley, was a FINALIST at the 2024 New Zealand Tourism Awards for Tourism Business Excellence, a big deal for a one-woman operation.

This tour will take you to all of Akaroa’s hidden gems - you will simply see no other tourists.

This tour includes all the best things to do in Akaroa, that you could not access and understand without this expert guide.

No other tour in New Zealand tells THIS story; my story.

What's Included

  • Snacks Homemade scones and homemade jam, with tea, coffee or hot chocolate. At one of the most beautiful picnic spots in the world.
  • Guide

    Meeting and Pickup

    Pickup point
    Pickup details

    Please wear comfortable shoes, bring a jacket, hat and water bottle.

    OR
    Meeting point

    Rue Lavaud
    Banks Peninsula, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    Options & Pricing

    Opening Hours • Daily | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    What To Expect

    Akaroa Lighthouse (Pass By)

    Learn about the historic Akaroa Lighthouse and its incredible connection to the Robert Louis Stevenson family. One of Akaroa’s many historic buildings, perhaps it’s most photographed.
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    Takapuneke Reserve

    Learn about the geological and natural history of New Zealand. Learn about Polynesian navigation and exploration. Learn about European arrival to New Zealand and the flax trade. Learn about the Brig Elizabeth incident with the first European involvement in intertribal warfare, on the shores of Akaroa harbour which ultimately lead to the Treaty of Waitangi. We will spend time walking along the shoreline and have a chance to take photos.
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    30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Onuku Church (Kaik)

    Learn about the Treaty of Waitangi and the first British Resident to New Zealand. Experience a beautiful Maori church and take photos.
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    20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Britomart Monument (Pass By)

    Hear the story of the Race for the South Island between the French and the British including your guide, Marie Haley’s, personal family history as the first French settlers to Akaroa.We can arrange to stop to visit on private tours, but walking access is narrow.
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    Akaroa (Pass By)

    Visit the beautiful French town of Akaroa and visit the many beautiful historic sites. The historic sites are all personally connected to your guides family story, you will be amazed at the depth and breadth of the family history in this stunning little sea side town, and how it is interwoven into New Zealand’s history.
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    Akaroa

    Akaroa Heritage Park Stop for a picnic at the beautiful Akaroa Heritage Park, overlooking Akaroa Harbour with stunning sightseeing.This is a wonderful opportunity to build a sense of connection to the New Zealand natural environment, while looking down upon the historic setting that you have just experienced.Included are homemade scones with homemade jam, tea, coffee or hot chocolate.
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    30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Hinewai Reserve (Pass By)

    Nature and sightseeing drive.Learn about Hinewai Reserve, the largest private reserve in New Zealand, regenerating native forest through an invasive exotic weed.Drive to the End of the Earth, visiting the stunning Banks Peninsula sea cliffs, learn about the Wildside conservation project that your guide, Marie Haley, managed for eight years, working with her neighbours to protect the natural environment for future generations.Visit the family farmland of your guide and hear the incredible change in land use from forest to farmland in 50 years, and the romantic story of her ancestors.Be inspired by The Seventh Generation Principle, thinking of the seventh generation after you in all your actions, while looking back over the seven generations that came before.You will leave inspired, this tour will have a big impact on your connection to New Zealand.This tour is carbon neutral and future positive.
    Read more
    Show 5 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Specialized infant seats are available

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (7)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Akaroa Nature and History Tour?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST). Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

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    Activity code: C-424188P1

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    5.00
    2 reviews

    Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    2
    4 stars
    0
    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0

    Loading Options
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.

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    What's Included

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    • SnacksHomemade scones and homemade jam, with tea, coffee or hot chocolate. At one of the most beautiful picnic spots in the world.
    • Guide

    Additional Info

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Some flexibility is required entering and exiting the vehicle, please let me know of any health issues.
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Please let me know of any major health or mobility issues to tailor the tour to your needs.

    Report Product Issue

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    Cancellation Policy

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    Free cancellation
    100% refund
    No refund

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST).
    • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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