Likely to sell out10% off
Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
At the core, we’re a family business with our management team being 6th & 7th generation Banks Peninsula locals. Alongside our family members, we have a passionate team who are committed to you having a once-in-a-lifetime experience! We keep our passenger groups small so that you have more room to move around the boat, and enjoy your cruise without overcrowding or missing dolphin sightings due to a shortage of viewing space. Our boat has a low-lying profile which means you get closer to the wildlife! When you board our boat you’ll be offered a complimentary drink. Choose from beer, award-winning local wine or non-alcoholic options. You’ll also enjoy our famous home-baked treats made from our family recipe and served to you by our delightful onboard crew. We are committed to the conservation of our harbour's environment and wildlife. After all, it’s the centre point of our business. *Check-in is 30 minutes prior to the departure, with boarding 15 minutes beforehand.
Inclusions
What's included
- Knowledgeable local skipper and guide
- Homemade cookie (family recipe)
- Complimentary drink (beer, NZ wine, or non-alcoholic option)
What's not
- Swimming with dolphins (for conservation reasons)
- Transport to Akaroa
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
5.0
- 52,204
- 463
- 33
- 23
- 13
Ratings come from 2,276 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Showing reviews written in English.
5Amazing experience!!!
We had the best experience today, such value for money with extra treats like a complimentary drink, cookie and the offer of warm coats if needed, not to forget the lovely Theo!! Molly and Lucy welcomed us and the skipper shared lots of local and historic knowledge, I will particularly remember the rock sausages!! We were lucky to see beautiful Hector Dolphins - thank you for such a wonderful experience which will be added to our honeymoon memories!!
5Saw so many dolphins, amazing tour
Really really great experience, we saw so many hectors dolphins, 2 pairs of mother and babies!! They swam right under the boat. We also saw so many cool birds, which the tour guides on the boat pointed out and named every single one, including the huge brown one that hunts and eats penguins (woah). We saw seals and one penguin, luckily not being eaten by the predator bird. We sat right up the front of the boat, best spot. Also did a tour of the stunning rock formations and caves. Albie the dog was super cute, maybe not so much at spotting dolphins but certainly good at shaking paws for treats. Absolutely loved the whole tour, very much worth the money. Booked direct with the tour on their website. Super easy to get tickets from the office and walk down the jetty.
5Amazing trip!
Attended the trip with my husband, daughter and her partner and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. The staff were extremely friendly including Albie the dog! The tour guide commentary was informative and interesting. We managed to see some of the dolphins and the scenery was totally stunning. Would highly recommend. Be sure to take a warm top and wind proof jacket.
5Fantastic family morning activity
Beautiful day out. Saw dolphins, penguins and seals. The skipper and crew were great, very friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Highly recommend.
5Boogerooneys Dolphin Nature Cruise 2/10/2026
Had a great 2-hour cruise with George, Lucy, Alexia & Louie (canine). As promised, we saw loads of Hectors Dolphins & NZ Fur Seals. Georges commentary was superb & engaging. Lucy & Alexia were lovely, friendly hostesses. Highly recommend to anyone - either Christchurch locals like us, visitors from outside Canterbury or NZ.
5Fun on the water in Akaroa
This was so fun! We were lucky to see seals, Hector dolphins, and Penguins! Our crew was so knowledgeable and funny! 100% recommend this to anyone! Thank you all so much for making our first day in NZ amazing!
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Check-In: 30 minutes before departure. Boarding 15 minutes prior. Note: Akaroa is approx. a 90-minute drive from Christchurch and Lyttelton Port.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Tickets
- Tickets are redeemed at a different location from the meeting point.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 35 travellers
- Operated by
- Akaroa Dolphins
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Akaroa
- Its from-price is close to the median of the 27 experiences we list in Akaroa.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 1 of 27.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Akaroa
Akaroa is a small harbour town on Banks Peninsula, founded by French settlers, with French street names, wooden cottages and Hector's dolphins in the bay.
Akaroa lies inside a drowned volcanic crater on Banks Peninsula, south-east of Christchurch, and was settled by French colonists in 1840, soon after Britain had claimed the island. Streets carry French names, such as Rue Lavaud and Rue Jolie, and wooden cottages with verandas line the waterfront. The Akaroa Museum tells the story of Māori, whalers and the French settlers.
Top-ranked sights in Akaroa: Akaroa Lighthouse, The Giants House.
Special offers in Akaroa
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
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