Likely to sell out10% off
Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Cruise through the stunning Akaroa Harbour and encounter some of New Zealand’s most unique marine wildlife, including the rare Hector’s dolphin, NZ fur seals, penguins, and seabirds. Set aboard a spacious, modern catamaran with large viewing decks and indoor seating, this award-winning nature cruise offers comfort, panoramic views, and expert commentary from your knowledgeable skipper. You’ll explore an ancient volcanic crater, marvel at towering 500-foot sea cliffs and vibrant rock formations. Learn about local conservation efforts and Akaroa’s rich Māori and European history. Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and a free postcard. With guaranteed departures (weather permitting), it’s a must-do for nature and wildlife lovers and families alike. As New Zealand’s first eco-tourism operator, we’re proud to support the dolphin protection efforts alongside the Department of Conservation and the NZ Whale & Dolphin Trust.
Inclusions
What's included
- 2-hour nature cruise
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Wildlife viewing
- Postcard
- Tea, coffee or hot chocolate
- Full on-board commentary
What's not
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop off
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.7
- 5303
- 439
- 36
- 24
- 18
Ratings come from 360 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.
5Great experience! Saw...
Great experience! Saw many dolphins and seals. The crew was knowledgeable and friendly. They made for a great afternoon!
5Great afternoon
Great afternoon with beautiful scenery, hectors dolphins, New Zealand fur seals,penguins and conservation focussed information. Recommend!
4Great service
Very friendly staff, great customer service, nothing was a bother for them. They even helped my granddaughter who had a broken arm up and down the ladder into the wheel house to drive the boat. They enjoyed their surprise day out with nana and Pop. Thank you to the staff for their service. We did not see dolphins that day so we’re given tickets to redo trip again, hopefully with better luck in seeing them.
5Best experience in Akaroa
The nature cruise was beautiful, informative and we were fortunate enough to see Hector's dolphins, white flippers karora and kakeno. The trip was a good length of time and we learnt lots about the history of the harbour.
5Great day out in Akaroa
Great experience, loved Akaroa and the cruise and team aboard were great. Only 2 Hector dolphins but we did see them. Love to help recommend you, thanks for a great day out
5Winter cruise
We had a great cruise this morning! There wasn’t many people on the boat which was excellent as our kids were able to wander about but the skipper and the rest of the staff were excellent, even entertaining the kids with a dance party in the cabin! Thanks so much guys! We will be back. Definite highlight of our weekend.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Please check in to the Black Cat office at 61 Beach Road at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 99 travellers
- Operated by
- Black Cat Cruises
- 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Akaroa
- Its from-price is 16% below the median of the 27 experiences we list in Akaroa.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 2 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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