Campermate NZ

Our most intimate dolphin and wildlife experience in Akaroa, just 90-minutes from Christchurch. Your all-inclusive excursion will give you the opportunity to swim with Hector’s dolphins and take you closer to view marine animals such as the NZ fur seal that inhabit the beautiful harbour and its extinct volcano.



Akaroa Dolphin Swim Experience

**Akaroa**, near **Christchurch** is an historic French village built on the shores of a pretty harbour that used to actually be a live volcano! This two-hour **scenic nature cruise** will take you around an extinct volcanic crater to see the stunning geological formations created by volcanic activity millions of years ago. 

While cruising the pristine waters of the **Banks Peninsula** you will see the rare, native **New Zealand** Hector’s Dolphin - the world’s smallest dolphin, along with penguins, sea birds and New Zealand fur seals - often seen sunning themselves on the rocks of Seal Bay. Your knowledgeable guide and skipper will give local insights into the diverse wildlife and fascinating history of the area. The cruise will also make a stop at the local salmon farm to see where the world-famous Akaroa Salmon is raised! This **sightseeing cruise** is packed with natural wonders and highlights such as meeting the local wildlife and cruising past the sheer volcanic sea cliffs, exploring nooks and caves - all from the comfort of a stable, and luxurious catamaran.

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

Your journey begins with an exciting 4WD safari from Akaroa en route to Pohatu. The scenic safari takes you around the region to admire the beautiful surrounds before arriving at Pohatu and climbing into your kayak.

The second part of the experience is the scenic sea kayaking experience through the Pohatu Marine Reserve. This part of the tour sees you paddle past towering cliffs and volcanic headlands while also keeping your eye out for pods of playful dolphins and the resident penguins. 

With the help of an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide, you'll be able to learn all about the region and its wildlife while admiring the beautiful views. All members of the tour group are provided with a kayak and paddle, splash jacket and life jacket to ensure you have a safe and comfortable experience.

The tour runs around 2.5 to 3 hours and departs Aaroa daily at 12pm, however, it is a popular tour so be sure to book your spot online to secure a place.

Pohatu Sea Kayaking and Scenic 4WD Safari

Embark on an incredibly scenic journey to the Pohatu Marine Reserve in the Akaroa region with this natural 4WD Safari. Taking you from Akaroa aboard a comfortable 4WD van, you'll drive through one of the Banks Peninsula's highest passes with scheduled photo stops to ensure you capture the incredible scenes you're driving past.

With views of the Akaroa Volcano to Akaroa Heads Reserve and Lighthouse, this is one amazing journey for nature lovers. The safari also sees you go on a walk through the beautiful Tutakahikura Scenic Bush Reserve to get up close to the local flora and fauna. Throughout the 2.5 to 3 hour journey, you'll also monitor local penguins (during breeding season), learn about lizard conservation in the region, spot native birds and visit a working sheep farm.

A day filled with amazing photo opportunities, wildlife spotting and more, this is the ultimate outdoor adventure for nature lovers visiting the Akaroa region.

Pohatu Penguins 4WD Safari, 3 hours

After a stunning scenic drive from our office with 4WD minibus over Akaroa extinct volcano crater rim you will discover the tranquil beauty of Pōhatu bay.

Once in the bay you will set off for a walk and talk around the colony to monitor nesting sites and make sure that our Little Penguins are doing well. You will be able to see them up close and learn about their behaviors and how our 30+ years of conservation efforts have saved the Flea bay colony from extinction.

Then, you will have the opportunity to spot the penguins undisturbed from our hides, socializing on the water with our binoculars and our telescope and at dusk a very high likelihood of some returning to shore.

We depart before it gets to dark and leave it for the penguins to do their thing without us in their way. From December to February we sometimes have peng

Evening Penguin Tour - 3.5 Hours

This is a perfect option for people who have a good level of fitness and wish to spend more time in Pōhatu bay natural environment.

After being picked up in Akaroa by our booking office you will be transported by 4WD mini-van to the beginning of a 3 hours hiking trail (regular to relaxed pace). With a map and instructions from your guide you will, at your leisure, walk down part of the famous Banks Track through ancient red beech tree forest and tree ferns to Pōhatu bay. Along the way discover many waterfalls and listen to native bird songs and visit the prehistoric forest of Tutakakahikura scenic reserve with trees over 400 years old.

Once arrived at Pōhatu bay you will have access to a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom facilities to relax, eat and get ready for the afternoon sea-kayaking safaris starting at 12.45pm.


Full Day Hike and Kayak Combo 

You will be taken on a wildlife adventure to find various seabirds, see curious New Zealand fur seals with pups playing in rock pools, Little penguins and possibly even spot the world's smallest dolphin gliding under your kayak.

There is much to see and explore under the guidance of experienced and knowledgeable guides.
Explore the outer coast of Pōhatu Marine Reserve and marvel at its spectacular towering cliffs, rock stacks, reefs, and deep sea-caves.

Flea Bay Island and the impressive island arch make an added exciting attraction in settled sea conditions. Best of all, no experience necessary! Trips are only run in settled, safe conditions. Your safety is our top priority.

Half Day Sea Kayaking Safari

Have it all including an overnight stay in an historic and cosy private room in the middle of the penguin colony!

Enjoy the safe swimming beach just outside your door or explore the surrounding and secluded landscape. Complementary evening penguin tour in season, discounted sea-kayaking and an opportunity to walk the beautiful bush and waterfall section of the well-known Banks Track. Visit to the spectacular cliff-tops of the Akaroa Heads Lighthouse Reserve.

At night gaze up and see the milky and wake up to the sound of birdsong, sheep and the sea.

24 Hour Escape in Pohatu Bay with Penguin Tour

Start with a ride over to Pōhatu with photo stops and commentary as you go. Once in the bay get set up for the kayaking trip, a safety talk and wildlife code to ensure safe behaviours and get on the water to encounter Pōhatu marine reserve resident wildlife.

Explore the bay with knowledgeable guides who know where to look to spot resident New Zealand fur seals, Hector’s dolphins that frequently visit the bay, Penguins on the rocks (in season) and many sea-birds and deep sea-caves to enter on calm conditions.

After the kayaking activity you will have time before the Evening penguin tour starts. You can either relax or explore some of the accessible walking tracks through ancient forest. You will also have free access to our bathroom block where you can take a shower and our communal kitchen where you can cook your dinner before the evening penguin tour which will start from the Helps homestead at the time you have been told by your kayaking guide. You will head for a conservation walk and talk and monitor a couple of penguin nesting boxes giving you a good opportunity to see these little guys up close. 

We hike out to hides on the side of the hills and observe the bay from above to spot penguins that are frequently seen socializing on the water. And just before night fall, we may get lucky and see some coming ashore under the hides. We leave before it gets too dark as this is penguin hour and they need to get up the hills to their waiting chicks without disturbance from us.


Kayak and Evening Tour Combo

Punting on the Avon is one of the most iconic sightseeing attractions in Christchurch operating from the historic Antigua Boat Sheds. 

Step aboard a classic punt boat and settle in to watch the world go by as an Edwardian punter glides you expertly down the winding Avon River past some of Christchurch’s most picturesque botanic gardens and some of it’s most cherished landmarks. Each season presents its own unique scenery, in winter the punting experience is made even more magical with glistening snow lining the riverbanks. Warm blankets and hot water bottles are kindly provided in the cooler months to keep passengers extra snugly! Punting on the Avon is a unique sightseeing tour of Christchurch experiencing the Garden City from a new perspective. Meander peacefully under the city’s ornate historic bridges, past the trailing willow trees and the abundant wildlife on the riverbanks. Each corner brings a new idyllic scene – perfect for avid photographers! This Christchurch activity offers a refined, relaxed and romantic experience, riding in comfortable velvet cushioned seats and accompanied by a friendly and knowledgeable Edwardian guide.

It is more than just a ride on the river it is the best way to see the sights of the Garden City and is a unique experience you will never forget!

Punting on the Avon River, Christchurch

View Christchurch from the best possible vantage point—high above! Take a ride aboard the modern, newly-refurbished cars of the Christchurch Gondola for some unmatched views of this popular New Zealand city. You'll rise above the suburbs of this picturesque city as you board the gondola at ground level and then head above all the local highlights, such as the Port Hills, the shimmering harbour of Lyttleton, and the Southern Alps in the distance.

Once you've reached the top, you'll have the opportunity to participate and visit a number of different attractions, such as the Red Rock Cafe (a fully licensed venue ideal for enjoying a beverage and admiring the great views) or take a ride on the Time Tunnel (that showcases a reconstruction of the area's historical background).

Regardless of your choice of activities, a trip on the Christchurch Gondola is simply a must-do if you're visiting the area - so grab your tickets online today!

Christchurch Gondola Tickets

SAVE during your Christchurch sightseeing experience with this combined attraction pass that allows you to experience 3 Christchurch essentials for one low price! Providing admission to a range of must-do experiences in the city - including the Christchurch Gondola, Punting on the Avon River and pass for the Christchurch Tram - it's a convenient and reasonably priced way to take part in each of these attractions at your own pace. As each attraction does not need to be done on the same day, you can space them out over the course of your trip to Christchurch as needed. 

Experience the ever-changing face of Christchurch with a ride on the historic Tram that features 17 key stops around the city; relax and be guided on a lovely journey down the Avon river in a gondola-style punting boat and get unmatched views of Christchurch and the surrounding Canterbury region from atop the Christchurch Gondola complex high on the mountaintop. A single pass that contains a comprehensive Christchurch sightseeing itinerary all-in-one, this is a convenient way to check all the travel boxes in a single booking, so book yours online today.

Christchurch 3 Attractions Combo Pass

Combine your Avon River Punting with other great activities into the one package and SAVE! Explore the best of the surrounds outside Christchurch with your choice of a Punting and Gondola, each of which offers a delightful experience of the wonderful nature in this popular region of New Zealand. Live out a Cambridge-style experience within these impressive NZ surrounds as your river pilot glides you gently down the Avon River and take in the various gardens, hanging trees and local landmarks from the comfortable vantage point of the water.

Bundle this with the Gondola combo that will let you take in various local landmarks such as Hagley Park or Christchurch itself. Regardless of your choice, if you're after one of the most peaceful, charming and serene ways to see the best of Christchurch at a great price, grab a "Punting Combo" online here!