AKAROA NATURE CRUISE
Travel to the enchanting French village of Akaroa, the gateway to our multi-award-winning daily excursions. Encounter the world's smallest and rarest dolphin, Hector's dolphins, along with New Zealand fur seals, coastal birds, and more as you cruise through the majestic landscape of an extinct volcanic crater.
PRICEs
Adult $119
Child 5-15 years $55
Kids under 5 - Free
Valid until September 2025
SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS
Dive into the blue waters of Akaroa Harbour and encounter the world's rarest dolphin, Hector's dolphins, on their terms. Voted by Lonely Planet as one of the top ten marine mammal experiences in the world, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable experience in the true wild. We offer a Hector's dolphin guarantee policy for every trip taken with us.
PRICEs
Adult $199
Child (8–15 years) $169
Spectators $119
Valid until September 2025
QUAIL ISLAND
Did you know Christchurch boasts two islands just a stone's throw away? Opt for a getaway to Quail Island, featuring a two-hour loop walking track, shipwrecks, swimming beaches, and connections to Antarctica. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the rich history of Ripapa Island, a small isle with a grand past.
PRICEs
Adult $40
Child 5-15 years $20
Kids under 5 - Free
Valid until November 2024
DISCOVER THE UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURES
THAT BANKS PENINSULA HAS TO OFFER
ABOUT US
The award-winning Black Cat Cruises is not only an acclaimed success in New Zealand’s tourism industry but also internationally recognized as an eco-tourism pioneer. We hold the honour of being the first to introduce cruises in Akaroa, and we're proud to be acknowledged as New Zealand’s very first eco-tourism operator.
OUR LOCATIONS
Our Nature Cruises and Dolphin Swimming experience depart from the stunning Akaroa Harbour which is only a 90 minute scenic drive from Christchurch. The Diamond Harbour and Quail Island ferry depart from Lyttelton in Christchurch.
PROTECT
HECTOR'S DOLPHINS
Conservation is embedded in our DNA. Protecting our unique dolphins isn't just an act—it defines us. We collaborate with industry partners and the community, continually advocating for enhanced protection of our rare native dolphin.
DIAMOND
HARBOUR FERRY
Legend says Diamond Harbour was so named because one of the early settlers observed the sun reflecting on the water and thought it looked like a thousand shining diamonds. It remains one of the sunniest and most unspoilt destinations on Banks Peninsula.
PRIVATE
CHARTER CRUISES
Black Cat’s Charter Cruises offers event organisers a unique setting for any occasion – from social club gatherings and functions to conference entertainment and exclusive celebrations.
SPECIALS
AND PROMOTIONS
Discover our fantastic deals, promotions and special events. We host awesome events in Akaroa and Lyttelton throughout the year along with a mix of ongoing deals and one-off specials. Don't miss out...
AWARD WINNING ADVENTURES
For over a decade Black Cat has been recognised nationally and internationally with numerous tourism awards and are recognised as
New Zealand’s first true eco-tourism operator
Black Cat Cruises is approved by the Department of ConservaDon
Qualmark endorsed, the only Akaroa cruise operator with an Enviro-Gold award
Trip Advisor ‘Hall of Famer’ and CerDicate of Excellence recipient for the last 5 years
Black Cat Cruises made it onto the Top 100 Bucket List for Experience OZ + NZ
Recognised by our industry for our conservaDon eforts we proudly received this award in 2004
We currently hold the Dtle for number 1 wildlife acDvity in New Zealand as voted by thousands of Kiwis in the AA’s naDonal survey
Awarded by the Dept of ConservaDon for our safe and sustainable pracDces with the environment and wildlife we work around
We are listed in the 2014 guide as one of the Top 10 Marine Mammal Experiences in the world for our Akaroa dolphin swim experience!
