|
Email a Friend 
You will see
- Banks Peninsula
- Botanic Gardens
- Christchurch City
- Great scenery
- The Antarctic Centre
From Cruise Port: Akaroa-Christchurch
The journey from Akaroa to Christchurch takes you on a scenic ride up and over the hills of the Akaroa Peninsula, an ancient volcano that now forms the peninsula and at its centre the crater is now the harbour. The many picturesque bays and inlets can be seen as you climb the hills before the descent down to the flat farm land of the Canterbury plains with the Southern Alps in the distance.
You will pass by Lake Ellesmere, stretching to the south, its far shore near impossible to see as the sun glimmers on the still waters - this is a haven for birds and other wildlife.
In Christchurch our first stop will be at the Botanic Gardens in the heart of the city. Here you will have a short time to explore the gardens and perhaps buy a snack for lunch, before rejoining your coach for the drive through the heart of Christchurch. Access is still limited to certain routes but you will see clearly the extent of the damaging 2011 earthquake and the reconstruction work that continues on.
Then we head out to the International Antarctic Centre - Christchurch's 'coolest' attraction. Here you will have a chance to find out about life in the most inhospitable continent on Earth. Learn about the environment of the region, its special significance to our planet and the changes that are taking place.
You can take a ride on the special Hagglund vehicle used by explorers and scientists at the research stations on the ice. Watch the 4D video and experience a South Pole Storm for yourself - warm jackets provided! Check out the penguins and learn about the early expeditions to conquer this icy continent.
We then depart Christchurch for the drive back over the hills to Akaroa. Watch out for the amazing views of the cruise ship anchored in the harbour as you crest the top of the pass before the descent back to the wharf.
We can also offer this tour itinerary as a private tour for groups of 10 or more persons, see our "Groups" tour listing AKA-G3 for details.
From Cruise Port: Akaroa-Christchurch
Included
- Comfortable air-conditioned transport
- Entry to the Antarctic Centre
- Ride on the Hagglund Ice Rover
- The Antarctic Storm with cold weather gear
- Viewing the 4D Show
Not Included
- Any meals
Instructions
- Depending on the number of persons booked on the day, this tour is usually run using coaches for 22 to 45 persons.
- The meeting point for the tour is at the end of the wharf and the drivers are waiting on the grass by the old canon.
- The tour starts at 10.30am so if you catch an early ships tender [recommended] then you will have to look around the historic french settlement of Akaroa before the tour.
|
Standard Tour Schedule Options | ||
|---|---|---|
| start time | end time | |
| Christchurch & Antarctic Centre | 10:30 | 16:30 |
| Note: Start and end times may be revised to suit ETA / ETD of ship in port | ||
Standard Tour Prices (current) | |
|---|---|
| Adult price | NZ $195.00 |
| Child price (4 to 14 yrs) | NZ $90.00 |
| Infant price (0 to 3 yrs) | NZ $35.00 |
| Note: Infants and children must have a valid ticket to travel | |
NOTE: Prices may vary depending on your Date of Travel.
Our Booking procedures quote the applicable prices before you commit to a Booking.
If you are interested in the Antarctic programs, this is the only place that can get the real experience. My favourite was playing with husky and experiencing the snow and weather in Antarctic.
SushMush, via TripAdvisor [May 18]
Elizabeth0206, via TripAdvisor [May 18]
Lynda W, via TripAdvisor [May 18]
Will we be back to the ship in time
Yes, we always aim to be back by 4.30pm. many of the ships own tours don't end until much later so the ship wont be leaving without them.
Will I have time to buy something at mid day?
You should have some time to catch a light snack, either close to the Botanic Gardens stop or at the cafe at the Antarctic Centre.
