Full guided commentary by Nature Guide on your 2-hour tour
View NZ Fur seals lounging on volcanic rocks and playing in pools
View the Hector’s dolphin - smallest and rarest in the world, native to NZ – we call it the ‘kiwi of the sea’
Take in the stunning scenery of Akaroa Harbour
Complimentary tea, coffee, or hot chocolate
Spacious 60ft/20m modern catamaran - largest and most stable in Akaroa
What you can expect
Discover Akaroa Harbour on Black Cat Cruises’ two-hour Akaroa Nature Cruise, just 90 minutes from Christchurch, New Zealand. Explore the beautiful harbour, formed within an extinct volcanic crater, and enjoy stunning coastal scenery, towering volcanic cliffs and hidden sea caves along the Banks Peninsula coastline.
Look out for the rare Hector’s dolphin, the world’s smallest dolphin and a native of New Zealand. Spot New Zealand fur seals resting on the rocks and a variety of seabirds.
Our friendly and knowledgeable Nature Guides and Skippers bring the harbour to life with stories about the local wildlife, fascinating history and unique volcanic landscape. Learn more about the marine life that calls Akaroa Harbour home and the special environment that makes this area so unique.
Cruise aboard a comfortable catamaran and experience the natural beauty of Akaroa Harbour, with opportunities to see some of New Zealand’s most special marine wildlife in its natural habitat.
<more-info><ul><li> 2-hour wildlife and dolphin cruise of Akaroa Harbour
</li><li> Expert Nature Guides
</li><li> Fully narrated by your skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour
</li><li> Full bar facilities onboard
</li><li> Complimentary postcard,
</li><li> Complimentary tea, coffee & hot chocolate </li></ul></more-info>
<more-info><ul><li> Hotel Transfers
</li><li> Photo pack (optional extra)</li></ul></more-info>
<more-info><ul><li> For the cruise itinerary, click [here](https://cdn.experienceoz.com.au/assets/catalogueType/2/miscGraph/58166.pdf)</li></ul></more-info>
<more-info><ul><li> Cruise around an extinct volcanic crater and experience majestic scenery and stunning
</li><li> Your cruise is packed with highlights including the rare, NZ native dolphin - the Hector's Dolphin
</li><li> Glimpses of the White Flippered Blue Penguin, the smallest penguin in the world
</li><li> You'll see giant volcanic sea cliffs and hear about Akaroa's fascinating past. Cruises depart every day, weather permitting
</li><li> Fully narrated by your skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour</li></ul></more-info>
<more-info><ul><li> Departs daily at 1.30pm (All year)
</li><li> Check in 30 minutes prior to departure</li></ul></more-info>
<more-info><ul><li> This cruise departs from Akaroa's Main Wharf. Akaroa is a beautiful historic French Village about 90 minutes drive from Christchurch</li></ul></more-info>
<more-info><ul><li> Operates daily
</li><li> 10:45am & 1.30pm all year (also 3.45pm Dec - Jan)
</li><li> All guests will check in at the Black Cat Cruises office located at 61 Beach Road, Akaroa</li></ul></more-info>
<more-info><ul><li> We suggest you wear warm clothing. Even on warm days, there may be a cool sea breeze blowing. Sun screen and a hat is a must even if it’s cloudy. Bring your camera - there are incredible views.</li></ul></more-info>
<more-info><ul><li> Children under the age of 5 years are free of charge
</li><li> Our catamarans are suitable for families and for young children. The vessels have high rails, however we suggest that children are supervised at all times both for their own safety and for the enjoyment of the other people on board.
</li><li> Information sheets are available in German, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, French and Korean
</li><li> The vessel holds up to a maximum of 99 passengers</li></ul></more-info>
<more-info><ul><li> Change your booking up to 48 hours before the start time of your experience
</li><li> Changes are not permitted within 48 hours of your experience
</li><li> Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience</li></ul></more-info>
<more-info><ul><li> Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
</li><li> Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
</li><li> Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
</li><li> For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
</li><li> Cruise vessel subject to change without notice
</li><li> Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
</li><li> We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
</li><li>Prices are seasonal and are constantly changing. The from price displayed may not always be the price you are going to pay, as once you click on your specified date, the price will change to reflect the price for that date/season. Please note that in some cases where you cannot click on a date to obtain the price, please call us so we can assist you</li></ul></more-info>
Accessibility
Wheelchair friendly
Recent reviews
5/5
Based on 2 reviews
D
Dannielle Burns
over 9 years ago
This is a must do cruise
This is a must do cruise, I love seeing nature and we saw a lot of wild life. The weather wasn't the best but the company supplies you with jackets/blankets if you need one and coffee and tea to help warm up.
S
Susan mangion
over 11 years ago
Akaroa is the most beautiful township situated on the banks of the harbour
Akaroa is the most beautiful township situated on the banks of the harbour. The people at black cat cruises were very friendly and helpful and caring and attentive when a member of our party felt unwell. We saw sea birds, fur seals and best of all the little Hector Dolphins. We had an awesome time and would highly recommend it to everyone.
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of Country and their connections and continuous care for the skies, lands and waterways throughout Australia.