Welcome to Banks Peninsula, home of The Hector’s dolphins and eco-tourism pioneers Black Cat Cruises

First Endangered Hector’s Dolphin Calf of the Season Spotted in Akaroa Harbour, Banks Peninsula

The next generation of the world’s rarest dolphin species has been captured in photos and on video! See our exclusive images and video content below…. International passengers from the cruise ship Dawn Princess who were on a Black Cat Cruises, Akaroa Harbour cruise or Swimming with Dolphins cruise were delighted to spot the first Hector’s […]

#Akaroa…Top Tips for Instagram

Here’s our quick run down of what it is, why we love it and how to make the most of it……. So what is Instagram? Instagram is the leading social media platform for sharing images. When it launched back in 2010 it had 1 million followers in its first month alone, so it’s no surprise […]

Banks Peninsula Tourism Operator celebrates 30 years in Business

It’s been a fantastic start to the new summer season for New Zealand eco-tourism operator Black Cat Cruises as they celebrate 30 years in business. Labour weekend 1985 Ron Bingham and his wife Durelle officially started Black Cat Cruises with a single boat called the Charmaine over in Akaroa. Skip forward to today and they […]

Akaroa business a SMART operator

We are over the moon to be awarded the SMART operator certificate from the Department of Conservation! Akaroa business Black Cat Cruises have become the first business in Banks Peninsula, and the second in the country, to sign up to the SMART Operator programme in an initiative developed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) to […]

10 Tips To Survive Your Family Camping Trip

What better way to spend your summer nights in New Zealand with the family than pitching a tent and sleeping under the stars? Banks Peninsula is full of scenic spots that are perfect for such an endeavour, and many people take advantage of that fact during our warmer months. If you’re thinking of roughing it […]

5 Fab Stops On Your Drive From Christchurch To Akaroa

Although it’s not a particularly long and arduous journey, it’s always nice to have a place to stop on a drive through the countryside. Take a look at a few of these places on your next trip to Akaroa for friendly faces, local attractions, or a delicious bite to eat: 1. Little River Little River […]

Banks Peninsula Must-Dos – A Guide to Lyttelton Bars

Lyttelton is a great family destination – the rich and interesting history and nature of the place puts something on offer for everyone. But if you’re after somewhere to wet your whistle after a long day of exploring, or something exciting for the 18+ crowd to do in the quirky port town, then check out […]

Hector’s Dolphin Killed By Set Net in Akaroa Harbour

Yesterday, Monday, April 6th, a dead Hector’s dolphin was discovered in Akaroa harbour. The cause of death was drowning by set net. This happened just days after the legal set netting summer ban had been lifted. A local man found the dead dolphin and alerted Black Cat Cruises, who in turn alerted both DOC and […]