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Akaroa, nestled between the craggy volcanic hills, is a picturesque town on the Banks Peninsula of the South Isle of New Zealand. There is no dearth of activities in this erstwhile site of French and British settlements. Apart from its colonial charm and natural beauty, Akaroa, New Zealand is famous for its wildlife safaris and encounters. The scenic harbor is the dwelling place of different birds and sea animals including the rarest and smallest dolphin of the world- Hector dolphin. You can watch or swim with the dolphins or go on a Seal Safari! The New Zealand Fur Seals are found especially in the North and South Islands of New Zealand and also on the southern coastline of Australia.
The Akaroa Seal Safari is very exciting as it involves mounting at the top of the volcanic hill. The community of New Zealand Fur Seals resides at the foot of 100m cliffs and you have to drive up to an altitude of 630m, out on the crater of the extinct volcano to view the seals in their natural habitat. The parking zone for the tour is within 30 meters of the Seal colony. From there you have to walk through the craggy terrain and go a little further to watch the seals closely. Once you reach there you will find the seals swimming, lounging and basking in the sun amid the 8-million-year-old volcanic rocks. This beautiful mammal is now protected from human exploitation and at present they are well preserved in their habitat in Akaroa, New Zealand.
Safari Information You can tour in a car or take a bus that runs from Christchurch city thrice a week. You can also contact the tour operators. - Departure- Safaris depart from the Akaroa Information Centre at 9:30am and 1:00pm. - Duration- The safari takes about 2½ hours
- Safari groups consist of two to six people.
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