COVID ALERT LEVEL 2 - All operations and experiences are running with safety measures in place. October School holidays promotions on sale. Kids Cruise free in Akaroa and Quail Island Treasure Hunt in Lyttelton. See specials page for dealss
If you are looking for a school holiday activity in Christchurch then look no further….
Best of all adults cruise at kids prices throughout the April school holidays ($15 return per person).
So what’s it all about?
Well, six native New Zealand birds are hiding around Quail Island.
These Big Beautiful Birds have been painted in watercolour by a local Lyttelton artist. Each piece of art has been blown up and printed on very large boards, so they look amazing and will be hard to miss. You will also be given a map to help you locate all of the birds. Each bird is accompanied by some facts to help teach our younger generation about our native wildlife.
So we invite you to come and explore Quail island and find them all, whilst learning about each bird.
Complete our fun fact sheet and we’ll reward you with surprise treats on your boat ride back to Lyttelton.
A boat ride, fresh air, education, exercise, nature and fun all rolled into one!
The April school holiday starts on Saturday April 17th and goes through to Sunday May 2nd, 2021
Boat departs twice daily from B Jetty in Lyttleton harbour.
Departures:
10.15am and 12.15pm
Return:
12.30pm and 3.30pm
Online booking is recommended which you can do right here
During the cruise Melton Estate will guide you through a complimentary tasting of five spectacular wines. These will include;
Summer Love Sparking 2019
Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Pinot Rose 2020
Pinot Gris 2017
Pinot Noir 2017
We will exclusively sell Melton Estate wine on board the Canterbury Cat for the duration of the cruise and Melton Estate will also provide the opportunity to pre-purchase your Christmas wine.
Delicious platters provided by our local catering partner will also be served as you sip on wine and take in the stunning harbour scenery.
It’s the perfect pre-christmas get together opportunity.
Tickets are limited and we predict they will sell out so don’t be too late to book.
You can book tickets directly here by selecting the date of November 21st.
Due to alcohol being served this event is strictly for over 18’s only.Thank you
MELTON ESTATE
If you’re unable to join us on the cruise you can always visit Melton Estate and enjoy the taste of local boutique wine, only 15 minutes from Christchurch Airport. There are 9 different wines to try, including the acclaimed “Summer Love Sparkling”. Walk amongst the vines or sip wine inside the modern winery restaurant. Combining winery style and sophisticated facilities, Melton Estate is the perfect choice for lunch, wine tastings, weddings and other family celebrations, as well as company conferences and meeting events. Opening Hours: 10am to 5pm Thursday to Sunday, and by arrangement.
Well i think it’s safe to safe we are all looking forward to a three day weekend where we can get out and #exploreyourplace in our beautiful backyard!
So we are pleased to let you know that we will be operating our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise giving you the perfect excuse to take a day trip or long weekend in Akaroa. And for those staying closer to Christchurch we will be operating the Quail Island Ferry from Lyttelton on Saturday, Sunday and Monday #discoversomethingnewnz
25% Discount
We are offering a 25% on our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise over the long weekend when you book online and use the code ‘UNITE’. As we are still operating with restricted numbers to give you extra space and peace of mind we highly recommend booking in advance #supportlocal
Under 5’s Travel Free
A reminder that under 5’s travel for free on our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise and Quail Island ferry all year round regardless #familyfirst
Operating Times
Escape, relax and spend some time discovering a #purenz experience…..
The Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise will be operating at 11am and 1.30pm over these three days. Sat & Sun are fully booked at 1.30pm.
The Quail Island Ferry will depart Lyttelton at 10.20 am & 12.20pm, returning at 12.30pm & 3.30pm
Limited Capacity
We highly recommend booking in advance online as numbers are limited to ensure you have maximum space and peace of mind. Our 1.30pm Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise on the Saturday and Sunday are already fully booked Thank you to all of our customers helping to #backyourbackyard
You can view our booking calendar here. Simply select the product and date you wish you travel to check availability. From all of us at #blackcatcruises we hope to see you out there!
Celebrate Seaweek 2020 by cruising stunning Lyttelton Harbour with Black Cat Cruises and the NZ Whale and Dolphin Trust! Each cruise will also host a very special expert guest from the trust, so you can you learn directly from the scientists studying Hector’s dolphins.
What is Seaweek?
Seaweek – Kaupapa Moana is New Zealand’s annual national week celebrating the sea which takes place from Saturday 29 February to Sunday 8 March 2020.
Seaweek Lyttelton Harbour Cruise
Step aboard our spacious catamaran, Canterbury Cat and search for the endangered Hector’s dolphin as you’re taken on a guided cruise around Lyttelton Harbour along with a special scientific guest from the NZ Whale and Dolphin Trust.
The cruise will last for 1.5 hours and all profits will be donated to the NZ Whale and Dolphin Trust.
DATES:
29 February 2020 7 March 2020 8 March 2020
TIME:
1:30PM – 3:00PM
TICKETS:
Adults: $30.00 Children (5-15 years): $20.00 Children under 5: FREE
Starting tomorrow is Department of Conservation – Conservation Week 2019! This year proudly celebrates 50 years of Conservation Week here in NZ – an amazing feat! The week runs from the 14th of September through to the 22nd of September 2019 in locations all over New Zealand.
Why do we need a Conservation Week?
New Zealand’s wildlife is still in crisis with more than 4,000 of our native animals (including the Hector’s dolphin) and plants threatened or at risk. Conservation Week is a chance to bring everyone together to do something, big or small to create change.
Every year Conservation Week sees thousands of New Zealanders getting involved through doing conservation activities at home or attending one of many events hosted across the country. Creating change can be big or small, when we pull together, we can make a big difference.
Black Cat and Conservation
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. We have recently also been nominated for the Conservation Awards at the 2019 NZ Tourism Awards.
Hector’s Dolphin
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.
In February 2019, we launched the Protect Hector’s campaign to increase public awareness of the threat to Hector’s dolphins and the vital need for their protection. The campaign focussed on encouraging individuals to get involved in the 2019 Threat Management Plan consultation. We created a landing page within the Black Cat Cruises website where people can fill in their details and a postcard will be sent on their behalf to Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, calling for better protection for Hector’s. Physical postcards were also placed on all Black Cat’s boats in both Lyttelton and Akaroa.
We also have a strong commitment to marine environment education and the
plight of the Hector’s dolphin in schools.
In 2017, Black Cat developed a new marine based educational resource for
schools and the pilot programme launched Nov 2017. The programme included
resource books for teachers and corresponding workbook for the students aimed
at Year 3 and 4 students.
What is Black Cat Cruises doing for Conservation Week?
To celebrate 50 years of Conservation Week, Black Cat Cruises is letting kids cruise for free from the 14th-22nd of September! (T’s and C’s apply).
Come along with your family and discover the natural wonders of Akaroa Habour aboard our award-winning 2-hour Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise.
This fun 2 hour cruise suitable for all ages is packed with stunning highlights including the endemic (only found in NZ) and playful Hector’s dolphin, as well as White-flippered Little Blue penguins, NZ Fur seals and abundant birdlife. You’ll see giant volcanic sea cliffs, view dramatic scenery and hear about Akaroa’s fascinating past. Cruises depart every day, weather permitting.
Akaroa Harbour Nature Kids
Conservation Week Special!
? Kids Cruise Free during Conservation Week (14–22 Sept) ? One child free per paying adult ? Direct bookings only via phone, email or online at the Black Cat website using promocode NATURE ? Kids will also receive a free Hector’s dolphin fun activity book to learn all about the endangered Hector’s dolphin!
We are very proud of our incredible team and their commitment to protecting the Banks Peninsula marine environment and its inhabitants, especially the endangered Hector’s dolphin.
This is a great honour that recognises not only the work put in to campaign for better protection of the Hector’s dolphins this year, but also the education and information we pass onto our customers each and every day.
Stay tuned for the results late October 2019! Yahhhooo.
Vote for Black Cat Cruises for the Peoples Choice Award!
As part of being a finalist, there is also a Peoples Choice Award up for grabs and this is YOUR chance to vote for your favourite NZ tourism experience.
We would love it if you chose us! Please click the link below and vote for Black Cat Cruises as your People’s Choice!
Plus, as a bonus for voting you’ll be in for a chance to WIN an Air New Zealand Mystery Break™ including:
✈️ Return airfares to a New Zealand mystery destination ? Two nights twin share accommodation ? Transfer to & from airport to destination
On a stunning, sunny winter’s day in Ōtautahi (Christchurch), Black Cat hosted a group of delegates from the TECNZ (Tourism Export Council) 2019 Conference over on Quail Island for a day of native tree planting.
Conference delegates from TECNZ 19
This group of keen gardeners assisted the Quail Island Restoration Trust by planting 100 trees and had a fantastic day exploring this hidden Christchurch gem, soaking up the warm sun and giving back. Thanks so much to everyone that took part!
Our annual Easter Egg Hunt hosted on beautiful Quail Island is back once again!
Take the family or gather up some friends this Easter for a fun-filled day on Quail Island. Search the island for coloured tokens and exchange for scrumptious Easter eggs*. On your journey discover along the way old shipwrecks, cheeky native birds, volcanic cliffs and hidden caves!
The Easter Bunny is getting prepared to leave thousands (yes thousands!)
of delicious chocolate eggs with us.
Tickets are limited! Making this the hottest and tastiest Easter activity in town!
Quail Island Easter Egg Hunt
When is it?
The Quail Island Easter Egg Hunt will happen from
Friday 19 April through to Monday 22 April 2019.
What time?
There are 3 times you can head out to Quail Island on
the Easter Egg Hunt:
Please note you must depart and return at the times stated on your ticket.
Who can go?
Our Quail Island Easter Egg Hunt is designed for absolutely any age! Quail Island is a wonderful place for families and friends of all ages.
How much is it?
Children under 5 years: Free Children 5-15 years: $15.00 Adults: $30.00
How can I book?
Firstly, you must book your tickets with us. This can be done by calling 0800 436 574 or jumping online at www.blackcat.co.nz. We highly recommend booking in advance because we sell out on every day, every year
How does it work?
Come down to B Jetty in Lyttelton at least 15 minutes before your departure time. Our skipper will be there to welcome you on board the Canterbury Cat as you then cruise across Lyttelton Harbour to disembark at the wharf on Quail Island. Our Black Cat Cruises crew (along with the Easter Bunny of course) will have hidden coloured tokens around the island. Every guest on our Easter Egg Hunt is encouraged to collect a maximum of three coloured tokens which we then swap for your chocolate eggs on your ferry ride back.
Don’t forget!
Find the golden egg
to win a GIANT CHOCOLATE BUNNY. There will be one golden egg hidden every day
over the long weekend.
Bring your very best teds and join us at the inaugural Plunket Teddy Bear’s Picnic on Quail Island!
We are proud to support Plunket and the amazing work and services they provide for mum’s, babies and families in New Zealand.
When?
Black Cat Cruises have donated a special charter departing from Lyttelton Harbour to Quail Island on the 9th of February (rain day 10 February) at 11:15am and returning 2:30pm.
All proceeds from this event go back to Plunket to support the free services they provide to the Christchurch community such as Parenting Education, Coffee Groups, Playgroups and Music and Movement Groups.
What’s Included?
These discounted ticket prices includes return boat ride and sausage, and a goody bag for each child (0 – 12 years).
Adults are normally $30 each and children $15 each.
The fine print: For safety reasons, there must be at least one adult available for every 3 children. There are only 80 seats on the charter. Under 2’s will be counted as 1 Child for the purposes of this trip.
Quail Island in one of the best Christchurch day trips out there. Just a short 10 / 15 minute ferry ride from Lyttelton wharf, Quail Island is a wonderful destination for a family day out. There’s a walking track, old shipwrecks, and a lovely swimming beach close to the jetty so pack some drinks and snacks and of course your swimming costumes for a great family day out.
Black Cat Cruises have donated a special charter departing from Lyttelton Harbour to Quail Island on the 9th of February (rain day 10 February) at 11:15am and returning 2:30pm.