DESTINATIONS

Welcome to the majestic Banks Peninsula, New Zealand – our home and the crown jewel of the South Island’s volcanic landscapes, also home to the native Hector’s dolphins.

From the immersive Akaroa Dolphin Swimming and Nature Cruises to diverse Island Adventures near Lyttelton, the port suburb of Christchurch, we have your Banks Peninsula destinations covered.

Around five million years ago, the Banks Peninsula was an active volcano. During this period, many volcanoes rose out of the sea, reaching altitudes of about 1500 metres above sea level.

The colossal craters formed during this time have become what we now know as Akaroa and Lyttelton Harbour, with the once mighty volcanoes now long extinct. It is in these two historic ports that we offer our cruises, ferries, and Akaroa dolphin swimming experiences.

Over the millennia, these vast craters were filled with seawater, forming the scenic backdrops for our cruises. Today, the region boasts glistening seas, majestic cliffs, and rolling green hills. This land first felt the footsteps of those led by Rakaihautu, a revered Polynesian ancestor of the Maōri. The area still resonates with its ancient name, ‘Te Pataka o Rakaihautu’ (The Storehouse of Rakaihautu), a testament to the abundance of food found in its forests, seas, rivers, and skies.

Upon his discovery, European explorer James Cook, misled by the elevated terrain, christened the Peninsula as ‘Banks Island’. Cook named it after his travelling companion, the renowned botanist Joseph Banks, whose discoveries include over eighty plants.

After numerous human-induced fires, only about one per cent of Banks Peninsula’s original forest remains. Yet, hope blossoms as we are very fortunate to have local volunteers dedicatedly working to restore the native plant life and diversity to the area. We are proud to support local trust and community initiatives that strive to rejuvenate our home, ensuring its natural beauty endures for future generations. This commitment forms the heart of our Tiaki Promise.