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

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Destination Akaroa: An Explorer’s Guide to Banks Peninsula & Its Crown Jewel

Wondering where to begin your Akaroa adventure? This blog will guide you through every must-see and must-do activity! There’s no denying the allure of a New Zealand summer, especially when exploring the myriad of things to do in Akaroa, Canterbury. With its captivating charm, Akaroa stands out even amidst New Zealand’s stunning locales. Situated within […]

How effective are the government’s new fishing rules at saving the endangered Hector’s Dolphins?

What is this about?   Just under a year ago, a very important matter regarding the future of Hector’s dolphins was opened to submissions from the public.   The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) was trying to decide how to further protect Hector’s and Maui dolphins from ‘Bycatch’. Bycatch refers to accidentally catching one species […]

THE OCEAN IS IN YOUR HANDS

In September 2021, Blue Cradle collaborated with community actors, local artists and key sponsors to create “The Ocean is in our Hands” mural at ‘The Crossing’, corner of Colombo & Lichfield streets, in Ōtautahi/Christchurch. Have you seen it? One year on the city of Christchurch is celebrating its one year anniversary, on the eve of […]

Meet Our Sonya – Black Cat Team Mate and Akaroa Fudge Maker Extraordinaire

akaroa fudge

Did some-one say Akaroa fudge? Sonya Watts is a most loved Black Cat Team member based in our big blue building on the main wharf of Akaroa. Her hospitality and quick wit humour is second to none. In the last couple of years Sonya (or Sonni to her friends) has branched out into making what […]

KIDSFEST FUN – TICKETS ON SALE

    Make the most of the school holidays and some awesome family time with us in Akaroa. 2 Kids cruise for free in Akaroa, with one full price adult, this Kidsfest. Pay $95 and save $80! And don’t forget we offer a Hector’s Dolphin guarantee and under 5’s cruise for free all year round […]

CELEBRATING SEAWEEK

seaweek akaroa

What is Seaweek and why do we celebrate it? How much do you know about the seas surrounding our little Island? Are you aware of just how important the ocean is to us humans, no matter where you live? Whether you know very little or a lot, you’ll learn something valuable through the NZ Association […]

From Farming to Ferries: the Black Cat Cruises Story

ron and durelle bingham

Black Cat is proud to release this personal recollection of the key events and people that built the business into what it is today. The idea for the video came about when Black Cat tragically lost one of its finest in a car accident. This video is dedicated to the entire team; past and present. […]

SEAWEEK LIVE IN LYTTELTON – FREE LIVE STREAMED EVENT FOR KIDS

Hector's dolphin book

SEAWEEK FUN…. Every year Black Cat Cruises join in with the national celebration of Seaweek. Seaweek is an opportunity to celebrate connecting with our seas….and what better way than instilling that connection with our youngest generation from the very start? So read on and discover the link to our free live concert…and our brand new […]

Valentines Day in Akaroa

akaroa accomodation

How do you spend the ultimate Valetines day???? We all know Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to spoil your loved one and create great memories together. Whether you’re looking to impress a new date or do something different for your 10th Valentine’s Day together, look no further than this blog! We’ll give you the […]

World Animal Day – Celebrating and Protecting Hector’s Dolphins

akaroa dolphin

Today, October 4th is World Animal Day. It has become an internationally celebrated day to support animal rights and welfare and we are celebrating the Hector’s dolphin. How World Ocean Day Started The very first World Animal Day took place nearly 100 years ago on March 24, 1925, in the Sport Palace in Berlin, Germany. […]