Akaroa Nature and History Tour

Free homemade scones and tea or coffee at the Akaroa Heritage Park, one of the most beautiful picnic spots in the world. Connect with this New Zealand Nature Tour.

Your guide, Marie Haley’s family home, Oinako Lodge in Akaroa.

Akaroa Nature and History Tour - Private Tour

By The Seventh Generation

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
3h
Mobile voucher
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 a descendant of the first 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.

Your guide and driver Marie Haley, 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 storey.

Activity location

Takapuneke Reserve
- 293 Beach Road
- 7581, Akaroa, Canterbury, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

78 Rue Lavaud
- 78 Rue Lavaud
- 7520, Akaroa, Canterbury, New Zealand

Check availability

Group Tour - Akaroa in English

3h
Opening hours: Wed 9:00 am-5:00 pm
English

Group Private Tours

Travellers

Language options: English

Price details

NZ$1,100.00 x 1 TravellerNZ$1,100.00

Total

Until Tue, 25 Feb

What's included, what's not

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

Know before you book

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

Activity itinerary

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.

Takapuneke Reserve

30m

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.

Onuku Church (Kaik)

20m

Learn about the Treaty of Waitangi and the first British Resident to New Zealand. Experience a beautiful Maori church and take photos.

Britomart Monument (Pass by)

Hear the storey 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.

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 storey, 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.

Akaroa

30m

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.

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 storey 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.

Location

Activity location

Takapuneke Reserve
- 293 Beach Road
- 7581, Akaroa, Canterbury, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

78 Rue Lavaud
- 78 Rue Lavaud
- 7520, Akaroa, Canterbury, New Zealand

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Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. We offer one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Akaroa your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.