You will be picked up from your hotel in Christchurch and taken in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle for a sightseeing tour to Akaroa. The highlight of this tour is swimming with the dolphins. An English-speaking guide will accompany you on this tour.
Travel to Akaroa via Sign of Takahe, Sign of Kiwi, Governers Bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Forsyth and Little River.
Stop at the Hill Top to experience panoramic views of Akaroa Harbor.
Visit the cheese factory at Barry's Bay and sample some fine New Zealand cheese.
On arriving at Akaroa board the Canterbury Cat for a two-hour cruise on the Akaroa Harbor sighting dolphins, penguins and seals. You will be equipped with wet suit, mask, snorkel and flippers. On locating a pod of Hector’s Dolphins you will enter the water to swim with these rare and endangered mammals.
Following your return to the Akaroa village, there will be time for lunch (payable direct) and to explore the many fine craft shops and old French colonial buildings prior to your return to Christchurch. On the way back to Christchurch, weather and time permitting a stop will be made en route at Birdlings Flat on the Kaitorete Spit. This stony beach is at the entrance to Lake Forsyth and provides commanding views of the South facing cliffs of Banks Peninsula. Pebbles and semi precious stones can be found.
At the end of this memorable tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel in Christchurch.