As Emeritus Professor's Liz Slooten and Steve Dawson pass the baton for Hector's Dolphin conservation, we take a look back to their chance encounter with our founder Ron Bingham, and how their dedication to research leaves a lasting legacy in Akaroa and beyond.

Navigating Towards a Brighter Future for Hector’s Dolphins

As Emeritus Professor’s Liz Slooten and Steve Dawson pass the baton for Hector’s Dolphin conservation, we take a look back to their chance encounter with our founder Ron Bingham, and how their dedication to research leaves a lasting legacy in Akaroa and beyond.

Destination Akaroa: An Explorer’s Guide to Banks Peninsula & Its Crown Jewel

Wondering where to begin your Akaroa adventure? This blog will guide you through every must-see and must-do activity! There’s no denying the allure of a New Zealand summer, especially when exploring the myriad of things to do in Akaroa, Canterbury. With its captivating charm, Akaroa stands out even amidst New Zealand’s stunning locales. Situated within […]

LOCALS SPECIAL THIS SATURDAY IN LYTTELTON

THIS SATURDAY only we are offering 50% off our Lyttelton Discovery Cruise. We’ve got weekend vibes going on today! Join us aboard the Canterbury Cat on Lyttelton harbour for an amazing Discovery Cruise from 1pm-3pm this Saturday. Lyttelton port is just a 10-minute drive from the city center giving you the option to do both […]

Is it OK for 20 dolphins to die in nets around Banks Peninsula next year?

How did we get here? Hector’s dolphins (Upokohue) are NZ’s own native dolphins. They are a ‘nationally vulnerable species’ with the population hovering around 15,000. For reference there are about 68,000 kiwi (birds) in NZ. The government through MPI (ministry for primary industries) has been consulting with interested parties on a ‘Threat Management Plan’ (TMP). […]

Meet Our Julia

Kia Ora, it’s time to introduce you to another member of the Black Cat Cruises whanau! She’s cool, smart, soulful and one very talented young lady….meet our Julia….. Julia is a part of our team in Lyttelton and does everything from crewing to bookings. If you’ve booked a private charter cruise this year or attended […]

Hector’s Dolphin Movement in Akaroa

hectors dolphins akaroa

Research shows Hector’s dolphin sightings have moved further down Akaroa Harbour This week, the Department of Conservation have released research into the distribution of the Hector’s dolphins within Akaroa Harbour.  The research concluded that over the past 20 years, the local Hector’s dolphin population is sighted less frequently in the inner harbour region, and more […]

How effective are the government’s new fishing rules at saving the endangered Hector’s Dolphins?

What is this about?   Just under a year ago, a very important matter regarding the future of Hector’s dolphins was opened to submissions from the public.   The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) was trying to decide how to further protect Hector’s and Maui dolphins from ‘Bycatch’. Bycatch refers to accidentally catching one species […]

THE OCEAN IS IN YOUR HANDS

In September 2021, Blue Cradle collaborated with community actors, local artists and key sponsors to create “The Ocean is in our Hands” mural at ‘The Crossing’, corner of Colombo & Lichfield streets, in Ōtautahi/Christchurch. Have you seen it? One year on the city of Christchurch is celebrating its one year anniversary, on the eve of […]

Meet Our Sonya – Black Cat Team Mate and Akaroa Fudge Maker Extraordinaire

akaroa fudge

Did some-one say Akaroa fudge? Sonya Watts is a most loved Black Cat Team member based in our big blue building on the main wharf of Akaroa. Her hospitality and quick wit humour is second to none. In the last couple of years Sonya (or Sonni to her friends) has branched out into making what […]

KIDSFEST FUN – TICKETS ON SALE

    Make the most of the school holidays and some awesome family time with us in Akaroa. 2 Kids cruise for free in Akaroa, with one full price adult, this Kidsfest. Pay $95 and save $80! And don’t forget we offer a Hector’s Dolphin guarantee and under 5’s cruise for free all year round […]