Discover the stories, landscapes and people that shaped Akaroa with The Seventh Generation, offering authentic Akaroa history tours, walking tours, private tours and educational experiences across Banks Peninsula.
Tours are led by Marie Haley, a seventh-generation Akaroa local, university-trained historian and ecologist whose deep family connection to the area brings a unique perspective to every experience.
Explore significant historic sites, discover stories connecting Māori, French and British history, and learn how events on Banks Peninsula helped shape the development of Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Seventh Generation welcomes groups of all sizes, with Marie personally designing tours around each group’s interests, focus and needs. A specialist in flexibility, she can tailor the experience for tour groups, schools, educational groups, special-interest groups and private parties.
Qualmark Gold accredited, The Seventh Generation offers meaningful experiences centred on history, nature, culture and regenerative tourism, providing an authentic way to discover Akaroa and Banks Peninsula.
👉 Contact The Seventh Generation to book your Akaroa tour.
Why Choose The Seventh Generation?
- Led by seventh-generation Akaroa local Marie Haley
- University-trained historian and ecologist
- Qualmark Gold
- Specialist Akaroa history tours
- Private nature and history experiences
- Akaroa walking and group tours
- New Zealand history school tours
- Flexible and personalised experiences
- Strong focus on local history, nature and culture
- Year-round history tour options
Discover Akaroa’s Remarkable History
Akaroa and Banks Peninsula contain a collection of historically significant locations that together tell an important story about the development of New Zealand.
Sites and stories explored include:
Tuhiraki
A place connected with the earliest Polynesian settlement of Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū / Banks Peninsula.
Takapūneke
A nationally significant historic site associated with events that contributed to the appointment of the first British Resident in New Zealand and developments that ultimately preceded Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi.
Ōnuku Marae
Ōnuku has an important place in New Zealand history as the location where Te Tiriti o Waitangi was first signed in the South Island.
Britomart Monument
Discover the story of British sovereignty in the South Island and the colonial rivalry surrounding the arrival of French settlers at Akaroa.
Britomart Reserve
Learn about the Kemp Purchase of Canterbury and its profound impact on Ngāi Tahu land.
Together, these places reveal how events around Akaroa and Banks Peninsula became intertwined with the wider history of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Akaroa Nature and History Private Tour
For a more personalised experience, The Seventh Generation offers a private Akaroa nature and history tour combining the area’s landscapes, ecology, culture and history.
Travel through Banks Peninsula while hearing stories that connect the environment with the generations of people who have lived here.
As both a trained ecologist and historian, Marie provides a perspective that goes beyond sightseeing, helping visitors understand the relationship between the land, its people and its history.
Private tour details:
- Price on application
- Morning tea included
- Flexible departure time
- Driving tour with short walks
- Minimum fitness required
This tour can be tailored to your interests.
Akaroa Walking Tours
Explore Akaroa on foot with a walking tour designed around the interests of your group.
The walking tours can explore Akaroa history, New Zealand history and the wider international events that influenced settlement on Banks Peninsula.
Marie places Akaroa’s story within a broader historical context, including French and British rivalry in the South Pacific and the events that shaped the development of the town and New Zealand.
Akaroa Walking Tour details:
- Tours tailored to your group’s interests
- Timing and itinerary by arrangement
- Suitable for groups of different sizes
- Contact The Seventh Generation for group pricing and arrangements
Akaroa Group Tours
The Seventh Generation welcomes groups looking for a more meaningful way to experience Akaroa.
Tours can be adapted to suit different interests, group sizes and timeframes, with options focusing on history, nature, ecology and culture.
Whether you’re visiting Akaroa as part of a private group, special-interest group or educational visit, Marie can tailor the experience around what your group would most like to discover.
Akaroa School History Tours
The Seventh Generation also offers New Zealand history school tours in Akaroa, with programmes designed specifically around the needs of individual schools.
Tour content can cross several subject areas, combining history and ecology in a way that can be understood by different age groups.
Tour duration and pricing are flexible to suit school requirements and budgets.
Marie is also an approved Ministry of Education Field-Based STEM facilitator.
School tours can explore important sites and stories including Tuhiraki, Takapūneke, Ōnuku Marae, Britomart Monument and Britomart Reserve.
Akaroa History Tour
Akaroa has an extraordinary history that reaches far beyond its reputation as a picturesque harbour town.
The Akaroa History Tour explores significant locations and the events that connect Banks Peninsula with some of the defining chapters of New Zealand history.
Marie brings these stories to life through her knowledge as a historian and her own connection as a seventh-generation local.
The tour combines driving with short walks, making it an accessible way to discover the wider Akaroa area.
Tour details:
- Duration: approximately 2 hours
- Departs Akaroa: 10am
- Returns: approximately 12pm
- Minimum: 2 adults
- Maximum: 9 people
- Driving tour with short walks
- Minimum fitness required
- Departure times can be flexible – contact The Seventh Generation to discuss
The Akaroa History Tour operates year-round and in all weather, with Marie able to adapt the experience to suit the conditions.
Nature, History & Regenerative Tourism
The Seventh Generation’s approach is based around three connected themes:
Nature
Experience local conservation and ecology through the knowledge of a trained ecologist. Tours encourage visitors to understand, respect and help protect the natural environment for generations to come.
History
Connect with the generations that came before and discover the people, places and events that shaped Akaroa and Banks Peninsula.
Culture
Learn about the people and stories of the area through respectful, locally grounded experiences that encourage a deeper connection with Akaroa.
The philosophy behind The Seventh Generation is simple: connect deeply, protect boldly and share stories, while considering the generations that came before and those still to come.
Explore Akaroa & Banks Peninsula
Akaroa sits within the spectacular volcanic landscape of Banks Peninsula and is known for its harbour, historic buildings, French heritage, wildlife and distinctive local character.
Yet there is much more to the area’s story than many visitors realise.
Joining a locally guided Akaroa history tour provides the opportunity to discover the events, people and places behind the destination while gaining a deeper understanding of its importance to New Zealand history.
👉 Explore more places to visit, activities and accommodation in our Canterbury Travel Guide.
Book Your Akaroa Tour Direct
Contact The Seventh Generation directly to arrange your Akaroa history tour, walking tour, private nature and history experience, group tour or school programme.
Tours can be tailored to different interests and, where indicated, departure times can be flexible.
Akaroa History Tours FAQs
What is the best history tour in Akaroa?
The Seventh Generation offers specialist Akaroa history tours led by Marie Haley, a seventh-generation Akaroa local, university-trained historian and ecologist. Tours explore significant places and stories connected with Akaroa, Banks Peninsula and New Zealand history.
What historic sites can I visit in Akaroa?
Important historic places around Akaroa and Banks Peninsula include Takapūneke, Ōnuku Marae, Britomart Monument, Britomart Reserve and sites associated with early Polynesian settlement. The Seventh Generation connects these locations through the wider story of Akaroa and New Zealand.
Who guides The Seventh Generation tours?
Tours are led by Marie Haley, a seventh-generation Akaroa local and university-trained historian and ecologist. Her tours combine historical knowledge with local stories, ecology and a personal connection to Banks Peninsula.
How long is the Akaroa History Tour?
The standard Akaroa History Tour is approximately two hours and combines driving with short walks. It normally departs Akaroa at 10am and returns at approximately 12pm, although departure times can be flexible.
Are there private tours in Akaroa?
Yes. The Seventh Generation offers a private Akaroa nature and history tour combining local history, ecology, landscapes and culture. Pricing is on application and departure times can be flexible.
Are there walking tours in Akaroa?
Yes. Akaroa walking tours can be designed around the interests of your group and can cover Akaroa history, wider New Zealand history and the international events that influenced settlement on Banks Peninsula.
Does The Seventh Generation offer group tours?
Yes. Group tours can be tailored to different interests, group sizes and schedules, including history, nature, culture and ecology.
Are there school history tours in Akaroa?
Yes. The Seventh Generation offers New Zealand history school tours that can be designed specifically for individual schools. Tour durations and prices can be adapted to suit the school’s needs and budget.
Do Akaroa history tours operate in bad weather?
The Akaroa History Tour is promoted as an all-weather, year-round experience. The tour can be adapted to conditions, with stories presented from the tour vehicle when required.
How do I book a tour with The Seventh Generation?
Contact The Seventh Generation directly to discuss availability, tour options and any specific interests or requirements for your visit.
