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

Category Archives: Akaroa and Lyttelton News

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 […]

The Quail Island Easter Egg Hunt

Happy Easter holiday eve everyone! If you have little people at home and are wondering what to get up to over the long weekend then look no further. Black Cat Cruises will be hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt on Quail Island. You’ll have two and half hours on the island to hunt for coloured […]

Akaroa like you have never seen it before

Thank you for creating such an incredibly perfect video to showcase Akaroa!  I was captivated by the video and will be sharing it with everyone, especially my overseas friends and family. Wow!  Here are just a few lovely comments we received when we launched our brand new Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise video. Shot this summer it […]

Akaroa makes it on TV with two rare wildlife sightings during Seaweek

Bottlenose dolphins and a ginger seal make rare ‘once in a lifetime’ Akaroa visit Akaroa was treated to a rare ‘once in a lifetime’ sight of a pod of Bottlenose dolphins close to the town’s main wharf yesterday, well within sight of the town’s locals and visitors sitting in cafes on the waterfront. “It’s a […]

Of Demons and Dolphins

At the age of 71 Richard Jacobs wasn’t just worried about his age when he took the plunge and joined us on a dolphin swim. This inspiring story wraps both his fears and life-long dream all into one, and demonstrates the reward that awaits when you take on a challenge….. By Richard Jacobs Is it […]

Survival of the species – Rare dolphin calves sighted in Akaroa Harbour

This morning we made TV1 Breakfast News with our rare sighting of dolphin calves in Akaroa Harbour. Each year we eagerly wait to spot the first calf of the season. To see a mother and it’s calf is always great news for the endangered species. Early summer has seen Hector’s dolphin calves spotted swimming with […]

Banks Pensinsula Festival of Walking

Established by the local residents of Banks Peninsula, the walking festival was created to share thier passion for this special place with those from the wider community. What’s it all about? The Banks Peninsula Walking Festival offers guided walks all over the peninsula including lyttelton, Little River, Akaroa and the outer bays. The guides, who […]