From Christchurch, Alpacas And Cruise

Full Day Akaroa Day Trip From Christchurch With Alpaca Farm And Harbour Cruise

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from USD 165 per person

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

Duration: 8 hours
Meeting point: Christchurch hotel pickup
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Silver Fern Luxury Tours

Overview

This full day out starts with pickup from your Christchurch accommodation and a drive out through the Banks Peninsula with Silver Fern Luxury Tours. The transport is private, with a professional driver and a specialized guide on board, and the whole thing runs about 8 hours door to door.

The first proper stop is Shamarra Alpaca Farm, an award-winning property where you meet and feed the alpacas while looking out over the harbour and surrounding countryside. From there the tour continues into Akaroa itself, a French-inspired seaside town. You get free time here to wander the boutique shops, sit at a waterfront café, poke around the historic streets, or find lunch on your own.

The last big activity is a harbour cruise along the volcanic coastline, keeping an eye out for rare Hector's dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and seabirds. Afterward it is a relaxed drive back to Christchurch with drop-off at your accommodation in the early evening. The day suits travellers who want animals, a pretty town and a boat trip combined into one outing without any self-driving. Note that activity entry costs, food and drinks are not included in the fare.

FromUSD 165 per person

Duration8 hours

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

What's Included

Included

Professional driver
Specialized guide
Private transport
Clean and comfortable vehicle
Meet and greet service
Pickup and drop-off

Not Included

Food and beverages
Entry tickets
Optional activities

Run bySilver Fern Luxury Tours

Itinerary

Hotel pickupThe tour begins with pickup from your Christchurch accommodation.
Drive through Banks PeninsulaTravel in comfort through the scenic Banks Peninsula toward the coast.
Shamarra Alpaca FarmMeet and feed friendly alpacas at this award-winning farm, with panoramic harbour views. Entry is an extra cost.
Free time in AkaroaExplore the French-inspired town at your own pace: shops, cafés, historic streets, or lunch at your leisure. Food is at your own expense.
Harbour and dolphin cruiseBoard a scenic cruise along the volcanic coastline and look for Hector's dolphins, fur seals and seabirds. The cruise ticket is an extra cost.
Return to ChristchurchRelax on the scenic drive back, with drop-off at your accommodation in the early evening.

Town ShuttleIncluded

GuideIncluded

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things to know before booking this day trip.

What to bring. The listing recommends a hat, sunscreen, water, a camera and comfortable clothes. You will be outside at the farm and on the water, so sun protection matters even on mild days.
Pace and walking. The day is paced around vehicle travel with stops. Beyond strolling around Akaroa during free time, no strenuous activity is.
Food and drink. Meals and beverages are not included. Lunch is at your leisure in Akaroa, so budget for it separately and plan around the free time you are given.
Extra costs. The fare covers transport, driver, guide and pickup and drop-off. Entry tickets, including the farm and the cruise, plus any optional activities, are paid separately, as the listing states that tour activity costs are not included.
Weather and wildlife. The cruise is wildlife viewing, not a guarantee. The listing says you will look out for Hector's dolphins, fur seals and seabirds, so sightings depend on conditions on the day.
Photos. Bring a camera for the alpacas, the harbour views from the farm and the coastline from the boat. The listing specifically lists a camera among items to bring.

FromUSD 165 per person

AvailabilityCheck availability →

Common issues. The biggest thing to flag is cost: entry tickets for the farm and the cruise, plus all food and optional activities, are not included in the tour price, so the day adds up beyond the fare. There is also a minimum booking equivalent to four adult fares, which means the tour may not run, or a booking may not be confirmed, unless that threshold is met. Wildlife sightings on the cruise depend on conditions and cannot be promised. Cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but later changes forfeit that.

Common Questions

Is Pickup From My Hotel Included?

Yes. The tour includes pickup and drop-off at your Christchurch accommodation, along with a meet and greet service. The total duration is about 8 hours, ending with drop-off in the early evening.

Are Entry Tickets And Food Included?

No. The included items are the driver, specialized guide, private transport, vehicle, meet and greet, and pickup and drop-off. Entry tickets, food and beverages, and optional activities are all extra, and the listing notes that tour activity costs are not included.

What Happens At The Alpaca Farm?

You visit Shamarra Alpaca Farm, an award-winning property where you can meet and feed the alpacas. The farm also has panoramic views over the harbour and countryside. Entry is paid separately.

Will I Definitely See Dolphins?

The harbour cruise looks for rare Hector's dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and seabirds, but these are wild animals and sightings depend on the day. The listing frames it as looking out for them rather than guaranteeing encounters.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Inside that window the refund no longer applies, so it pays to decide early.

Is There A Minimum Group Size?

Yes. The listing states a minimum booking equivalent to four adult fares applies. Check the live booking page if you are travelling as a couple or solo, since the tour depends on that threshold being met.