Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and Sheep Farm Tour

Scott was an extremely well read, informed guide who could speak on most any topic. Very low key communicator...pushed no agendas, conveyed info with enthusiasm and interest. Very patient and humble. Sights seen, things learned about --culture, governance, natural resources, history-- and people met... All very enjoyable. One regret: we were unable to stay longer at museum or Botanic Gardens in Christchurch. We wonder if lunch could be done near gardens/museum instead of near river. That way folks could choose their own time spent for each. Plus, there seemed to be more good food places available in Canterbury area.

The visit to the sheep farm was excellent!!! It was informative, funny, and historical. Definitely one of the best shore excursions on the trip. A must do in Akaroa.

We had a great day. Christchurch is still struggling but construction is slowly getting there. Akaroa is a quaint town. The sheep farm was fun and informative and the tea in the garden was very nice. Traffic due to road construction slowed us up a bit but no fault of tour guide. I do wish I had gone to the GiantsHouse. A tour of that and the sheep farm would have been perfect.

What a great excursion Janet our bus driver was excellent very knowledgeable didn’t rush the photo stops at all. Christchurch very interesting , the highlight for us was the trip to the sheep farm the owners were so welcoming . Sheep sheering very interesting . Lovely afternoon tea laid on in the owners garden. Book this trip you won’t be disappointed at all.

This tour was way too ambitious for the time allotted. The owner knows that the tenders from the trip can be delayed and that there is a long term road construction project under way on the very long windy road from the port to Christchurch that causes a significant delay coming and going yet does not give the buyer a heads-up that your tour in Christchurch will be VERY rushed. No time for lunch and just one bathroom break in 6 hours. It's suggested that you grab a takeout on the bathroom break but there is no place to buy anything! Very very disappointing. We stopped for the break beside the botanical gardens and there was no time to spend any time visiting. We rushed through town and stopped for photo opportunities at the two large churches severely damaged in the earthquake 9 years ago. Just a quick demonstration of the dog herding a few sheep at the farm and the owner sheered one sheep. This was a long day and not worth it.

Unfortunately our ship was unable to dock due to poor conditions. We were devastated to miss this tour. I contacted the operators and given confirmation of a FULL refund within 24 hours of writing an email. So I am giving this 5 star rating purely based on the customer service aspect of getting a refund. It is very reassuring to know that this is available in case your ship cannot get into the harbour.

Super tour of Christchurch and the surrounding area. Driver gave great commentary and provided good insight into the background and history of the area. Hugh at the sheep farm did a great job of letting us know what life on a sheep farm is like. Tom, the dog was interesting to watch as he worked the herd. Sheep shearing demo was excellent.

Comfortable van Best part was WETA workshop for me A little tough walking uphill back for me as I have metal parts and bad knees

I feel the time is Christchurch was not long enough. The time you went to the bathroom you only had 15 minutes to see the city and get something to eat.

My wife and Zi liked the small van experience. Our tour quide did a great job of filling us in all the local aspects of the tour. Enjoyed seeing Christchurch, gardens, and lovely lunch. The highlight was the visit to the sheep shearing ranch. The gardens were so beautiful and the tea Was a welcomed treat. So glade we added this extra stop.