AKAROA NATURE CRUISE

Encounter the world’s rarest Hector’s dolphin Native to New Zealand

Just 90-minutes from Christchurch, embark on our award-winning dolphin cruise and encounter stunning Akaroa wildlife.

Encounter world’s smallest and rarest Hector’s dolphin on our nature cruise, often swimming alongside our vessel and delighting with acrobatic jumps. Be awed by the majestic volcanic sea cliffs, fur seals colonies, marine birds, and immerse yourself in Akaroa’s captivating history.

Black Cat Cruises are leaders in eco-tourism. During your cruise with us, you’ll discover the fascinating behaviors of Akaroa’s wildlife, learn about conservation efforts aimed at repopulating Hector’s dolphins, and explore how we can all contribute to their thriving future for generations to come.

Twice daily departures 10:45am & 1:30pm,
364 days a year

$119 – Adult 16 years & over$55 – Child 5-15 years
Free – Under 5 year olds*

*Under 5’s can cruise for for free when accompanying an adult. Gold card and family value pass available – select package when booking online. Schedule subject to change due to operational needs and weather conditions.

 

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Your 2-hour cruise highlights:

Our skilled skipper take you on a cruise around the Akaroa Harbour with a focus on encountering wild Hector’s dolphin in their habitat. We respect their natural behaviours and will not feed or intrude into their space.

Explore extinct volcanic crater and see fur seal colonies on cliff rocks, marine birds such as the five different cormorant (shag) species and the endangered yellow-eyed penguin, salmon farms, and more. Our Nature Guide will provide commentary on Akaroa’s history and wildlife conservation throughout the cruise.

Our large, accessible catamaran provides plenty of outdoor viewing deck and indoor cabin for adventurers of all age and abilities. Free coffee, tea and water are available at our bar, and hot chocolates for the little ones.

ABOUT YOUR CRUISE

Voted the number 1 wildlife activity in New Zealand, your award winning Akaroa cruise offers harbour adventure in comfort

 

Useful information

Travel in style and comfort
Board the Black Cat, a 60-foot/20-metre modern catamaran. As the largest vessel in Akaroa Harbour, it offers unobstructed views from its two spacious decks, along with ample shaded seating. Inside, you’ll find a bar and restroom facilities. Celebrated for its stability and safety, the Black Cat ensures a comfortable voyage.

Photographer’s delight
Aside from a array of wildlife, on each journey you’ll also see the once roaring volcano that boasts breathtaking remnants of ancient lava flows. Witness the awe-inspiring 500-foot cliff with a captivating history, and marvel at the Nikau Palm Gully. Not to be missed is the Scenery Nook, a vibrant amphitheatre of pink, purple, and red volcanic formations. Our skipper will slow the catamaran at each attraction, allowing photographers to take snaps of wildlife amongst stunning scenery.

Ticketing & boarding
There are two ticket offices in Akaroa, on Beach Road and the Main Wharf. Online booking is available and recommended especially during peak season when our cruise can sell out in advance. Akaora Nature Cruise boards on the Main Wharf,
check-in details will be provided in your e-ticket.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our cruise is different each and every day based on the weather, sea and wildlife. You will spend two hours out on the harbour.

We suggest you wear warm clothing. Even on warm days, there may be a cool sea breeze blowing. Sun screen and a hat is a must even if it’s cloudy. Bring your camera or phone – there are incredible views.

Under 5’s cruise for free all year round.

We recommend front packs for young babies.

If you have a buggy we can store this for you at the check-in building on the main wharf.

Our Nature Cruise boat has a large indoor cabin with seating and tables.

We offer free kids colouring in sheets on board to entertain your young ones.

Free tea, coffee and hot chocolates are available. We can also provide hot water.

Wheelchairs can board the Black Cat with ease and our staff are happy to assist you.

Ramps allow for easy access to both the boat and main wharf check-in building.

Toilets are available on the Black Cat however there are a few steps to walk down to access these. Wheelchair accessible toilets are available in our building on the main wharf.

For hearing impaired clients we have information sheets available. These are available in seven languages.

HOW TO FIND US

We operate from the main wharf in Akaroa, only 80 minutes (82 km) drive from Christchurch on State Highway 75. Once in Akaroa
follow the main road until you see a wharf on the waterfront with a large blue building half way down. This is where you check in.

HOW TO GET TO AKAROA

Akaroa is located around an 80 to 90-minute drive from Christchurch City and Christchurch International Airport.

It is an easy drive in a car through New Zealand farmland and then over the stunning Banks Peninsula hills to Akaroa. Use Google Maps for detailed directions on how to get from Christchurch to Akaroa.

Once in Akaroa continue along Rue Lavaud, which turns into Beach Rd. Look for the long wharf in the centre of the town. You’ll see our large blue building on the wharf with a dolphin mural painted on the roof. Print this map out to help you navigate. You can also find us at 61 Beach Road.

CRUISE SHIPS

Cruise ship passengers will disembark directly onto the main wharf in Akaroa. This is where our main booking office and gift shop are located. Please allow enough time for your tender boat to reach the wharf in time for your activity check-in.

akaroa christchurch
akaroa dolphin
hectors dolphins

ABOUT US

The award-winning Black Cat Cruises is not only an acclaimed success in New Zealand’s tourism industry but also internationally recognized as an eco-tourism pioneer. We hold the honour of being the first to introduce cruises in Akaroa, and we're proud to be acknowledged as New Zealand’s very first eco-tourism operator.

OUR LOCATIONS

Our Nature Cruises and Dolphin Swimming experience depart from the stunning Akaroa harbour which is only a 90 minute scenic drive from Christchurch. The Diamond Harbour and Quail Island ferry depart from Lyttelton in Christchurch.