Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 03-304 8511;
www.akaroafarmtours.com
; adult/child $80/50)
Tours depart from the information
centre and head to a hillcountry farm near Paua Bay for sheering demonstrations, sheep-
dog shenanigans, garden strolls and homemade scones; allow 2½ hours.
BOAT TOUR
Akaroa Dolphins
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
( 03-304 7866;
www.akaroadolphins.co.nz
;
65 Beach Rd; adult/child $74/35; 12.45pm year-round, plus
10.15am & 3.15pm Oct-Apr)
Two-hour wildlife cruises with a complimentary drink and home
baking. Say hi to Murphy - wildlife-spotting dog extraordinaire - for us. He even stars in
his own children's picture book, available at the Akaroa Dolphins office.
Black Cat Cruises
MAP
BOAT TOUR
GOOGLE MAP
( 03-304 7641;
www.blackcat.co.nz
;
Main Wharf; nature cruise $72/30, dolphin swim $145/120)
As well as a
two-hour nature cruise, Black Cat offers a three-hour 'swimming with dolphins' experien-
ce. Wetsuits and snorkelling gear are provided, plus hot showers back on dry land. Ob-
servers can tag along (adult/child $75/35) but only 12 people can swim per trip, so book
ahead. Cruises have a 98% success rate in seeing dolphins, and an 81% success rate in ac-
tually swimming with them (there's a $50 refund if there's no swim).
Coast Up Close
MAP
BOAT TOUR
GOOGLE MAP
( 0800 126 278;
www.coastupclose.co.nz
; Main Wharf; adult/child from $70/25; departs 10.15am & 1.45pm)
Scenic boat trips with an emphasis on wildlife watching. Fishing trips can be arranged.
Tuatara Tours
( 03-962 3280;
www.tuataratours.co.nz
;
per person $1575; Nov-Apr)
You'll only need to carry your
daypack on the guided
Akaroa Walk
, a leisurely 46km, three-day stroll from Christchurch to
Akaroa via Diamond Harbour. The rate includes good accommodation and lots of gourmet
food.
WALKING TOUR
DRIVING TOUR
Eastern Bays Scenic Mail Run
( 03-304 8526; tour $70; 9am Mon-Fri)
Travel along with the posties to visit isolated com-
munities and bays on this 120km, five-hour delivery service. The minibus departs from
