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

Category Archives: Akaroa and Lyttelton News

STEVE DAWSON KICKS OFF THE INTERNATIONAL MARINE MAMMAL CONFERENCE

Professor Steve Dawson This past Saturday was not quite the big day, but it was the first of the big days. Several hundred marine mammal scientists, from all over world, assembled on Otago University’s campus in Dunedin for a set of pre-conference workshops. The workshops cover a wide range of topics, some predictable – gatherings of scientists […]

BLACK CAT SPONSOR INTERNATIONAL MARINE MAMMAL CONFERENCE

Our work and efforts to sustain and preserve New Zealand’s delicate marine wildlife extends beyond both Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula. As one of New Zealand’s leading eco-tourism operators we are extremely proud to sponsor the 20th International Biennial Marine Mammal Conference, being held in Dunedin this year. We hereby extend to you, by way […]

5 EASY STEPS TO TAKING A GREAT PHOTO…

Point and shoot – how hard can it be? Despite the seemingly idiot-proof design of the modern camera these days, it can be harder than it looks. That blurry, dark, shot of half your thumb, or the washed out, blindingly bright one of what you thought was the sunset are endless sources of frustration for […]

FIVE SURPRISING THINGS TO DO IN AKAROA

Beneath the picturesque surface of Akaroa there are many things you can do that you may not expect from the small seaside village. Here are a few you should try out the next time you’re over in the beautiful Banks Peninsula: 1. Getting in the Water With the harbour on its doorstep, the fact that […]

THE BENEFITS OF SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS

Getting up close and personal with the Hector’s dolphins of Banks Peninsula has been an unforgettable experience for hundreds of people every year. For many, having the chance to swim with these endangered creatures is simply an amazing opportunity in itself. However, there is more to swimming with the dolphins than just the thrill of […]

20 BIRDS YOU SHOULD EXPECT TO SEE IN AKAROA

Banks Peninsula is well known for its gorgeous scenery and breath taking views. But amongst the vast beauty found in the area, there lives a wide array of wildlife. Akaroa’s birds are just a few of many creatures you’ll find, but if you’re around in the warmer months, keep an eye out and there’s a […]

PLACES TO STAY IN AKAROA

Experience the charm, character and colour of our little town, Akaroa. No matter when or how you decide to venture over to the beautiful bays, there’s always a friendly and welcoming place to stay. Whether you’re after a cosy bach to while away the rest of the winter in or thinking of somewhere to put […]

10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT NEW ZEALAND’S ONLY NATIVE DOLPHIN

Hector’s Dolphins, (or Cephalorhynchus Hectori , for those of you with an affinity for Latin) are the friendly creatures that grace the waters near New Zealand shores. Native to Aotearoa, and commonly found along the coast of Banks Peninsula, these dolphins have sparked excitement in local scientists for the past 30 or so years, and […]

BANKS PENINSULA CRUISING

Cyclists high on the Summit Road above Akaroa Harbour during the iconic race, Le Race. Photo credit; Tailwind Events Banks Peninsula offers a huge variety of options to cruise on the bike, both for road and mountain biking. The area starting life as a volcanic island and the Peninsula’s two major volcanos’ have now sunk […]