Private tour in Akaroa Dermot H

Christchurch Day Tour with Private Guide...ex Akaroa

4.8

(29) reviews

-
Hours icon 6 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Dermot H.

4.9

Guide rating

83

Reviews

Tours delivered

7 hrs

Avg. response time

I am a Private Guide that offers Private tours specialising in the Christchurch and Akaroa area. I have been guiding visitors around the South Island since 1996. This is a remarkably diverse and beautiful island and I consider myself to have the best job in the world! I have travelled a lot myself and genuinely find visitors and their individual stories interesting. My aim is to offer a very personal small group tour which is flexible. . . . . and I hope fun. My most popular tour these days is from cruise ship visitors arriving at Akaroa wanting a Day Excursion to Christchurch and the local area in my 11 seater minibus. . . . . but I also offer tours up to 10 days long all over NZ to Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook, Dunedin, Queenstown, Milford Sound, the West Coast, Abel Tasman or any number of other stunning destinations. My passions are food, cooking, sailing and of course travel. As an ex- teacher I hope I can share with you a bit about the interesting human and natural history as well as the various cultures of this unique land. I am happy to run GEOCACHING TOURS for interested groups. . . . . . . . and have access to 22 / 33 seater buses for larger groups. Passenger Service Licence #0227492 with Private Hire Registration (both SPSL and LPSL), Drivers Licence (1,2,4,6 with Passenger Endorsement), member of the NZ Bus and Coach Assn and ProGuides NZ. Vehicle operates with Certificate of Fitness (renewed every 6 months) and Certificate of Loading (note: this is a legal requirement for tour operations in NZ). Red Cross Comprehensive First Aid Certificate. Bus and Coach Assn Public & Carriers Liability Insurance (Lowe, Scholum and Jones). Japanese Profficiency Test Level 3. Bachelor of Science (Auckland University), Diploma of Secondary Teaching (Christchurch), Cert. TESL (Massey Uni.)

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Dermot H.

Overview of your Akaroa tour

Be entertained by the birdlife, the lambs and sheep as well as the fabulous views from these ancient volcanoes. You will love the quaint villages, French history and rural scenery that will make you realise you have experienced a very special and unique corner of the South Island. In fine weather you cannot but be impressed by the light and colours of the lakes, sea, volcanic outcrops and grassy fields. I will bring my knowledge as an ex-teacher and as a local of 35 years to weave the geographic features and the history of the colourful characters who have lived here into a series of stories so that you finish your day with an understanding of past and modern New Zealand. You can't miss Christchurch, the "Garden City" and third biggest in the country! This is a suggested tour. . . . . we are very happy to include other options such as Birdlings Flat (gemstone beach, Sumner Beach, The International Antarctic Centre, Willowbank Wildlife Park (see kiwis), Air Force World, Wine-tasting etc. . . . time permiting

Your Akaroa tour itinerary

Our Christchurch Day Tour for cruise ship passengers starts in Akaroa usually around 9AM when we meet you at the end of the wharf after your arrival by tender from your cruise ship. - We take a leasurely journey through Akaroa, Banks Peninsula over scenic extinct volcanic rims to Christchurch taking stops at the Hilltop for photos, Barry's Bay Cheese Factory (sample some !), Little River (art gallery/craft co-operative) and Sign of the Takahe. - From high on the Port Hills the Southern Alps can be seen 50 miles away across the Canterbury Plains. - The Botanic Gardens and Canterbury Museum are in the centre of the city. . . . you have some free time here to explore. - We can walk up close to Christchurch Cathedral and check out the new inner city. Find out about the 2011 quake and future plans for the Garden City. We drive back through the New Zealand farmland countryside (sheep, cows, birdlife etc. ). You are back in Akaroa about 4pm. Feel free to contact me if you would like to customize this this tour!

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Minivan

Our vehicle is a modern air-conditioned Toyota HiAce 2013 tour vehicle with microphone for guide commentary and adjusting seat backs.....Maximum capacity is 11 passengers. If you are more than 11 and need a larger vehicle I can create a customised tour for you.

What's included
Other: The services of your guide and transport in our LTNZ Licenced vehicle are included. *The seat configuration is 2+1 passengers along the back two rows with 2 passengers per row in the front 2 rows. There is one seat next to the driver (great for those who love photography).IE from the rear 1+2,1+2, 2, 2 and 1 passenger seat (front). Single seats are 42 cm wide (approx. 14 inches) and double seats are 89 cm wide (approx. 30 inches for 2 pax) *We are licenced to operate under both a SPSL (small pax service licence) and a LPSL (large pax service licence...over 11 pax) if needed. *Our insurance is with Lowe, Schollum and Jones (including standard industry $10,000,000 liability insurance) and my vehicle is FULLY compliant to be operated on tours as required by NZ law (Certificate of Fitness AND Certificate of Loading).
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Your morning tea/coffee Lunch (we can recommend a variety of restaurants) Jet-boating
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Akaroa, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

Airport: ,Cruise: Akaroa,ByGuide: You will be taken by tender from the cruise ship to Akaroa Wharf.....look for me holding a sign with your name on it....at the land end of Akaroa Wharf

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Tour reference number
11686
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
4.8

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Akaroa

29 reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Akaroa best suited for?

This private tour in Akaroa is ideal for cruise ship passengers stopping in Akaroa, as it is designed as a great shore excursion. It's also perfect for travellers who want to connect with a local guide, Dermot H., to gain deeper insights into the region's history and geography. The tour is kid-friendly and involves minimal activity, making it suitable for families and those looking for a leisurely experience.

Can this private tour in Akaroa be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

Is this private tour in Akaroa suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 6 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later