Akaroa Nature and History Private Tour - The 7th Generation

5.0 (20 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

20 reviews

5.0

Free homemade scones and tea or coffee at the Akaroa Heritage Park, one of the most beautiful picnic spots in the world. Connect with this New Zealand Nature Tour. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Akaroa Nature Tour taking you to the Wildside of Akaroa. We climb to the summit for scenery and to understand nature conservation projects in New Zealand. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

My true story | New Zealand’s History

Do not miss out on this incredible New Zealand experience.

Just look at the amazing 5 star reviews!

Guests describe this tour as the “New Zealand’s best kept secret”, “the best thing to do in Akaroa”, “best tour in Canterbury.”

2-hour tours are available - contact Marie directly

This tour is owned and operated by The 7th Generation descendant of the French settlers, expert trained historian and ecologist and natural born storyteller.

Guests consistently report that the tour had a BIG impact on them, leaving them feeling connected to nature and inspired for the future.

Expert guide Marie Haley, was a FINALIST at the 2024 New Zealand Tourism Awards for Tourism Business Excellence, a big deal for a one-woman operation.

This tour will take you to all of Akaroa’s hidden gems - you will simply see no other tourists.

This tour includes all the best things to do in Akaroa, that you could not access and understand without this expert guide.

Nature and Wildlife Tours Half-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours New Product Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Operated by: The Seventh Generation

What is included

Included

Included: Snacks: Homemade scones and homemade jam, with tea, coffee or hot chocolate. At one of the most beautiful picnic spots in the world.
Included: Guide

Itinerary

Akaroa Lighthouse

Passing by

Learn about the historic Akaroa Lighthouse and its incredible connection to the Robert Louis Stevenson family.

One of Akaroa’s many historic buildings, perhaps it’s most photographed.
Stop 2

30 min

Learn about the geological and natural history of New Zealand.

Learn about Polynesian navigation and exploration.

Learn about European arrival to New Zealand and the flax trade.

Learn about the Brig Elizabeth incident with the first European involvement in intertribal warfare, on the shores of Akaroa harbour which ultimately lead to the Treaty of Waitangi.

We will spend time walking along the shoreline and have a chance to take photos.
Stop 3

20 min

Learn about the Treaty of Waitangi and the first British Resident to New Zealand.

Experience a beautiful Maori church and take photos.
Britomart Monument

Passing by

Hear the story of the Race for the South Island between the French and the British including your guide, Marie Haley’s, personal family history as the first French settlers to Akaroa.

We can arrange to stop to visit on private tours, but walking access is narrow.
Akaroa

Passing by

Visit the beautiful French town of Akaroa and visit the many beautiful historic sites.

The historic sites are all personally connected to your guides family story, you will be amazed at the depth and breadth of the family history in this stunning little sea side town, and how it is interwoven into New Zealand’s history.
Akaroa

30 min

Akaroa Heritage Park

Stop for a picnic at the beautiful Akaroa Heritage Park, overlooking Akaroa Harbour with stunning sightseeing.

This is a wonderful opportunity to build a sense of connection to the New Zealand natural environment, while looking down upon the historic setting that you have just experienced.

Included are homemade scones with homemade jam, tea, coffee or hot chocolate.
Hinewai Reserve

Passing by

Nature and sightseeing drive.

Learn about Hinewai Reserve, the largest private reserve in New Zealand, regenerating native forest through an invasive exotic weed.

Drive to the End of the Earth, visiting the stunning Banks Peninsula sea cliffs, learn about the Wildside conservation project that your guide, Marie Haley, managed for eight years, working with her neighbours to protect the natural environment for future generations.

Visit the family farmland of your guide and hear the incredible change in land use from forest to farmland in 50 years, and the romantic story of her ancestors.

Be inspired by The Seventh Generation Principle, thinking of the seventh generation after you in all your actions, while looking back over the seven generations that came before.

You will leave inspired, this tour will have a big impact on your connection to New Zealand.

This tour is carbon neutral and future positive.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

Look for the silver minibus with red sign writing. At the bus stop outside the Akaroa Post Office and Information Centre.

End point

Look for the silver minibus with red sign writing. At the bus stop outside the Akaroa Post Office and Information Centre.

Pickup points

La Rochelle Motel
The Grand Hotel Akaroa
Akaroa Village Inn
TRESORI MOTOR LODGE & APARTMENTS
Akaroa Criterion Motel

Please wear comfortable shoes, bring a jacket, hat and water bottle.

Using your ticket

Look for a silver minibus with red signage.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please let me know of any major health or mobility issues to tailor the tour to your needs.
Some flexibility is required entering and exiting the vehicle, please let me know of any health issues.