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

Category Archives: Akaroa and Lyttelton News

13 THINGS TO DO IN AKAROA – ACTIVITIES

If you’re looking for somewhere to holiday in the South Island, Akaroa is a great place to spend a few days. In a post-earthquake Canterbury, Akaroa is unharmed and is a great place to go to get away from it all. Come try out the many Akaroa activities. Banks Peninsula Walking Track These walks are a great way […]

THINGS TO DO IN CHRISTCHURCH POST-EARTHQUAKE

Here’s an updated list of what’s open in Christchurch after the earthquake – and also in the surrounding area. If you know other things please add them into the comments below so everyone knows! Pop Up Mall A revamped version of the Cashel Street mall was reopened at the end of October 2011. Temporary shops […]

ROMANTIC AKAROA

Planning a romantic weekend in Akaroa? Peaceful Akaroa Akaroa is the perfect place to go to for a romantic escape from the stresses of city life. The town has retained its ‘French Village’ character with many colonial-style buildings and French street names and throw mix in the ambience of a small seaside settlement with lots of […]

THE BREEZE 58

Spring is here and its time to look forward to summer. Over the winter months we’ve been planning and preparing to welcome visitors this season. Around 80 cruise ships have selected Akaroa as their Canterbury base this season which should really add some buzz to the town. Of course the buzz right now is about […]

WHAT IS SEASICKNESS, HOW CAN YOU AVOID IT, AND WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU GET IT?

One of the biggest and most annoying irritations when going on a cruise or swimming with dolphins is seasickness.  Fortunately Black Cat Cruisesoperate in the sheltered waters of Akaroa Harbour, but sometimes when the swell is particularly large, or the dolphins we are trying to locate are slightly out of the harbour, we encounter turbulence and […]

EAST COAST OF THE SOUTH ISLAND SIGHTSEEING GUIDE

The East Coast of New Zealand’s South Island is a place of contrast, beauty and history. Sightseeing options during your holidays here range from colonial towns and sleepy Maori fishing villages, to vibrant cities such as Dunedin and Christchurch. Things to do on the South Island East Coast include getting close to nature, wine tasting or getting […]

WHALE WATCHING IN AKAROA

With a coastline of approximately 15,000 kilometres New Zealanders have always had and continue to have a close affinity with the ocean. Working within a company whose occupation it is to take passengers out on harbour cruises and swimming with the dolphins we the staff at Black Cat Cruises are at the heart of it all and […]

THE BREEZE 57

The shortest day is nearly upon us and whilst many are hoping it’s about to snow the fine weather has been great for cruising. We’ve had some special sightings of whales recently and hosted some VIPs including the former mayor of San Francisco and a NZ sports legend. We’re also looking forward to next summer […]

11 THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN AKAROA

I grew up in Akaroa so I’m really surprised when I hear people say there is not much for children to do in the town, and that the hot pools of Hamner are a better bet. Sure the pools are a must do but you can’t go there every weekend and Akaroa offers something different for families. […]

SNOOZE AND CRUISE OPTION FOR AKAROA

Despite Akaroa’s close proximity to Christchurch, and our location on the other side of Banks Peninsula from Lyttelton, the resort township is unaffected by the Christchurch earthquake. All the cafes, restaurants, shops and accommodation businesses are operating as usual, with all the charm and atmosphere visitors have come to expect. At Black Cat we are […]