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

Category Archives: Akaroa and Lyttelton News

THE BREEZE 63

The weather may feel a bit wintery but we’ve taken the last few months to get ourselves ready for the upcoming season. After all, spring is just around the corner. Below are announcements of new projects coming this season and some of the highlights of the winter. Thanks for reading. Cheers Paul   Major Akaroa […]

CHRISTMAS PARTY VENUES & IDEAS IN CHRISTCHURCH

Here is a list of interesting things to do in Christchurch if you are planning and organising a staff or office Christmas Party this year.  If you think you have an idea to add to this list please add them in the comments below. PARTY BOAT CRUISE Canterbury Cat Just 15 minutes from Christchurch lies […]

THE BREEZE 62

We are starting to head into our traditional off season but we’ll be out on the harbours every day. Below are some highlights from the season just completed including some of our best photos, a unique marriage proposal and our on going efforts to protect Hector’s dolphins. Thanks for reading. Cheers Paul   Photo of […]

TOURISM OPERATOR TALKS TO DOLPHINS

Dolphi Chat BCC2 April 12 Amazing technology previously only available in the scientific community that allows humans to talk to dolphins is being launched by leading New Zealand tourism operator Black Cat Cruises. New analysis of results from a 1970s experiment found that Dolphins ‘talk’ to each other using the same process to make their high-pitched […]

CHRISTCHURCH IS NOT BROKEN!

While many visitors to Akaroa are aware that things are still operational over the hills in Christchurch, it seems that some have interpreted the redirection of tours around the outskirts of the city to mean that the entire city has been flattened by last year’s earthquakes. So we thought it was worthwhile to clear up any misunderstanding […]

THE BREEZE 61

Thanks for taking some time to scan our latest news and events. Below you will find some information on the biggest dolphins on them all – the mighty Orca through to the smallest – hectors dolphins calves. There are also details of local events in Diamond Harbour and Akaroa along with confirmation of our top rating as […]

LYTTELTON’S BEST ATTRACTIONS

Lyttelton is just 13km from Christchurch and is a fantastic place to visit especially on a weekend.  Take the number 28 bus from Christchurch or its an easy 15 minute drive from central Christchurch.  This quirky historical town has seen much damage since the earthquakes in Canterbury but is definitely on the mend.  The locals […]

10 REASONS TO VISIT DIAMOND HARBOUR THIS SUMMER

Diamond Harbour is one of the sunniest and unspoilt destinations on Banks Peninsula and is great for a day trip. Getting there is easy, the best option is to take the Diamond Harbour Ferry from Lyttelton harbour (departs from B Jetty).  Black Cat Cruises run the ferry over there on a regular basis throughout the day.  check out […]

Orca Visits to Banks Peninsula

Why have pods of Orca been seen more often in Akaroa and Lyttelton Harbours lately? Black Cat have been cruising around Akaroa Harbour since 1985 and the original skipper, Ron Bingham, recalls seeing Orca only 5 times from 1985 to 2006, a period of 21 years cruising. In the last 12 months alone we’ve seen […]