Southern Wanderer Scenic Cruises - Akaroa

We have closed for the season - next availability September 2023. Join us then on one of our explorations of the unique coastal scenery and wildlife of Banks Peninsula. We specialise in adventures for small numbers (8 passengers max), with friendly, personal attention and conversational commentary providing an unforgettable experience??? not just another tour.

Our trips pass historic sites of national significance and you will see native flora and fauna, often palm trees and penguins, albatrosses... whatever finds us out there in their wild and natural habitats. We visit places where the volcanic formation of the peninsula and the effects of erosion by waves and weather are vividly displayed.

Southern Wanderer Scenic Cruises is a local family owned-and-operated business. We have lived in Akaroa for over 35 years and are dedicated to sharing our favourite places with you, knowledge and stories about this special place that we call home. Our vessel is safe, fast and comfortable with a heated cabin and a marine toilet on board.

We are also available for private charters for small groups of up to 8 family, friends or colleagues, with flexible departure times, trip durations and itineraries. Please contact us to enquire about options and charges??? in many cases about the same as you???d pay to go on a crowded public cruise with one of the larger tour companies.

Please let us know when booking if you have a particular interest, e.g. geology, seabirds, landscape photography etc... We will do our best to tailor each trip to suit the preferences of the passengers on board. Of course the weather and sea conditions will also influence where we go and what we see??? every day is different.

We reserve the right to cancel a tour at any time, due to weather and sea conditions or insufficient numbers booked. We will refund in full if we cancel a tour for any reason. Child rate is for 14 years of age and under. No children under 3 years of age.

Akaroa is a small seaside settlement, 80 kilometres by road from Christchurch. The Maori name translates as 'long bay' and refers to the harbour, in the crater of an extinct volcano that has been flooded by the sea. The township was founded in 1840 as the only attempt by the French to colonise New Zealand.