EXPERIENCE

Experience cruising through an
extinct volcanic crater
full of wildlife

AKAROA NATURE CRUISES

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

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ENCOUNTER

Encounter the world’s rarest
dolphin in the world’s
largest ocean

SWIM 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

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EXPLORE

Explore Quail Island’s timeless
landscape or Ripapa
Island’s rich heritage

ISLAND ESCAPEs

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 September 2024

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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.

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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, we have a package to suit everyone.

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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.

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SPECIALS
AND PROMOTIONS

Christchurch activity Quail Island

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...

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DISCOVER THE UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURES
THAT BANKS PENINSULA HAS TO OFFER

BOOK AN ADVENTURE
 

hectors dolphins

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.

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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.

FIND OUT MORE

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.

More

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.

More

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.

More

SPECIALS
AND PROMOTIONS

Christchurch activity Quail Island

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...

More

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

doc approved operator

Black Cat Cruises is approved by the Department of ConservaDon

qualmark gold akaroa

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

akaroa activity

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!

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

Trip Advisor ‘Hall of Fame’ and Certificate of Excellence recipient for the last 10 years

Black Cat Cruises is both permitted and approved by the Department of Conservation

Qualmark endorsed, the only Akaroa cruise operator with an Enviro-Gold award

Current conservation award holders and 2019 winner of the conservation award from The New Zealand Tourism Awards

Black Cat Cruises was voted the #1 experience out of the Top 100 Bucket List for Experience OZ + NZ

We currently hold the title for number 1 wildlife activity in New Zealand as voted by thousands of Kiwis in the AA’s national survey

Awarded by the Dept of Conservation for our safe and sustainable practices with the environment and wildlife we work around

Lonely Planet recognised our Swimming With Dolphins experience as one of the Top 10 Marine Mammal Experiences in the world