Tour Reviews | Unique, Authentic, Best Tour Ever, Absolute Gem, Locals Guide, Informative, Delightful, Enriching, Unforgettable, Must Do, Amazing Views, Scones with a View, Understand New Zealand’s History, Profoundly Educational and Meaningful, Incredibly Insightful Tour, Incredible Personalised Tour, Unique Perspecitive, Passion – Possibly the BEST TOUR we Have Ever Had Anywhere! BEST Tourism Experience in Canterbury.

Read the Tour Reviews Below – These are not my words, but the words of my guests, over many years, constantly 5 stars.
Table of Contents
Tour Reviews 2024
Immersive, fascinating and moving tour
Tour reviews by Global_Gourmnds
Nov 2023 • Solo
Marie’s tour of Akoroa is immersive, historical, and deeply moving. It’s also integral to the story of New Zealand -one that even many New Zealanders are not aware of. She brings this incredibly fascinating story to life. At the end, I felt as if Marie was not only a friend, but she that she had shared with me New Zealand’s best kept secret. (Plus, the drive there is incredible. It’s like traveling through the garden of Eden.)
A unique experience and must do for every local
Tour reviews by JanineThompson T
May 2024 • Friends
A must do when you’re in Akaroa!. Despite being unlucky with the weather the trip was so interesting and informative. Having visited Akaroa many times before I had no idea about the full history till hearing it from Marie. Her knowledge and passion made this a very unique experience. Thank you.
Inspirational
Tour reviews by Bob H
Apr 2024 • Couples
An unbelievable tour. My wife and I did this wonderful tour today with Marie. It was wonderful her passion for what she is presenting shines through her and is inspiring. Her stories are not only factual but the personal elements that she brings to this tour are what makes it so relatable and relevant. By the end of the tour we were quite emotional. Thank you Marie please keep sharing the message as it does impact those listening.

Unmissable tour on the culture and natural history of the Banks Peninsula ????????
Tour reviews by franbote
Mar 2024 • Friends
A very rich and rewarding tour led by a very passionate descendant of the 1st Europeans to arrive on the Banks Peninsula. Such a huge wealth of information. The history going back to the arrival of the Polynesian tribes, their warring, the signing of the Waitingi treaty, & the deception by the English etc. Plus fabulous scenery out to the sea cliffs, Hinewai reserve and its creation by Hugh Wilson and his accountant cohort, the role of gorge in the regeneration of the native forests, and the positive future ahead. Connect, protect and share!!

A Locals Tour Reviews
Tour reviews by Kathy Guidi
5 reviews·2 photos5 months ago
What a fun afternoon my mother-in-law and I had with Marie! Firstly, I rang Marie in the morning and we were on the tour a few hours later. Secondly, I have been living on the Akaroa Harbour for 15 years (an expat) and had no idea of the significant cultural events that occurred in this harbour — Marie brings the stories to life whilst taking us to locations of interest such as the local Marae. Lastly, the tour is all the more special as Marie is the 7th generation of descendants from the first French settlers in New Zealand. The tour is rich with historical significance and scenic delights. Highly recommend and likely to point all my visiting guests to this tour. THANKS Marie!!
An absolute gem of an outing.
Tour reviews by Duncan C
Mar 2024 • Friends
An amazing experience I learnt so much about the early history and characters of the area, all the while enjoying the background of mountains and the sea.
A local’s guide to Akaroa
Sydney, Australia
Feb 2024 • Couples
Terrific tour run by a passionate, intelligent and informed local. It combines a rich social and natural history with the stunning natural beauty of Akaroa and surrounds. It’s a great way to get an introduction to the area. Plus we got home-made scones!
So interesting and informative
Jan 2024 • Couples
A brilliant way to spend a couple of hours. Throughout the tour, Marie tells the story of Akaroa’s past with wonderful enthusiasm and knowledge, taking us to the key historical sites. It’s great to hear her family story, something she is rightly very proud of, and how they played a big part in the development of Akaroa. Marie is the biggest asset in this setup, she’s friendly, personable and a great storyteller. The icing on the cake were the hector dolphins we saw swimming in the bay as she explained the early history.
If you’re wondering whether to do the tour, I’d definitely recommend. Drop Marie an email – she gets back to you promptly with the details.
Especially Memorable Experience
Tour Reviews by Lance Woodman
3 reviews3 months ago
A wonderful tour covering the history (Maori and European) and then the ecology of the Banks Peninsula and Akaroa. Our guide Marie’s connection to the area and the stories made this a especially memorable experience.
Complete, Content and Optimistic
This tour was fabulous. Marie is a natural at taking tours, speaking and especially telling a story so your whole being becomes part of it!
I am local and even though I knew snippets of the information, it was shared in such a way that the whole experience flowed into a fully rounded package which left me complete, content and optimistic at the end.
Marie is not just talking from a learned book experience, but is part of the seven generation lineage that is this tour, and it totally shows in the depth and in her ability to answer any question with ease, and even delve off into another story 🙂
If you live in, or are visiting Akaroa these tours are a must do.
Delightful and enriching day
Tour reviews by Voyage791380
Jan 2024 • Family
What a fun afternoon my mother-in-law and I had with Marie! Firstly, I rang Marie in the morning and we were on the tour a few hours later. Secondly, I have been living on the Akaroa Harbour for 15 years (an expat) and had no idea of the significant cultural events that occurred in this harbour — Marie brings the stories to life whilst taking us to locations of interest such as the local Marae. Lastly, the tour is all the more special as Marie is the 7th generation of descendants from the first French settlers in New Zealand. The tour is rich with historical significance and scenic delights. Highly recommend and likely to point all my visiting guests to this tour. THANKS Marie!!

Presentation to Annual Generation Meeting
Tour reviews by Renee Crosby
12 reviews10 months ago
We were looking for ideas for a guest speaker for a lunch in Akaroa. It was an easy choice to ask Marie to come along. She spoke to a group of local, Banks Peninsula residents and everyone really enjoyed it and learnt something new.
Marie is a natural and is very entertaining and easy to listen to. I wish we had the time to listen to more of her stories. Would highly recommend for both locals and visitors! Thanks Marie!
Tour Reviews 2023 | Must Do New Zealand Tours
Exceptional!! Superb tour for visitors and locals
Tour reviews by LisaB
Mar 2023
If you like history, geography, ecology and the environment, this trip is a must!! Best tourism experience in Canterbury!!
Marie has a depth of knowledge of the many histories of Banks Peninsula over several hundred years and provides a thoughtful korero on Ngai Tahu history, British colonial processes, the French colonists, economic forces which radically changed the landscapes of Banks Peninsula. Marie also provides insight into the unique social history of Akaroa and is an inspiring and engaging host.
Marie provides a wonderful geographic history of Banks Peninsula, the ancient volcanoes and their impact on creating a huge piece of Te Waipounamu.
We particularly enjoyed seeing the places where farmers, community groups and conservation trusts are reforesting the land, with the aim of native bush cover from ‘shore to skyline’. The landscapes and views are astounding – magnificent and beautiful.
This is a unique, memorable experience unlike any other.
Very highly recommended.
Bringing history to life!
Tour reviews by MarKat
Jul 2023
For those of you who want to deepen your understanding of New Zealand history and get amongst nature – this is the tour for you. Marie has an incredible knack of weaving her own fascinating family history into the narrative of local Māori and European history. A whole new world opens up to you upon discovering these stories and seeing this area with fresh eyes. Highly recommend.
Interwoven Stories of Maori, French, English
Marie provided an in-depth tour of Akaroa’s history from a geological and cultural perspective while visiting important landmarks over nearly four engrossing hours.
Since its complex volcanic formation millions of years ago, the Banks Peninsula has been significantly influenced by successive waves of human migration and interaction over the past 700 years, beginning with Maori settlement and conflict since the 13th Century.
Marie presented the interwoven stories of Maori, French, English, and Australian settlers in a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable way.
Included a nice cup of tea and freshly baked scone at a beautiful spot overlooking Akaroa.
Highly recommended.
UNFORGETTABLE & A MUST DO FOR ANYONE VISITING NEW ZEALAND
Tour reviews by MK
Apr 2023
UNFORGETTABLE & MUST DO for anyone visiting the Banks Peninsula or New Zealand! Marie the owner met me for a private tour by the old post office in town and began a journey that was truly meaningful. She helped me to understand the cultural history that was holistic beyond anything I found in guidebooks. She made sense of how the Maori people began their interactions with the white people, and how the land appropriation was done systematically and politically. Marie’s knowledge of the history that surrounds her is deep and layered. I was moved by her love for the land that has lasted 7 generations. MOST MEANINGFUL trip I had taken during our 3-month stay in New Zealand. Thank you Marie.
Takapuneke
Very enjoyable
Tour reviews by Tour reviews by Pip
Jul 2023
Marie met us at the Old Post Office in Akaroa and took us on a fascinating journey showing us parts of Akaroa that connect with its ancient, colonial and recent history. She combines her personal knowledge and deep sense of connection with the land with research and oral tradition. We loved every minute. Beautifully organised and just right for us thank you.
A world class tour.
Tour reviews by Fraser Macdonald
A world class tour. Marie’s knowledge of the Maori, French, and British aspects of the history and settlment of Banks Peninsula was highly advanced and enlightening.
A great way to understand the history of Akaroa
Tour reviews by Bernadette Brennan
Mar 2023 • Couples
The stories Marie told us embracing seven generations of her family and their relationship with Akaroa. Her passion for past, present and future is very energising.
Very Inspirational
4 reviews3 years ago
Thank you Marie for the amazing tour, sharing your knowledge of the cultural and natural history of this beautiful place in NZ. You have such an amazing ability to tell stories so that we can visualise the beauty from the past and the potential for the future. I can hear the passion in your voice which made it such a beautiful experience. You are very inspirational, keep up the good work 🙂 I definitely recommend this to all kiwis who are exploring their backyard!
Marie, is amazing
Tour Reviews by Grant Waugh a year ago
Marie, is amazing. Thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Heaps of history stories, and the afternoon tea with home baked scones was a surprise bonus!
Profoundly educational and meaningful
Tour reviews by frwhite2018
Feb 2023
Profoundly educational and meaningful
In February, 2023, Marie introduced us to Akaroa’s history, flora, fauna. Four hours flashed by as we were additionally regaled with historical and personal orations of the Akaroa-Hawai’i nexus. A vivid storyteller, historian, ecologist, scone and coffee maker, Marie is also a damn good driver.
Understand the history and culture of a magical place
Tour reviews by Keiki K.
Feb 2023
Akaroa is a magical place and Marie Haley brings the history and culture to life. Growing up in the states I heard stories of my ancestors arriving in New Zealand on a ship from France. As a child it sounded like a fairy tale. When I finally made it to New Zealand, I planned to visit the Banks Peninsula. Had I not discovered Marie’s Seventh Generation tour, I would have enjoyed the scenery, and left thinking it was a beautiful place. Marie helped me understand why my ancestors came to this amazing place, how they lived, and why they left. Marie’s personal story gives her a deep understanding of Akaroa’s multi-faceted history. Her tour exceeded all of my expectations and was a true highlight of my visit to NZ.
Read the Duvauchelle Family Story of Kaiki below!
Incredibly insightful tour!!!
Tour reviews by Hinewai K
Jan 2023 • Couples
We had an incredible tour with Marie. She was very knowledgeable of Akaroa and Maori history and she provided unique insights to the land that you can’t get on any other tour. I can’t recommend this highly enough, this tour is a must-do in Akaroa!!!

Incredible Personalised Tour
Tour reviews by Jonathan
Jan 2023 • Couples
Marie provided us with an incredible personalised tour full of amazing sites and historical knowledge. As a seventh generation descendant of the original settlers of Akaroa Marie had incredible insight and personal knowledge of this lovely town and its surroundings. Highly recommend to anyone.

School Tour Reviews
Excellent PD for Any Staff Teaching Social Studies, History, Geography or Ecology
“Our [New Zealand History School Trip] with Marie was excellent, and I highly recommend her to other teachers. Everything was beautifully organised and easy, and Marie was so engaging. The students learnt a lot, and the subject really came alive for them. A tour with Marie would also be excellent PD for any staff teaching Social Studies, History, Geography or Ecology. Marie has thoroughly researched the content of her tours and is so knowledgeable. She is friendly and her passion for story-telling is clear. A great day out for myself and my students.” Rachel, Lincoln High School
Your kōrero was informative and considerate
“Your kōrero was informative and considerate! It was rich in history, well detailed, and researched. It served as a reminder of just how important it is for students to learn about where they come from and the stories from where they reside. Such learning out of the classroom is invaluable and necessary! It allows learners to make connections and better understand the world around them. Our students were able to visualise and better comprehend the events which had taken place in Akaroa and make connections with what happened then and what continues to happen in Aotearoa, New Zealand.” — Courtney at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o te Whānau Tahi
The Seventh Generation Tour was a Highlight
“Un grand merci for yesterday’s tour. It was exactly what we wanted – historic Akaroa through the French lens. It gave the students an insight into 19th century France that went beyond dates and events. It outlined the reasons why these French settlers emigrated, their expectations of Aotearoa-New Zealand, their discoveries when they arrived here and the lives they made for themselves thereafter. One of our topics next term is L’environnement, so we will certainly refer back to what you had to say about Seven Generations and the restoration of the Taiao around Akaroa. We all agreed that the Seventh Generation Tour was a highlight of our sejour and that we all learned so much. I do hope we will keep in touch and that our future French students will be able to benefit from the Seventh Generation experience.” Patricia, Timaru Girls High School
Fantastic Week
It was a fantastic week, and we really appreciate your work with our boys. – Grant St Bede’s
Tour Reviews 2022
A unique perspective on a beautiful corner of New Zealand
Tour reviews by Kenton B
Nov 2022
Marie Haley describes herself as a storyteller, historian and ecologist. But more than that, she has a unique personal perspective as a seventh-generation descendant of one of the original French settlers of Akaroa. Marie combines geology with mythology, paying tribute to the original Maori inhabitants of the Banks Peninsula. She brings history to life by showing significant places that aren’t in any guidebook. She then provides a spectacular overview of the village and harbor from a viewpoint hundreds of meters above sea level. To our surprise and delight, she served afternoon tea with scones and homemade jam, before venturing into the fog of the eastern bays of the peninsula. We left with a deep appreciation of the land and the people who have made it their home.
Family Trip
Sept 2022 • Family
Marie’s knowledge, passion and connection to the land was inspiring. She was able to combine history, ecology, culture, geology, storytelling and more into a very informative three hours. I felt we had a much greater understanding of the Banks Peninsula and it therefore gave much more meaning to our visit.
Tour Reviews 2021 | New Zealand Tour Reviews
Passion for Banks Peninsula
Tour reviews by Jim S
Oct 2021
We joined Marie’s tour after a chance meeting with her at the Benmore Dam lookout earlier this year. And what a tour.
We had a warm welcome outside of the old post office on the main drag. Here she outlined where she would be taking us and the focus for the tour. Then off we set travelling beyond the wharf along the coast road to learn about some of the Maori history of the area and it’s significance in the overall NZ context. We then moved on to European history in Akaroa in which her family history played a significant part.
Some yummy scones for morning tea in the reserve overlooking the town provide the transition from the history to the nature aspect of the tour. Background on native plant restoration on the peninsula was then followed with a trip over the hill to learn the story of Hugh Wilson’s efforts over decades to start and expand the Hinewai Reserve. Beautiful native bush supplanting the bare land and gorse to give a ‘summit to sea’ reserve. It adjoins farmland that has been in Marie’s family for generations.
What sets this tour apart is the detail of information and Marie’s passion for the area. She interweaves her own family story and philosophy into the tour and the business name is intertwined into this.
Thanks Marie

Bringing the past, present and future of Akaroa together
Tour reviews by Kiwi2NZ
Dec 2021 • Couples
A very special experience with a “living treasure”,this is an excursion that should not be missed. Who better to recount the local history and stories but a 7th generation local. Respectful of the Māori narrative, Marie weaves human endeavour, geological activity and recent ecological initiatives into a feast of information that held us enthralled for the afternoon. We are planning a return trip to Akaroa, and hope she will have a Part 2 itinerary for us then.

Tour of Akaroa
Tour reviews by Josie
Oct 2021 • Family
We took our two kids with us on this tour with Marie.they are 12 and 14. Originally the tour was because I have a familial French connection to the Akaroa area. The kids were way more into it than I thought they would be and asked lots of questions which Marie answered willingly and with enthusiasm. I think the positivity that Marie maintains toward the future of the environment and the planet was catching and my children felt a flicker of hope to discover through the tour just how much some people are doing for the planet they love.
Josie

A World Class tour
Tour reviews by Simon and Sarah
Sept 2021
We enjoyed an excellent tour with Marie this afternoon. The tour certainly lived up to the high ratings of previous customers. We would recommend the three hour tour, which allows Marie full scope to set out her fascinating historical, cultural and ecological insights. Her storytelling begins with the geological origins of Banks Peninsula (26 million years ago) through to Maori settlement, the arrival of British and French settlers, the Treaty of Waitangi, farming practices (ecological decline and restoration), and much more. Marie herself is a seventh generation local family member, and this shows in both the passion and the realism she brings to her wide ranging tour. A delicious home made picnic at Akaroa Heritage Park, with stunning views of the Harbour, topped off a most memorable afternoon.
Incredible insights to Akaroa and surrounds
Tour reviews by Philippa
Jul 2021
My husband and I enjoyed a fantastic tour with Marie. Her knowledge of the history of Akaroa, and the wonderful way she shared it, made it a very special occasion.
Marie is warm and friendly and the few hours with her were relaxed and entertaining but also very informative. The ecological aspects were also fascinating and all of it was delivered in a spectacularly beautiful corner of New Zealand.
Fantastic experience
Tour reviews by Climber296677
May 2021
We had an amazing tour with Marie on Saturday.. We had had spent a lot of time when we were young in Akaroa, and have family links going back to the first French Settlers.
Marie had in-depth knowledge of the early history of Akaroa, right back to Maori in the 1300s and the English and French settlers.
The scenery as we drove around was spectacular.
History, culture, geology and ecology woven into one
Tour reviews by Journey300190
Apr 2021
Our family spent a beautiful autumn day learning about the early history of Akaroa from Marie. Her deep connection to the Banks Peninsula was evident not only in her knowledge of the past but also her vision for the future. She brought the whole landscape alive by weaving her stories of the lives of real people onto a canvas of ancient geology, coloured by changes to ecosystems as a results of human habitation.
While Marie’s tour will be of interest to any visitor to the Banks Peninsula, no matter where in the world they’re from, she is a particularly valuable resource to kiwis of all ages interested in the rich history of their own country.
Thanks Marie, for giving us a day to remember.
Banks Peninsula Ecological Vision
Tour Reviews 2020 | Akaroa Tour Reviews
The views, tea and scones, history.
Tour reviews by dre56
Jan 2020 • Friends
The tour was called Araroa HIstory Safari. It was one of the best experiences my wife and I have had . A small tour group .Marie’s personal connection to the history and storytelling ability made it truly enjoyable and fascinating. I would highly recommend it. A true 5 star experience.
Tour Reviews 2019
Enjoyable, authentic, educational small group tour
Tour reviews by c_recoskie
Dec 2019 • Family
My husband, teenage son, and myself enjoyed this 3 hour tour with guide and driver, Marie. She enthusiastically shares the stories of the people and places around Akaroa based around her own early settler family history and conservation efforts. She made us feel very much at home with the booking process and throughout the tour. We highly recommend this unique opportunity.
Best Tour Ever
Tour reviews by MaryEllen
Dec 2019
The tour was conducted by Marie Haley who has extensive knowledge of the culture, history and geography of the area. She is personable, friendly, and makes terrific scones. Her appreciation of the culture of the area is easily translated into her story telling (true stories of course) which made a fascinating 3.5 hour trip. If your ship docks here or if you find yourself in this corner of world you will a better person after spending time with Marie. Thank you for sharing your world, your history and your knowledge with us. Another plus is that you are a small group so you can easily ask questions and go places that a big bus cannot navigate.
Fascinating educational tour of the area
Tour reviews by Lindsay L
Dec 2019
Booked this tour thru Princess Cruises. My wife and I were the only participants that December 2019 day. Marie was personable and very knowledgeable, giving lots of historic and natural historical detail. We were able to modify this tour to accommodate personal wishes or to spend additional time at certain points. It was with regret that we had to end this tour — we could easily have enjoyed several hours more. In my opinion, a much more valuable and worthwhile experience than usual, for cruise ship venues.
Local Connections Tour
Tour reviews by Graham
Dec 2019 • Couples
Booked this tour through Princess Cruises. Great tour. Very informative. Marie was very knowledgeable, personable, and made everyone feel at home. Learned so much about the history of the area. Scones and tea were wonderful as well as the views.
Garry Warne It was possibly the best tour we have ever had anywhere
3 photos5 years ago
We came to Akaroa on the Majestic Princess, who offered this tour. It was possibly the best tour we have ever had anywhere. Marie Haley, our guide and driver, is intelligent, an excellent communicator, extremely well informed and, as a seventh generation descendent of the first French settlers, part of the town’s history herself. She is also deeply involved in an amazing conservation movement and is able to explain it with an enthusiastic sense of commitment that is infectious. She took us to places of outstanding natural beauty and even introduced our group to Hugh Wilson, a famous botanist and conservationist. We highly recommend this tour.
Akaroa History Safari
Tour reviews by Norma
Oct 2018
During my Australia/New Zealand cruise, my group took Akaroa’s History Safari where Ms Marie Haley, a 7th generation descendant of Akaroa’s early settlers, took us to different historical sites and lovely panoramic views. We ended the tour with a picnic at the Heritage Park enjoying scones and English tea prepared by Marie.
Marie is a superb tour guide and very personable which makes us feel comfortable and welcomed during the tour. She’s very knowledgeable and was able to describe the historical sites with much delight. She even provided personal touch by providing us snacks that she prepared.
A fascinating review of the history, environment and way of life on the Banks Peninsula
Tour reviews by Norma
Jan 2019 • Couples
We booked this half day tour on spec and didn’t really know what to expect. Marie showed us many interesting places and told us so much about life on the Banks Peninsula from the early days of European settlement to the present day that we now feel that we understand this area of New Zealand probably better than any other that we visited during our holiday. She was a great host and story teller as well as a strong advocate of conservation. We would recommend her tours to anyone who has the slightest interest in South Island history, its flora and fauna, the environment and its peoples.
“Insightful and Delightful Day with Marie”
Tour reviews by BurbankTravellers
Jan 2019 • Couples
We arrived in Akaroa on an extremely stormy day by ship. Marie met us at the end of the dock and quickly whisked us inside her van. There were 6 of us on the tour. Marie was excellent and showed herself to be very creative and flexible when the weather caused her to change the itinerary a bit. Her knowledge of the area is in her actually being the Seventh Generation of Akaroa. Her passion and ability to share her love of the area was very engaging. In spite of the challenging weather, we saw a lot of the area with the added treat of touring the original 1880’s lighthouse of that area.
Marie has a delightful personality and her love for this area is contagious. We highly recommend The Seventh Generation!
The Seventh Generation Principle
Best Tour of Our Entire Trip
Jan 2019 • Couples
We spent a month touring Australia and New Zealand, hiring private tours periodically throughout our trip (as part of the trip was via cruise and we did not have transportation). Of all our tours, this was the best.
It was a day with wind and rain, but we still wanted to spend the day hiking. So, Marie figured out a way to revise our original plans and arrange a great day of hiking in one of the more wind-sheltered spots in the area. Not only was the weather better than in town, but the hike was absolutely gorgeous.
And Marie was a perfect guide. She was knowledgable and shared great local information. Yet, she allowed us periods of quiet to just hike with her along the gorgeous outdoor space.
Thank you Marie for taking one of the worst weather days of our trip and making it one of our best experiences.

Historian, Storyteller, Conservationist
Tour reviews by Sandie S
Jan 2019 • Couples
I contacted Marie via email and she was responsive and fun to communicate with. She arranged the following private tour for my partner and I.
-An exclusive 3.5 hour history and nature tour, visiting one of the most historic sites in New Zealand – Takapuneke, followed by a visit to the Onuku marae (Maori settlement) and the monument claiming of British sovereignty over the South Island. These three sites together tell the story of European settlement in New Zealand and are unique for their proximity as no other place in New Zealand has such a grouping!
We would follow this by a visit to the French landing and town of the first planned European settlement and only French settlement in New Zealand before morning or afternoon tea in the Heritage park surrounded by nature. Climbing the hills we travel over to the outer rim of Banks Peninsula and visit the conservation areas of the Wildside and Hinewai Reserve as well as seeing the original farm of my family and Maori fortified pa sites before travelling out to ‘The End of the Earth’.
Travelling back into Akaroa we will visit my ancestral family home and return to the wharf where we complete the historic stories in the park where all of Canterbury was purchased from the local Maori and is also the commemorative site of Frank Worsley, Shakelton’s navigator and ships captain.
We arrived Akaroa on cruise ship Azamara Quest on a wild weather day. Our tender barely made it in. We had invited 4 other guests, Marie was waiting on the Wharf for us. Since we couldn’t visit the park she had arranged a surprise Lighthouse tour where we had tea and scones (Marie is a great baker also), this was a very welcome substitution. It seems her family has lived in Akaroa for Seven Generations and she knows a few people!
We found Marie to be very professional, a true historian, a delightful storyteller, and a dedicated conservationist. She is also an awesome driver, is very sweet and has a great since of humor. This was one of the highlights of our trip. We feel we have a new friend, and everyone in our group felt that way.
I recommend her highly, great value for money, a sure thing and for the discerning traveler. When we went back on the ship and told everyone what we had done, their mouth pretty much dropped open. Marie made several excellent recommendations for wildlife conservation excursions in other ports, which we followed and were equally delighted. I recommend Seventh Generation highly.
Historical tour with an ecological focus
Tour reviews by Akire
Jan 2019 • Couples
Marie is a local historian and passionate ecologist who is proud to share her family links with visitors to the beautiful little town of Akoroa. She weaves stories and local Maori history into the three hour guided tour as well as taking you to see stunning landscapes and forest that is regenerating. I highly recommend this tour. It is fast becoming one of the highlights from our trip to NZ.

Tour Reviews 2018 | South Island Tour Reviews
Heidi Herbert
1 Tour reviews 5 years ago
What a fabulous two hours spent with the Seventh Generation Marie, who filled us in with the facts of the past and the dreams of the future. Loved it…want to do it soon again…I need to learn more.
Quiet Thoughtful Insight into Area History
Tour reviews by portlandpeter
Dec 2018 • Couples
We visited on Sunday, December 16 while on a cruise and wanted something other than to walk the crowded main street and the overpriced ship’s shore excursions. Marie has actual seventh generation credentials and provided a cultural and historic overview of the community and its context in this part of New Zealand. She met us at the dock, showed us the important local sights and even set our a mobile tea and snack platter at the French cemetery. Well worth it.
Scones & Tea With An Incredible View
Tour reviews by Mike
Dec 2018 • Family
Akaroa was our first stop in New Zealand during our 16-day Norwegian “Jewel” tour, It was by far our best stop and best tour. Marie did a great job molding the historical, cultural, geographic and environmental aspects of this remote hideaway. Her tour kept the attention of my four kids (ages 11-21). The photos posted do not do it justice. This is a see-to-believe experience and Marie will take you off the beaten path to take it all in.

Historical tour with French settler descendant
Dec 2018 • Couples
Tour started from the wharf(only wharf in the little city) and Marie guided us through important historical points telling us about the first settlement, the “agreement” between Maori and how the Europeans started their New Zealand life. The driving is scenic, very informative and interesting tour! Must go tour.
A Great Tour with Marie
Tour reviews by Elizabeth Bitomsky
What a great tour with Marie today. While all those cruise ship tourists clogged the Main Street of Akaroa we were off seeing famous Maori battle sites, learning about Mana and how the English gazumped the French . To top that we heard of Marie’s dreams of restoring the land for generations to come( at least 7)
Such a pleasure , thank you Marie Cheers Elizabeth and Greg
Akaroa History Safari
Tour reviews by KathB519
Nov 2018 • Friends
Marie Haley collected us at the Akaroa dock and then took us on a History Safari. Marie is a descendant of the first French settlers. Marie told us of the first Polynesian settlers & their stories, then of the English & French explorers & settlers & how the gorse bushes are being reduced so the forest can return to its original state. Marie then took us around Akaroa & over the mountains to the Pacific Ocean to see the pest reduction fence on one of the cliffs.
Personalised insight into geological, cultural, ecological and historical side of southern New Zealand.
Tour reviews by Paradise26147817542
Nov 2018 • Couples
A terrific experience with Marie, a descendant of the first French settler, historian of local Maori and European conflict and ecologist. A beautiful small group tour with a person who has a passion and understanding of what visitors want to experience.
Her inclusion of morning tea at a reflective remote mountain top location overlooking Akaroa Harbour is icing on the cake. A definite must.
History brought to life
Tour reviews by David
Oct 2018 • Couples
We had a pleasure of a tour hosted by Marie, the way Marie told the story from the perspective of a someone with a real connection to the history of the Banks Peninsula made the morning fantastic. Having a morning tea overlooking Akaroa Harbour was beautiful. I can highly recommend booking a tour. Definitely seven stars.
A memorable tour
Tour reviews by Ariful
Jun 2018 • Friends
It was really a wonderful tour. We were fortunate enough to get Marie as our host guide. The way she described the history of that particular area and her connection to that was quite interesting to listen. It was a good learning for us indeed. And the scenic beauty of Bank Peninsula is amazing undoubtedly. It was really a great experience even in a rainy day.
Tour Review 2017
Beautiful location, fantastic guide
Tour reviews by RowieG
Oct 2017 • Friends
I was lucky enough to go on a tour hosted by Marie and can’t say enough about how great it was. Banks Peninsula is a beautiful location with fascinating flora, fauna and an intriguing history. Marie’s story telling ability and imagery first took me back in time, then stepped me through to the present day and then propelled me into the future. She has a a genuine connection and passion to protect and conserve Banks Peninsula, she is full of information and really good fun too. I would recommend her tours to anyone visiting Akaroa.