Afternoon Tea Shore Excursion

Akaroa Harbour And Sheep Farm Shore Excursion

11 reviews

from USD 65.90 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: About 2.5 hours
Meeting point: Britomart Cannon, Akaroa waterfront
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meals: Afternoon tea

Overview

This shore excursion leaves from the Main Wharf in Akaroa at 2.00pm, with pickup handled at the port itself. A driver who also acts as a local guide takes the group, maximum 22 travellers, around the harbour with photo stops along the way. The drive itself earns praise in reviews for being scenic without feeling dragged out.

The centrepiece is a working sheep farm. Reviewers describe watching a sheep dog move the flock, then a shearing demonstration where the farmer explains the animals, the wool and the industry as he works. One noted the farmer mentioned that professional shearers work far faster than the demonstration pace. After the stock work, the group is hosted for afternoon tea on the farm lawn or in the garden, with hot tea and homemade scones served with clotted cream and jam.

The tour suits cruise passengers who want a short, easy half-day option close to the ship rather than a full-day outing. It runs about 2.5 hours, is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, and ends back at the same wharf meeting point, which makes re-boarding straightforward.

FromUSD 65.90 per person

DurationAbout 2.5 hours

Reviews11 reviews

This tour against the other Akaroa farm tours, length in hours

What's Included

Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
Port pickup and drop-off
Sheep Shearing Demonstration & Sheep Dog Work
Afternoon tea
Driver/local guide
Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee

Not Included

Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities (optional)

Itinerary

Meet at the Main WharfMeet the representative beside the cannon statue near the Akaroa visitor information centre, at the end of the Main Wharf. Arrive by 1.50pm for a 2.00pm departure.
Akaroa Harbour driveTravel by air-conditioned vehicle around the harbour area with commentary from the driver and guide. Reviewers mention photo stops along the way.
Sheep farm visitWatch a sheep dog work the flock and a shearing demonstration, with explanations from the farmer about the sheep, the wool and the farm.
Afternoon teaSit down to tea and homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, served at the farmhouse and garden.
Return to the wharfThe vehicle returns to the original meeting point at the Main Wharf. The full experience lasts about 2.5 hours.

Town ShuttleIncluded

GuideIncluded

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points help this outing go smoothly, based on the listing and what travellers report back.

Timing around the ship. Cruise passengers must give the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time when booking. The listing also warns that tour times can shift slightly to match the ship's timetable, so keep a margin before re-boarding.
Arriving early. The representative waits by the cannon statue near the visitor centre at the end of the Main Wharf. The listing asks travellers to arrive by 1.50pm for the 2.00pm departure.
Weather and clothing. Afternoon tea is served outside on the lawn or in the garden, and one reviewer had it on a cool, rainy day. A layer or rain jacket may come in handy depending on conditions.
Food and drink. Afternoon tea is included, and reviewers consistently praise the scones with clotted cream and jam. Anything beyond that is not included, so eat a proper lunch beforehand if the 2.00pm start falls during your appetite.
Group feel. The tour caps at 22 travellers, and one reviewer liked being in a smaller group. Another mentioned a cheese shop stop with tastings, though stops can vary, so treat that as possible rather than promised.

USD 65.90from, per person

2.5 hoursduration

4.5across 11 guest reviews

22travellers at most

Photos and video. Reviewers call the photo stops along the harbour drive worthwhile, and one filmed the entire shearing demonstration to show family. Bring a camera or a charged phone for both the scenery and the stock work.

FromUSD 65.90 per person

Reviews11 reviews

AvailabilityCheck availability →

Common issues. A few honest caveats come up. The dog work depends on the sheep cooperating, and one reviewer found there was not much for the dog to do on their visit, so that part varies. Another felt the harbour drive itself was unremarkable compared with the farm stop. One reviewer reported off-putting political comments from their guide, an isolated account among otherwise warm feedback on the hosts. The tour also requires a minimum number of travellers to run, and it can be cancelled if that minimum is not met, in which case a different date, a different experience or a full refund is offered.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The listing includes transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, port pickup and drop-off, the sheep shearing demonstration and sheep dog work, afternoon tea, and a driver who acts as a local guide. It also lists a worry-free shore excursion guarantee. Gratuities are optional and not included.

Is Food Extra?

Afternoon tea is included, and reviews describe hot tea with homemade scones, clotted cream and jam. Other food and drinks are not included unless specified, so plan for a proper lunch before the 2.00pm start.

Where Does The Tour Meet?

At the Main Wharf in Akaroa, at the end near the visitor information centre and the small park, beside the cannon statue. A representative waits there, and the listing asks travellers to arrive by 1.50pm for a 2.00pm departure. The tour ends back at the same point.

Is The Tour Wheelchair And Stroller Accessible?

Yes. The listing states the tour is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible, and that the transportation is wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed and infants must sit on laps. Most travellers can participate.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window no refund is given and changes are not accepted. If the tour is cancelled because the minimum traveller number is not met, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

Bring a camera or phone for the photo stops and the shearing demonstration. Cruise passengers should have their ship details ready at booking, including docking and re-boarding times.