Due to the earthquake in Christchurch and Canterbury on February 22nd, the visit to Lyttelton by the Queen Mary cruise liner has been cancelled.
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/7297255.html has additional information.
Category Archives: Akaroa New Zealand
Akaroa and Lyttelton News, Akaroa New Zealand, Hector's Dolphins
TOP 10 PLACES: WHERE TO SWIM WITH DOLPHINS
15
Feb
Feb
New Zealand is home to 11 types of dolphins, and there are a handful of places in the country where you can swim with the playful creatures. Have you ever wondered where else in the world you can swim with dolphins? We have! We did a little research and came up with this round-up of our top 10 picks for swimming with dolphins around the world.
10. California, USA
Seaworld in San Diego, California
Sunny California is home to any number of theme parks, and a few of these offer guests the opportunity to swim with bottlenose dolphins. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo and Seaworld in San Diego are the most popular.
9. Jamaica
Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
There are two places to swim with dolphins in the tropical paradise of Jamaica: Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios and at the Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay, however the latter is only available to guests of the resort.
8. Cancun, Mexico
Delphinus Xcaret, Mexico
You’re be spoiled for choice looking for a dolphin experience in Cancun. Shop around online for discounted rates: with so many locations there’s usually a special deal on somewhere. Look into the Wet’n’Wild theme park, Swim with Dolphins Cancun, and Dolphin Discovery. The nearby Riviera Maya offers even more choices: Delphinus Xcaret, Delphinus Xel-Ha and Delphinus Riviera Maya.
7. Egypt
Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Off the east coast of Egypt, the Red Sea is home to a population of wild Spinner dolphins. These acrobatic animals are known for entertaining observers by spinning in the air when they jump. Sharm El Sheikh, a large resort city offers possibilities for swimming with these dolphins both in the wild and in a marine park.
6. Florida, USA
Dolphin Research Centre in the Florida Keys, USA
With about 1,926 kilometres of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Florida is a great place to see and swim with dolphins. The Dolphin Research Centre in the Florida Keys is a popular location for dolphin swimming. This is also quite possibly the only place in the world where you can have a dolphin paint you a t-shirt.
5. Dubai
Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Considered the Las Vegas of the Middle East, Dubai has every attraction you can imagine: from indoor ski slopes to an underwater hotel. Naturally, Dubai has opportunities for dolphin swimming too! There are two options: the Dubai Dolphinarium and the Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah. Definitely the most extravagant swimming with dolphins experience in the world!
4. Bali, Indonesia
Melka Excelsior Hotel in Bali, Indonesia
The island of Bali is home to several organisations that offer encounters with tame dolphins. The Dolphin Pool at the Melka Excelsior Hotel in Lovina is a peaceful rehabilitation centre for dolphins that have been injured in the wild or mistreated in captivity. Playing with humans is part of their exercise and healing, so you can be sure it will be a great experience for both you and the dolphins.
3. Hawaii, USA
Kahala Resort on Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Hawaii is chock full of opportunities for dolphin swimming. Bottlenose and spinner dolphins live around the island chain, and a number of boat companies offer charter cruises that will take you to where they tend to congregate. If you’re looking for a guaranteed encounter, there are also several parks and resorts… Try Dolphin Quest at Kahala Resort and Sea Life Park on Oahu.
2. The Bahamas
Swim Wth Dolphins Bahamas, the Bahamas
Swim With Dolphins Bahamas and Dolphin Encounters both offer dolphin swimming at a dolphin sanctuary on Blue Lagoon Island. The dolphins are friendly and trained to play and interact with people. If you have a full week to devote to dolphins, WildQuest on Bimini does groups retreats where dolphin swimming is combined with yoga and meditation classes.
1. Akaroa, New Zealand
Black Cat Cruises in Akaroa Harbour, New Zealand
New Zealand’s South Island is the only home to the small and playful Hector’s dolphin. Black Cat is the only dolphin swim operator on Banks Peninsula, where many Hector’s dolphins live. Set in beautiful Akaroa Harbour, swimming with these dolphins in their natural habit is an experience unlike any other!
Akaroa and Lyttelton News, Akaroa New Zealand, Black Cat News, Lyttelton New Zealand
QUEEN MARY 2 CRUISE SHIP : ESCORTING OUT OF LYTTELTON HARBOUR
14
Feb
Feb
Have you ever seen a cruise ship up close? We see about 50 cruise ships a year docking in Lyttleton Harbour, and the sheer size of these ships never stops impressing us! When we witness just how large these ships can be, we have to take a moment to consider what a feat of human ingenuity they are.
Cruise ships in Lyttelton
The Queen Mary 2
In January, the massive Diamond Princess Cruise Ship docked in Lyttelton and Black Cat was given the privilege of escorting the ship out of the harbour. We gave our guests a very special two-hour ride alongside the Diamond Princess as she left Lyttelton for open sea. A unique and memorable experience for everyone!
We had such a great time with the Diamond Princess that when we heard about the iconic Queen Mary 2 (QM2) docking in Lyttelton on the 26th of February, we jumped at the chance to escort this impressive ocean liner.
Once again, Black Cat will be offering cruise escort tours to our guests. Join us for a two-hour tour on the 26th Feb 2011 (5:30pm to 7:30pm) as we accompany the Queen Mary 2 out of Lyttelton Harbour.
QM2’s classic design
We can’t wait for the chance to see this impressive liner up close and personal. Unlike typical cruise ships, the QM2 was designed in the style of vintage ocean liners like the Queen Elizabeth 2 (built in 1967) and the original Queen Mary (built in 1936).
Her classic style lends her a very distinct look. The design of the ship is so iconic that she’s even been the inspiration for cruise ships in movies like A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Poseidon and 2012.
Facts and figures
Be sure to head down to Lyttelton on February 26 to glimpse the ship from the public jetty. Here are a few things to know about Lyttelton Harbour’s honoured guest for the day:
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- The QM2 was built in 2003 and was, at the time, the largest passenger ship ever built. She has since been surpassed by a few cruise ships, but remains the largest ocean liner in the world.
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- To get a feel for the size of the ship, imagine Westminster Tower (Big Ben) in London. Now imagine 3 and a half Big Bens stacked on top of each other… That’s about the length of the QM 2.
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- The QM 2 has a passenger capacity of 2,620.
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- How do you keep 2,620 people entertained? Well, the QM2 has an on-board cinema, shopping arcade, planetarium (the first planetarium at sea!), ten restaurants, spa, 8,000 volume library, five swimming pools, gym, basketball court, kennels and childcare facilities. Not to mention the 300+ works of museum-quality art on display throughout the ship.
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- The QM2’s whistle is audible for 16 km.
Our captain is well-versed on the liner and will be entertaining guests of our tour with facts and anecdotes about the QM2. And, of course, nothing beats an evening cruise of beautiful Lyttelton Harbour. Keep your fingers crossed for the possibility of dolphin sightings! Contact us for more information on our cruise ship escort tour.
Akaroa and Lyttelton News, Akaroa New Zealand, Diamond Harbour Ferry, Lyttelton New Zealand
THINGS TO DO IN CHRISTCHURCH ON A LONG WEEKEND
12
Feb
Feb
Check out our most recent blog post about what is open in Christchurch since the earthquakes.
New Zealand is known for its outdoor adventures: for glaciers and fjords, volcanoes and pristine beaches. And while New Zealanders do love to be outside, the fact is that most of us live in developed urban areas.
Living in cities doesn’t mean we spend all our time in air-conditioned shopping malls and enjoy your time in Christchurch, like a true Cantabrian.
Friday 5-laaaaate
Botanic Gardens
For most of us, the weekend starts on Friday afternoons. Pick up some sandwich fillings, fresh bread and snacks in town and wander around the Botanic Gardens until you find the perfect picnic spot (there are some nice ones by the river, just be prepared to share with the ducks).
SOL Square
After dinner, head east, into the heart of town for some live music. SOL Square (which stands for South of Litchfield – conveniently describing the address) is a mainstay of the nightclub scene. The square features trendy bars and restaurants set hidden behind industrial brick buildings. You can definitely spend an evening bar-hopping here.
Saturday
Arts Centre Craft Market
Walk off the remnants of last night at the Arts Centre craft market. Wander past the handmade jewellery, crafts, delicious ice creams and don’t miss out the fudge cottage. If the smell of the fried food is too much for you, catch a bus or drive to Lyttelton for the crisp, fresh aroma of the weekly farmer’s market.
Lyttelton Farmer’s Market
Once you’ve stocked up on fresh fruits and veggies (you know you’ll want a snack later in the afternoon), wander around Lyttelton’s hip main street. Pop into one of the many cafes for a latte and a sandwich. Lyttelton Coffee Company offers a great view from the back porch.
Hiking in the Port Hills
If you took a bus, strap your hiking boots on and get trekking over the Port Hills to Sumner Beach. The paths are well marked, though it certainly wouldn’t hurt to have a map. The hike should take about 4 hours.
If you drove yourself to the harbour, you’re in for a treat. Take Sumner Road out of Lyttelton and then detour to the left when it intersects with Summit Road. Park at one of the lots off the main road for a scenic walk to burn off your lunch. Mountain bike trails are also plentiful, so definitely bring your bike. Once you’ve fully exhausted yourself, drive down into Sumner.
Fish & Chips on Sumner Beach
There should still be a few hours of sunlight left for you to enjoy this charming little beach town. Cool off in the temperate ocean, lie out on the sand and climb up Cave Rock (if you still have the energy!). When hunger strikes, pick up a package of fish and chips to enjoy by the beach. An ice cream cone while the sun sets is the perfect dessert.
If it’s not quite bedtime, catch a film at Sumner’s 70 year-old cinema—the only one of its kind still standing in Christchurch.
Sunday
Beautiful Akaroa the French Colony
The last day of the weekend is popular for a day trip as we try to cram in a vacation before we have to head back to work. Akaroa is a good choice, since it is close enough for a day trip but worlds away from what we’re used to in Christchurch.
Known as New Zealand’s French colony, Akaroa isn’t exactly what most people would consider ‘French’, but it’s still awfully charming. Take a relaxing stroll down the Rue Lavaudor park yourself on a scenic bench with a book. Akaroa is a relaxing town you won’t realise you are only an hour drive from Christchurch.
Akaroa Cafes and Restaurants
There are plenty of boutique cafes and restaurants for lunch. Check out a few menus and choose whatever looks good. With an abundance of restaurants serving French cuisine, this may be the only taste of France you get in New Zealand.
Swimming with Dolphins in Akaroa Harbour
Enjoy an incredible experience swimming with the worlds smallest and rarest dolphins. Hector’s dolphins are protected in the Akaroa harbour by a marine mammal sanctuary and this cruise gives you the chance to see them up close.
Monday
Akaroa – Relax, Shop and Enjoy
The morning will be spent in lovely Akaroa. Take time out to read a book on a bench overlooking the harbour. Treat yourself to an ice cream and take a walk up the jetty at the gorgeous shops including the famous pearls from Akaroa.
Cruise on Akaroa Harbour
In the afternoon, hope on board a Black Cat cruise for a stunning tour of Akaroa Harbour. You’ll get a great look at the marine wildlife that makes its home in the area including fur seals, penguins and the tiny Hector’s dolphin.
Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory
Drive back to Christchurch on the shuttle or your rental car and make sure you stop in to pick up some award winning cheese from Barry’s Bay Cheese factory. These are produced with some of the finest milk from the pastures of the Banks Peninsula.
We hope you enjoy your stay in Christchurch and have seen many of the wonderful Christchurch attractions.
A great blog post about Akaroa:
“Two extinct volcanoes. Two harbours. One drop dead gorgeous peninsula just over the hill from Christchurch.
When I finally score the real ‘Bank Error in Your Favour’ card instead of Monopoly’s version, I’m going to buy a ‘bach’ in Akaroa, the faux-French heart of the Banks Peninsula. Once a French colonial outpost from the era when the French and English were competing for dominion in the Antipodes, it has tenaciously held on to its short-lived French-ified past.”
Read the full blog post.
Akaroa and Lyttelton News, Akaroa New Zealand, Black Cat News
Black Cat Leads the Pack in Eco-tourism
31
Jan
Jan
Black Cat may be well known as a tourism operator, but did you know that we’re also a leader in environmental management? From reducing energy consumption to donating a portion of every passenger fare to dolphin conservation, Black Cat takes extra measures to ensure the preservation of our environment.
New Zealand’s first eco-tourism operator
Established in 1985 as Akaroa Harbour Cruises, we can claim to be New Zealand’s first eco-tourism enterprise. We launched with the intention of showing off Hector’s dolphins as well as the other creatures and scenery of Banks Peninsula. Naturally, such a reliance on the natural environment encouraged Black Cat to foster a keen interest in maintaining the health and beauty of Akaroa Harbour right from the start.
Actions to protect the environment
Black Cat works hard to protect the environment. First, we reduce our energy consumption (we aim for an annual reduction of 1% per person) through actions such as:
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- Maintaining our vessels for maximum efficiency
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- Encouraging our staff to walk or bike to work
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- Monitoring fuel usage
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- Using energy saving light bulbs and efficient heating
We also take care to minimise the by-products from the energy we do use. By recycling and using biodegradable cleaning products, Black Cat is able to reduce the amount of waste resulting from our operation.
Education and advocacy
Black Cat takes pride in giving back to the environment and the community through advocacy, education and sponsorship. Each year we donate at least $70,000 to programmes that support causes like marine mammal research and education, Quail Island restoration and penguin predator trapping.
We also provide sponsorship to projects that raise awareness of issues important to the community and the environment. For instance, early in 2010 Black Cat supported Christchurch teenager Aescleah Hawkins undertake a 42km walk to raise funds for the endangered Hector’s dolphins, an event that gained national media attention.
Positive Feedback
Black Cat’s efforts to protect and preserve the natural environment have been recognised with a number of international eco-tourism awards including a Green Globe 21 Award and a Skal International Eco-Tourism Award. With such positive response from the local and international community, we are confident that Black Cat will continue to set the standard for responsible engagement with the environment.
Book a place on a Black Cat cruise and see why we are one of top Christchurch attractions.
Akaroa and Lyttelton News, Akaroa New Zealand, Tourist Information, Wildlife Spotting
BLACK CAT LEADS THE PACK IN ECO-TOURISM
31
Jan
Jan
Black Cat may be well known as a tourism operator, but did you know that we’re also a leader in environmental management? From reducing energy consumption to donating a portion of every passenger fare to dolphin conservation, Black Cat takes extra measures to ensure the preservation of our environment.
New Zealand’s first eco-tourism operator
Established in 1985 as Akaroa Harbour Cruises, we can claim to be New Zealand’s first eco-tourism enterprise. We launched with the intention of showing off Hector’s dolphins as well as the other creatures and scenery of Banks Peninsula. Naturally, such a reliance on the natural environment encouraged Black Cat to foster a keen interest in maintaining the health and beauty of Akaroa Harbour right from the start.
Actions to protect the environment
Black Cat works hard to protect the environment. First, we reduce our energy consumption (we aim for an annual reduction of 1% per person) through actions such as:
-
- Maintaining our vessels for maximum efficiency
-
- Encouraging our staff to walk or bike to work
-
- Monitoring fuel usage
-
- Using energy saving light bulbs and efficient heating
We also take care to minimise the by-products from the energy we do use. By recycling and using biodegradable cleaning products, Black Cat is able to reduce the amount of waste resulting from our operation.
Education and advocacy
Black Cat takes pride in giving back to the environment and the community through advocacy, education and sponsorship. Each year we donate at least $70,000 to programmes that support causes like marine mammal research and education, Quail Island restoration and penguin predator trapping.
We also provide sponsorship to projects that raise awareness of issues important to the community and the environment. For instance, early in 2010 Black Cat supported Christchurch teenager Aescleah Hawkins undertake a 42km walk to raise funds for the endangered Hector’s dolphins, an event that gained national media attention.
Positive Feedback
Black Cat’s efforts to protect and preserve the natural environment have been recognised with a number of international eco-tourism awards including a Green Globe 21 Award and a Skal International Eco-Tourism Award. With such positive response from the local and international community, we are confident that Black Cat will continue to set the standard for responsible engagement with the environment.
Book a place on a Black Cat cruise and see why we are one of top Christchurch attractions.
26
Jan
Jan
Did you know that you can charter Black Cat boats for private events? Our Canterbury Cat and Black Cat catamarans comfortably hold up to 80 people, providing the perfect venue for a unique and enjoyable function.
A smooth evening
From entertaining clients and staff to celebrating with friends and family, chartered cruises are a memorable choice. Our experienced staff will make sure the evening runs smoothly, and the natural beauty of Banks Peninsula guarantees an unforgettable event.
For any occasion
One of our most popular charters, the dinner cruise, begins with an hour-long tour, offering guests the opportunity to scan the harbour for Hector’s dolphins and native sea birds. Then we anchor for a two-course buffet, catered by spitroast.com. For a more casual event, our catamarans can also be chartered for two to three hour cruises with access to a full bar service and the option of light snacks.
An unparalleled backdrop
We’ve hosted a variety of events, from end-of-year office parties to weddings, and each one has found the Black Cat charter to be an unforgettable event. With an abundance of natural beauty and the chance to spy some of New Zealand’s extraordinary wildlife, it’s impossible to beat a venue like Akaroa or Lyttelton Harbours. Holiday event planners take note: there is no better time to charter than the summertime, as your guests are treated to the stunning view of the sun setting over the water.
Checkout Black Cat Cruises as a function venue today.
Akaroa and Lyttelton News, Akaroa New Zealand, Hector's Dolphins
Help Protect our Friendliest Dolphin
11
Jan
Jan
Hector’s dolphins are the highlight of many Black Cat cruises, and rightfully so. Known to be the smallest and friendliest dolphin species, Hector’s are found only in New Zealand. Aside from their playful dispositions, the dolphins are notable for their rounded dorsal fins and short snouts.
Our mission
When Black Cat was established in 1985, we were determined to showcase these unique animals in their natural habitat and we’ve been proud to play a role in conserving the dolphins and their habitat for over twenty-five years. To help save the dolphins, Black Cat donates a portion of every passenger’s fare towards projects that support dolphin research and education.
The dolphin sanctuary
In 1989, a marine mammal sanctuary was put in place around Banks Peninsula. To protect the wildlife, the sanctuary placed restrictions on set netting (a commonly used fishing method), banning it for commercial use and restricting its recreational use. Set netting can be threat to marine wildlife, as seabirds or marine mammals are often accidentally entangled in the nets. During this time, Black Cat worked closely with renowned marine biologists Dr. Steve Dawson and Dr. Liz Slooten and continues to contribute to the preservation of this rare species.
More work to be done…
Sadly, even with established sanctuaries the Hector’s dolphin is an endangered species, with only between 5,000 and 7,000 left in the world. Threatened by fishing by-catch (such as by set nets), pollution and habitat destruction, it is crucial that we take care to preserve these animals. Here at Black Cat, we’ve taken measures to reduce waste in order to protect the dolphin’s habitat. We hope that these measures will help to ensure the future of the Hector’s dolphins.
Akaroa and Lyttelton News, Akaroa New Zealand, Black Cat News, Lyttelton New Zealand, Wildlife Spotting
Christmas Cruising 2010 Schedule & Prices
12
Dec
Dec
Our Christmas day schedule is as follows:
Akaroa Harbour Cruises
11.00am
$85/$35
11.00am
$85/$35
Dolphin swimming
9am, 12noon
$174/$144 (watching $144/$44).
Christchurch Wildlife Cruise (Lyttelton)
1:30pm
$85/$35 (includes free shuttle)
Diamond Harbour Ferry is a normal Saturday timetable with nothing after 6pm.