The town of Akaroa is an enchanting small settlement just 90 minutes drive from the South Island's largest city of Christchurch.  Steeped in history, this was the location of the first French settlement on New Zealand soil and still promotes it Gaelic charm to this day.  Nestled within Akaroa harbour, once the crater of a long extinct volcano, Akaroa is a great place to embark on a cruise to see the marine wildlife that thrives in this sheltered harbour.  Take a tour inland to see farms, vineyards and other wildlife havens, with the majestic back drop of the snow capped Southern Alps in the distance across the Canterbury Plains.

Akaroa Tours are operated for Mount Classics by our associate local companies.

Signature Class Personal Tours

Let us create a tour itinerary to suit your interests, we have a range of vehicles suitable for groups from 2 to 50 persons, from luxury limousines, modern sedans, minibuses and coaches. Any destination or activity can be incorporated into your plan, your own personal guide/driver will take you to the best destinations and will run the tour at a pace to suit you.  Decide how long you want the tour to last [minimum of 4 hours] and where to go, no compromises needed. Plenty of options for lunch, from picnics, local cafes or 5 star lodges.

Akaroa Day Tour 
After meeting you at the Akaroa wharf we tour the stunningly beautiful and tranquil village of Akaroa on Banks Peninsula, see many bays and coves ideal for swimming, fishing, kayaking and windsurfing. Akaroa, with its Arts & Craft shops has a unique French feel to it, a heritage of the first European settlers who arrived here from France in the 1830's. Visit a 100 year old Cheese factory, see Onawe Peninsula, an old Maori fortified pa and settlement.  We take a harbour cruise (2 hours) to see some of the majestic marine wildlife in this amazing area, such as the rare Hector Dolphin, returning the wharf for the transfer back to your ship.