The original Akaroa lighthouse started operation on the precipitous headland of Akaroa Heads on 1 January 1880, the Department of Conservation points out. One hundred years later, it was moved down to Akaroa village, after being replaced in 1977 by an automated light.
Akaroa tours
Taxi and Airport Transfer
As well as our tours, we can be your taxi around Akaroa, or take you quickly and smoothly to the Christchurch Airport.
Just ask us.
Tour 1
The Light House and Akaroa Heads
Time: 3 hours (starting 9am)
Day: Thursday to Sunday
Price: $30 seat (Book now)
Price: $30 seat (Book now)
We travel out to the cliffs at the entrance to Akaroa Harbour and see where the old light house once stood. An exceptional area to visit with views over heart stopping drops to the wild sea. Come down the track to the landing below the light house and get a feel for how the light house was serviced in the old days.
On the way you will experience great views over Akaora village, and up and down the harbour. This trip is a great experience on a fine day and a wild adventure on a windy day.
Tour 2
Akaroa Village Drive
Spend an hour driving around historic Akaroa village.
Get a good feel for the village and decide what features you want to revisit to get the best out of your time in Akaroa.
This trip will take you from the bays on one side of Akaroa village, through most of the streets and out to the bays on the other side of the village.
If you don't have the time in Akaroa, then this is the trip for you.
Tour 3
Lands End Tour
Drive around to the other side of the harbour, from Akaroa village. Driving in and out of the bays of the harbour you will get a good understanding of the harbour layout.
On the way we will stop for a look (and a sample!) of the cheeses at the cheese factory, in Barrys Bay. We will then drive through French Bay and Wainui bays on the way to Lands End. Lands End is the name given to the end of the ridge on the other side of the harbour. From this vantage point you get great views down the coast to the south and over to the light house side of the harbour entrance to the north.
We travel back via the Mt Bossu road along the top of the ridge, which gives you an appreciation of the remoteness of some of the bays you are looking down into. We then descend back down into Akaroa harbour and drive round to the French Farm Winery, where we stop for a complimentary wine, coffee or tea.
Tour 4
The Eastern Bays Tour
Our fully air conditioned, four wheel drive coach, fitted with additional features like ABS braking and Air Bags, will be your viewing platform as your journey takes you off the sealed roads, over the stock routes and back roads of Banks Peninsula.
Travel up and down the ridges of the more remote areas of Banks Peninsula, through eight bays, and sample views down into many others. Take in the views from the summit road of Akaroa harbour and the wild north east coast line.
Stop at Okains Bay Maori and Colonial Museum and see the collection of Maori artifacts unrivalled in all but the largest of national museums. Go into some of the few remaining examples of buildings from Maori and European past — old slab huts, a chief’s house and a meeting house — all in original condition.
Come out onto the beach at Le Bons Bay and get some sand in your toes. Than back to Akaroa village.