Our driver/guide, Clive, was very knowledgeable and friendly about the area pointed out numerous sights and the explained the history along the way. He stopped at various viewpoints for us to take photos and a cafe in Little River for coffees on the way to Akaroa. The vistas were amazing. Lunch was included-we ate at Bully Hayes/before we got on the Dolphin and Harbour Nature 2-hour cruise. Captain Stew and his crew gave us a wonderful tour of the area out to the ocean entrance to the harbour. We saw dolphins, some of the rare little penguins, fur seals, birds and salmon farming. Clive was on the dock to take us back to Christchurch on the high Mountain View road. We highly recommend this tour, Clive and Cheeky Kea tours. Excellent way to spend 8 hours!