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Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and the International Antarctic Centre

Name: Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and the International Antarctic Centre
Brand: Leisure Tours
SKU: 2950PRTCHCCLT66CS
Price: 118.47 USD
Rating: 4.0 (134 reviews)

Akaroa, New Zealand

6 hours
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

This Akaroa shore excursion takes you sightseeing in Christchurch via a scenic drive through the Banks Peninsula. See the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and other city highlights before a visit to the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch's top attraction. Feel arctic winds at the Snow and Ice Experience and observe New Zealand wildlife at the Penguin Encounter. Finish with an all-terrain adventure on a thrilling ride by amphibious Hagglund vehicle.

Banks Peninsula and Christchurch tour from Akaroa port
Travel from Akaroa through breathtaking scenery to Christchurch
Visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
See the city sights of Christchurch
Entry to Christchurch's leading attraction -- International Antarctic Centre
Take a ride on the Hagglund all-terrain vehicle
Covered by Viator’s worry-free policy: guaranteed on-time return to your ship

What's Included

Port pickup and drop-off
Hagglund ride
Local guide
Covered by Viator’s worry-free policy: guaranteed on-time return to your ship

Food and drinks

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

The Britomart Cannon
Akaroa 7520, New Zealand
From the Main Wharf in Akaroa, head down to the end where you will see the Akaroa I-Site and a small park on the right-hand side. Next to the Canon statue, a representative will be waiting for you. Please arrive by 10.15am for a 10.30am departure.

Start time

10:30 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Your shore excursion begins with pickup at the Akaroa cruise port. Enjoy a scenic drive along the coastal bays and coves of the Banks Peninsula to the nearby city of Christchurch, where your sightseeing takes place.

Get an overview of central Christchurch and its significant landmarks during a tour that includes the Museum and Art Centre, Avon River and the Bridge of Remembrance, and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

Next, indulge the senses with the sounds, sights — and temperatures — of Antarctica at the notable International Antarctic Centre. Your admission ticket includes entry into the Snow and Ice Experience, which re-creates real-life conditions with an indoor storm complete with blizzard audio, lightning and arctic winds. At the Penguin Encounter, you’ll meet a couple dozen blue penguins — the smallest penguins in the world.

Then, strap yourself in for an extreme all-terrain adventure with an amphibious Hagglund ride through water, across an ice pack and over a crevasse. The experience emulates the conditions that scientists face while riding across Antarctica.

Afterward, relax during the return journey to Akaroa with drop-off at your cruise terminal.

Worry-free Shore Excursion:We will ensure your timely return to the Akaroa port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.

Akaroa Village Inn (Pass By)

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Cathedral Square (Pass By)

International Antarctic Centre

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Banks Peninsula (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Infants must sit on laps

Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
Please note that activity times and schedules can be slightly amended depending on your cruise ships timetable.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 6 days in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 6 full days before the experience’s start time.
Any changes made less than 6 full days before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
For a 50% refund, you must cancel 2–6 full days before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 2 full days before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 2 full days before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.0

134 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 134 reviews

This excursion was a lot...

Helen_B, Mar 2023

This excursion was a lot of fun. The Antarctic centre was an amazing experience. Do ride in the hugland was a great experience as well. Loved the whole tour .

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Kiaora and thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review it's much appreciated. I'm so glad you enjoyed your day with us.

Outstanding Service and Real Nice Tour

Tom_H, Jan 2023

We started off with a mix up between the time and place we should be to begin the tour and the tour left without us. To save our day Kevin from Leisure Tours drove us along the tour route personally and caught us up to the tour bus by lunch in time to join the bus to the antarctic research center. I tried to add pictures but they wouldn't load. We are grateful to Kevin and the culture of excellence in customer service at Leisure Tours.

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. Kevin will be very pleased with your review, I'm sure I will hear all about it when he comes in! We strive to give everyone the best day out, even when mix-ups occur!

Christchurch

David_W, Mar 2020

Not so great. We spent most of our time driving to and from Christchurch. Once there, we had time to visit the Antarctic Center. We were given 15 minutes to visit the museum and Gardens. Not close to enough time.

Response from Host, Mar 2020

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review. The drive time from Akaroa to Christchurch and return is always 90 minutes in each direction and although a long drive the scenery on route through Banks Peninsula is quite sunning. Whilst I appreciate you would have liked longer at the Botanical Gardens and Canterbury Museum, on the excursion you purchased this is not possible as it would have reduced the time you have at the International Antarctic Centre which was the primary purpose of the excursion. Unfortunately, we are unable to extend the duration of the excursion as Akaroa is a tender port and it takes some time to get both off and back onto the cruise ship.

Wonderful day!

Nina_S, Mar 2020

We had a wonderfully knowledgeable guide and driver who took us from Akaroa on the Banks peninsula to Christchurch. I was very interested in the rebuilding of the city after the earthquake. The botanical garden was a welcome stop after an hour long bus ride and the Antarctic Museum was fascinating. The Haglund vehicle ride was a hoot. The museum cafeteria was the only lunch option with very limited time, choices and service. Otherwise a wonderful day in New Zealand.

Response from Host, Apr 2020

Thanks you for such a great review, Nina! I'm really pleased you enjoyed your time on your Akaroa shore excursion to Christchurch with Antarctic Centre. The botanical gardens and museum are always welcome stops when arriving into Christchurch and many people very much enjoy their time here. As you mentioned though, the Antarctic Centre is definitely the highlight of this excursion with its Hagglund Ride, Snow & Ice Room, Penguin Encounter, and more. Thanks again and I hope you get to return to Akaroa and Christchurch again soon!

Christchurch and Antarctic

Frances_Janet, Feb 2020

I would have left a 5* review and Scotty and the guide at the Antarctic Centre were both excellent but had to deal with a majority of passengers who were in a group of Spanish speakers who did not understand English. This meant they talked a lot among themselves on the bus while Scotty was giving us information and they kept lagging behind at the Antarctic Centre. Really interesting to learn about the problems they have had in Christchurch and the reasons for recovery taking a number of years. Scotty had an enormous amount of knowledge to share with us. The Antarctic Centre visit was good but seemed a bit rushed due to problems mentioned above.

Response from Host, Mar 2020

Thank you for the nice review and for praising both the Antarctic Centre and your guide, Scotty, who I'll be sure to pass on your kind words to. I'm sorry to hear that you felt the tour at the Antarctic Centre was a bit rushed - but please note that we usually allow for at least an hour and half at the IAC which was the case on the day you travelled. We also want all our passengers to feel included and have an enjoyable experiences on our shore excursions. Thanks again and I hope you get to visit Akaroa and Christchurch again soon!

Too rushed and too little to recommend

Tracie_C, Feb 2020

Sadly left late from the port due to waiting for others has very little time it seemed in Christchurch and even less at the arctic centre which was horribly rushed no time to even eat... the guide was hard to hear as we were constantly overlapping with other groups and it all felt a bit something and nothing. Wish we had spend more time on either Akoroa or the Christchurch area.... a quick drive around Christchurch was not worth the hour and a half to get there and ten minutes toilet break at the museum before being whisked off to the arctic centre. Wouldn’t recommend it was the most expensive of our tours and the least enjoyable.

Response from Host, Feb 2020

It is always disappointing to receive poor reviews especially when the day is effected by matters beyond our control which the reviewer has made no reference to. On the day of travel we had 158 passengers booked off the cruise ship of which only 31 had reported by our scheduled departure time of 10.30. This was due to the fact that three of the five tenders operated by the cruise ship had broken down. We filled up coaches as passengers came ashore, however, depending on how late they did arrive had an effect on how long they had in Christchurch. We are very sorry that the tour felt rushed, however, when the customers are over an hour late departing due to the poor operation of the cruise ships tenders there are obviously going to be consequences. You will see for the other reviews of this product that this is not the norm.

Fantastic tour

Jerinette_W, Feb 2020

Scotty was a great guide. We were lucky the cafe at the Antarctic center was pretty empty so we all were able to have a bite to eat. Loved the Hagglund ride!

Response from Host, Feb 2020

Thanks for the great review! I'm pleased you had a nice time on your Banks Peninsula and Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Centre, particularly with your driver/guide, Scotty, who was with you that day. I'll be sure to pass on your kind words! I hope you get to visit Akaroa and Christchurch again soon!

Great experience

Bob_B, Feb 2020

Loved the Antarctic centre - but not enough time there. Perhaps it should be 2 separate tours. Felt rushed. But guide was fantastic.

Response from Host, Feb 2020

Thanks for the great review. I'm pleased you had a nice time on your shore excursion to Christchurch and the International Antarctic Centre. With regards to your comments about the time at the IAC, this tour allows for at least 90 minutes at the Antarctic Centre - but we are usually there longer. Keep in mind that we have to adhere to the cruise ships time at port, and on rare occasions when the cruise decides to leave earlier than its schedule time, then we have to slightly adjust the times of our excursion accordingly. This is so our passengers feel assured that we will arrive at port well before the ships last tender. Thanks again and I hope you get to visit NZ again soon!

Antartic Centre

Joyce_B, Feb 2020

Guide/driver was fabulous. Could have done with more time at Christchurch - a stop at the white chair memorial would have been good. Antarctic centre visit was excellent as was the guide

Response from Host, Feb 2020

Thanks for the awesome review of your Akaroa shore excursion with Christchurch and Antarctic Centre. It's great to hear that both guides with you that day did an excellent job. The Antarctic Centre is a must see attraction in Christchurch and I'm really pleased you're enjoyed yourself there. With regards to your comments about time in the city, our ordinary Christchurch Sightseeing Tour from Akaroa includes a much more comprehensive tour and time to explore in the city. This tour includes a 30 minute stop at the Botanical Gardens & Museum plus a sightseeing tour of the city before moving on to the IAC. This is because we have to adhere to the cruise ships port times in Akaroa. Thanks again for the awesome review and I hope you get to visit Akaroa and Christchurch again soon!

Great Tour!!

TomasGabriel_A, Feb 2020

Great Tour. Our guide Scotty was excellent. Christchurch was very nice. The Antartic experience was unforgettable.

Response from Host, Feb 2020

Thanks for the 5 star review and high praise of your driver/guide, Scotty, who was with you that day. Be sure to join us again and I hope you get to return to Akaroa some day soon!

Great tour and driver

Brenda_E, Feb 2020

Our driver, Scotty, was a wealth of information. He gave us a personal insight into life around Christchurch since the earthquake. He delivered his knowledge in a pleasing blend of facts and humour which truly enriched our tour. Christchurch is a beautiful place to visit. The Antarctic Center was interesting. .

Response from Host, Feb 2020

Thank you for the great review. I am really pleased you had such an enjoyable shore excursion, in part due to our driver/guide, Scotty, who was with you on that day. I will be sure to pass on your kind words to him. Thanks again and I hope you get to visit Akaroa and Christchurch again soon!

Antarctic Center

zimkim, Feb 2020

The tour was very interesting and we enjoyed it. The reason it loses a star isn’t really their fault, but did cause some stress due to the timing of the tour. Our ship came in later than most ships arrive. We had to deal with tenders and passengers who didn’t get an early tender. People were divided into buses a little haphazardly because of the groups not arriving at port together. We were an early group so we had time at the beautiful botanical garden in Christchurch. We took a city bus tour (could be shortened to allow more time at the Antarctic Center which is what we really wanted to see). The center was very cool and different.

Response from Host, Feb 2020

Thanks for taking the time to submit your review and I'm really happy you enjoyed most of the aspects of this tour. The Antarctic Centre is a must see attraction in Christchurch that frequently gets positive reviews. With regards to your comments about the timing of the tour, you are correct about how that particular cruise ship came into the port later than usual. We had a lot of bookings on the day that you travelled, and due to passengers taking a late tender it unfortunately resulted in us having to ensure that those who did arrive early could leave as early as possible and those who arrived late would be placed on our later coaches heading into the city. We occasionally have to do this on days when the cruise ship arrive late, but as long as passengers arrive at port early and not too late, then we always ensure that they are on our first coaches so they can spend more time in Christchurch and its attractions. Thanks again and I hope you get to visit Christchurch and Akaroa again soon!

Excellent tour!

ericasaar, Jan 2020

We had an excellent tour! Rob our tour guide was amazing! He had so much information to provide. We had lots of time to enjoy the International Antarctic Centre. Plus, we got back to Akaroa with enough time to enjoy a beer before boarding the ship. Awesome tour!

Response from Host, Feb 2020

Thanks for the great review! I'm really pleased you enjoyed your Akaroa Shore Excursion to Christchurch and Antarctic Centre. We always work within the berth times of the cruise ships, so if the ship has a late departure from Akaroa it means that we get to spend even more time in Christchurch! It also means that, when we arrive back, there is plenty of time before your last tender which is why you got to enjoy a relaxing beer before boarding the ship. It's also great to hear that you enjoyed your time with our driver/guide, Rob, and I will be sure to pass on your kind words to him. Thanks again and I hope you get to visit Akaroa and Christchurch again soon!

Too short

Everardus_d, Jan 2020

This could be a 5 Star excursion if it left at 9 or 9.30 in stead of 10.30. Time in Christchurch was 30 minutes Ans we rushed through the antarctic centre leaving us no time at all to explore for ourselves. The bus had to hurry to catch the tender. A pity because the driver told us a lot pn Christchurch snd I enjoyed the tour in the Antarctic Center as well. Just needed a little bit more time....

Response from Host, Jan 2020

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review. We would love to be able to depart at 09.00 or 09.30 and give everyone more time in Christchurch and the International Antarctic Centre, however, the timing of the excursions are very much dictated by the length of time the cruises ships are in port. Furthermore, Akaroa is a tender port and there can be considerable delays whilst passengers are attempting to come ashore. The 10.30 departure time is the latest we depart and as you will be aware we do ask everyone in their meeting instructions to come ashore as soon as possible and when we can we will depart earlier.

Lots & lots of fun !

CorneliaN_P, Jan 2020

We had lots of fun visiting the International Antartic Centre. Christchurch is recovering after the 2011 earthquake. beautiful University.

Response from Host, Jan 2020

Thanks for the great review, Nicole! I'm really pleased you enjoyed both Christchurch City and the International Antarctic Centre on your shore excursion. I hope you get to visit Akaroa again soon!

Highly Recommend

Jackie K, Jan 2020

Particularly enjoyed the Antarctic experience which, at first, we were not keen to see but it was the highlight of the day. Driver/Guide was knowledgeable and amusing.

Response from Host, Jan 2020

Thanks for the great review and recommendation, Jackie. I'm pleased you enjoyed your time at the Antarctic Centre and with our driver/guide. I hope you get to visit Akaroa and Christchurch again soon!

Very interesting and enjoyable

Jennifer_H, Dec 2019

Driver (Scotty) was excellent, from Leisure Tours . Super informative and nice easy voice/accent. We really enjoyed the tour thru Christchurch and the international Antarctica Center

Response from Host, Jan 2020

Thanks for the awesome review and I'm pleased you had such a nice time with both our driver/guide Scotty and at the International Antarctic Centre. I'll be sure to pass on your positive remarks to both. Have a great day and I hope you get to visit New Zealand again soon.

Too hurried!

Sherry M, Nov 2019

The weather was not great!. We made a 45 minute stop in Christchurch, but there was not much we could do because it was raining. We ducked into the art museum and ran thru the botanical gardens. We drove to the International Antarctic Center where they were not prepared for the crowds. They did not have enough help nor enough food for us! After eating rapidly, they escorted us thru the center at a much too rapid pace. We did not have time to look at displays or enjoy the center!

Response from Host, Dec 2019

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review, I am sorry that the weather was not great on the day of travel and that you felt that the excursion was a bit rushed. Our start and finish times are dictated by the cruise ships arrival and departure time. Some cruise ships, the Noordam for example provides their customers with the best experience coming into Akaroa and having people ashore by 8.00 am and the last tender is not normally until 6.30 pm so we can have a leisurely, unrushed day.

Antarctic Centre

kelvinbaker2019, Nov 2019

What a fantastic experience... especially enjoyed the artic storm simulation... would recommend this tour to others

Response from Host, Nov 2019

Thank you taking the time to sumit your review. Our aim is to meet and where possible exceeed our customers expectations and it is pleasing to hear that you enjoyed this excursion so much and would recommend it to others.

Tour guide could have done better job

Lynne D, Oct 2019

First of all weather was abysmal ! Then there was a scheduled 45 minute stop at botanical garden. So there we all were huddled in museum waiting for time to pass. Then we were scheduled for lunch at Antarctic Center. Cafeteria did not have enough food, staff or seating for all the people there. So we hurried thru lunch, rushed thru the tour on Haggard vehicle, rushed into movie, saw penguins, went into cold room then rushed out to coach. Someone needs to reevaluate what should be included in this tour. No time to see, enjoy or experience any of the parts at all Wish I had my money back ,

Response from Host, Oct 2019

We are more than willing to hear out criticism when it is due to our fault as tour operators, and where appropriate acknowledge the issues and make changes. However, the matters you have raised are either beyond our control (like the weather) or lack of appreciation of the tour itinerary which you have booked, the inclusions and the timings. Firstly, yes the weather was not good on the day of travel, but please note that this is something that we cannot control. Many people had booked tours with us and we were not going to cancel our tours due to inclement weather. Secondly, your stop at the Botanical Gardens/Museum is included in the itinerary. If you had read the itinerary you would have known that this tour includes some time to explore on your own in Christchurch. The museum is available to explore at no cost, and many people enjoy doing this as it gives a great overview on New Zealand history and culture - especially if there is poor weather outside. Most people enjoy this part of the tour so I do not think this is something to reevaluate simply because you did not enjoy yourself. And finally the rest of your complaint is completely fabricated. We know for a fact that the cafe at the Antarctic Centre has more than adequate food, seating, and staff. None of the activities, including the Hagglund Ride, 4D Movie, Penguin Viewing, or Snow and Ice Room, are ever rushed and they certainly weren't on the day you travelled. This tour allows for more than enough time at the centre and we know for a fact that this particular tour spent at least 1.5 hours+ at the IAC. Like I mentioned, we are more than happy to hear out criticism when we are at fault, but not when those criticism are due to things beyond our control, such as the weather, or complete misrepresentations from the truth.

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