What is so special about Banks Peninsula?

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Originally an 'island' formed by two volcanic cones, the peninsula has two dominant craters which form Lyttelton and Akaroa Harbours. The peninsula was named after botanist Joseph Banks, who sailed with Captain James Cook on the Endeavour.

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Banks Peninsula is one of New Zealand's most unique landforms. With endless hills, bays and hidden bush, this is Nature's Playground right on Christchurch's doorstep. Akaroa and its surrounds are steeped in Māori and settler history, adventures and unique experiences. 

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Over several million years, eruptions and erosion in the volcanic complex carved the picturesque valleys, tumbling hills, verdant pastures and punctuating bays that we see today. You will love a visit.

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​We'll collect you from your accommodation at 09:00 am and have you back at your accommodation by 5:00 pm the same day. (Cruisers...we'll meet you at Akaroa Port at 8:30am)

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• Akaroa, Maori for 'Long Harbour'

• We'll take in the bays, there are over 30....we'll check out just a few.

• Little River - A coaching stop on the route to Akaroa, and the terminus of a branch railway from 1886 until 1962, Little River developed as a sawmilling settlement, supplying timber to Christchurch. It is a quaint little town now depicting its history with the railway museum, provides a venue where the local craftspeople can to display and sell all manner of original nick nacks. You'll get a good coffee too!

• Barry's Bay historic cheese factory. See the cheese being made* and sample a wide range cheeses made as cheese used to be made.   (*Mon to Friday 8 to 4 pm.)

• Akaroa - The most French town in New Zealand, Akaroa will have you entranced with its historic buildings, magnificent harbour and passion for fine food. History, whaling, Maori land wars all in this little package of delight so interesting because only 800 people live in Akaaroa 

  • Add a visit to the local organic winery, Shamarra working Alpaca Farm or take a wildlife cruise. Just ask...and it can be done! 

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• The oldest city in New Zealand 'The Garden City' in fact and fascinating as it recovers from the massive earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. With the River Avon meandering quietly through the city, join us as we share this fascinating city, likely to be the safest earthquake designed city in the world.

• Ginormous Margaret Mahy Children's Playgrounds. $1 million dollars of share joy for the kids.b 

• Mona Vale, the most gorgeous homestead with it's public gardens to be found in New Zealand,

• The Arts Centre, with it's Great Hall, Earnest Lord Rutherford's Den and a coffee if you'd like.

• English architecture seldom seen before, in New Zealand anyway.

• Memorial, the the 185 White Chair Memorial commemorating the 185 people lost to the earthquakes. 

 

 

Tour inclusions:

• Luxury air conditioned private travel with your own experienced local guide.

• Informative commentary

• Loads of photo opportunities recommended by your guide.

• Complimentary snacks.

• Complimentary bottled NZ Spring Water.

• Flexibility - all tours can be customised unlike a rigid bus tour.

• Picked up and returned to your accommodation or cruise ship.

  • The cruise ship tour is slightly shorter to make way for cruise departure times but generally follows the same itinerary.​