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

Highlights

  • 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.

Summary

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.

Tour info

Duration
6 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Experience the grand architecture and beautiful gardens of Christchurch when your ship is in port in Akaroa. Your shore excursion from Akaroa port also includes a scenic trip through the Banks Peninsula and entry to the most popular attraction in Christchurch, the International Antarctic Centre. Enjoy the center’s Snow and Ice Experience, Blue Penguin Encounter and take an exhilarating ride in an all-terrain Hagglund vehicle.

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

  • Entry/Admission - International Antarctic Centre

  • Food and drinks

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 6h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Cancellation Policy

    If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.

Operated by:

Leisure Tours

About operator:

This Waipara wine region tour takes you to visit four wineries, with tastings, in a half-day trip from Christchurch. Enjoy samples of local reds and whites without worry of designating a driver as transportation is included. Listen to a guide's commentary about the local terroir to learn about the region as you travel. Upgrade to include a lunch with wine pairings.

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