Private tour in Akaroa Dermot H

Akaroa and Banks Peninsula Local Private Day Tour

5.0

(4) reviews

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

1

Tour date
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-
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

3 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

Akaroa means "Long Harbour" in Maori . . . it is a quaint village situated in the harbour of an inactive volcano, part of Banks Peninsula on the east coast of the South Island. . be entertained as we explore some of the scenic Eastern bays . . go back in time, finding out about the Maori, French and European history of this unique area. 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 will be impressed by the smaller bays indenting the coast creating an area of great natural beauty and a timelessness that take us back to the colonial times and before. Our route follows the best of the "Mail Run" plus other bays of interest. Visit the last cheese factory on Banks Peninsula (sample some) and have the option of tasting some local wine. . you can't miss this secret corner of New Zealan

Your Akaroa tour itinerary

-Akaroa Village Tour (find out about its French history and buildings such as the lighthouse, oldest cottage etc. and the people who live there today) -Summit Road/Crater Rim at 1500 ft/500 m. . . . scenic stop providing spectacular views of Banks Peninsula and Akaroa Harbour -Okains Bay. . . see the oldest general store in New Zealand still operating (great icecream stop on a hot day !). . . . opportunity for a stroll on the beach here or visit the Okains Bay Museum (colonial/maori history) -Little Akaloa Bay (visit a lovely small chapel) -Barry's Bay Cheese Factory (the last on Bank's Peninsula ! Sample some local cheese !) -Little River Cafe (lunch stop) . . . . you can browse in the adjacent Art Gallery and Crafts Shop. -Birdling's Flat (explore this ocean beach of multi-coloured gemstones on foot) -Option of wine-tasting at the end of the day (with Renan at French Peaks Winery or Meniscus Wines). . . this area is well known for its excellent pinot gris, reisling, rose etc.

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Transport details
Type: Private Transportation

See Whats included.

What's included
Other: The services of your guide and transport in our LTNZ Licenced vehicle are included. Our vehicle is a modern 2013 Toyota Hiace Minibus with 11 passenger seats and a microphone for commentary. We have air-conditioning and the seatbacks can be adjusted. *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. Morning tea/coffee at Little River Cafe Options : wine-tasting at Akaroa Winery or French Peaks ...$10 tastings .....pinot noir, pinot gris, chardonay and reisling are grown/produced locally Farm tour ......Paua Bay Farm Tour ( 1 hour 45 min) $75 pp (or $250 2 pax private tour)....afternoon tea is included...or Manderley Farm Tour $60 pp Shamarra Alpaca Farm (1 hour tour) ...$50 NZD pp
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
City Highlights
Tour reference number
416560
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
5.0

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Akaroa

4 reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Akaroa best suited for?

This private tour in Akaroa is perfect for travellers who want to explore the scenic beauty and rich history of the Banks Peninsula with a knowledgeable local guide. It's ideal for those interested in Maori, French, and European history, as well as those who enjoy scenic views, cheese tasting, and optional wine tasting. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly and involves minimal physical activity.

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?

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