Welcome to Banks Peninsula, home of The Hector’s dolphins and eco-tourism pioneers Black Cat Cruises

THE BREEZE 63

The weather may feel a bit wintery but we’ve taken the last few months to get ourselves ready for the upcoming season. After all, spring is just around the corner. Below are announcements of new projects coming this season and some of the highlights of the winter. Thanks for reading.

Cheers Paul


 

Major Akaroa renovations

Over the winter we have completely stripped and upgraded our two Akaroa shops. There is a whole new feel and look to both the ticketing and the retail presence. We’d love to hear your feedback next time you are in Akaroa. Amongst other things you will see a new layout, new colours, big TV screens, new retail displays and some new signage.

Free dolphins to customers

10,000 fridge magnets are to be given away this season! We have lots of these cute little guys to give away to our customers on Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises. If you can’t wait to see them just reply to this email and we will give the first 50 customers a free one whether you are planning to cruise with us or not.


 

Jetpack flyer

Check out this amazing photo taken in Akaroa recently. Developed in the USA this jet pack involves strapping a giant water hose onto your back and flying around the harbour. Not for the faint hearted!


 

Photo sharing competition

We’ve got a great new promotion going which is aimed at getting our customers to share their top pictures on our website. Every month the photo with the most votes will win the money back they paid for their cruise. Check out the first months pictures here.


 

Top t shirts

Summer is not far away! And we have got some great t-shirt designs lined up for our new shops this year. These t-shirts were voted best by our Facebook fans. They will be selling for about $30. Grab yourself a great look this summer.

 


 

Massive cruise giveaway

We have a big giveaway planned for The Press for September 28 to October 8. We are giving away 20 family passes on both Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises and Quail Island Adventures. The only catch is you have to be a Press subscriber!


 

Brochures relaunched

Keep an eye out for our brand new brochures. Yeah we know its not that exciting but it’s been about 6 years since we had a complete change of brochure and we know many people use them to decide what to do on holiday.


 

Dolphin protection

A review of the Hector’s Dolphin Threat Management Plan is underway a year earlier than planned. Thanks to Minister David Carter for changing this and we are hoping for more set net bans around Banks Peninsula as we move forward.


 

Mobile website

We’ve gone mobile! Now our website is easily accessed by any smartphone and bookings can also be made on smartphones with our new reservation system.


 

Lyttelton to Akaroa cruise

Father’s Day is set to be a cracker at Black Cat with a special Lyttelton to Akaroa cruise. We only do one of these each year where we cruise around the Peninsula and coach people back to Lyttelton at the end of the day.


 

Xmas time

If you want a unique and special venue for your end of year function then we have a great idea. Charter the Canterbury Cat on Lyttelton Harbour.

Dinner cruise functions are $75 per person including 3 hour cruise and 2 course meal and we will throw in a free drink if you talk to Ali in the next week.

Hurry because some of the best dates are already gone. Email [email protected] for more details.


 

Great Feedback

“Best dolphin watch trip in New Zealand”
If you are going to do a dolphin watching trip in New Zealand then this is the one to do. I have done different ones over the South Island including one other Hector’s dolphin watch trip (Akaroa is not the only place to find them at a 98% encounter rate). This trip stands out as the wildlife is exceptional but the history of the area; volcanic activity etc. makes the scenery and history much more interesting. The skipper and mate will cater for everyone’s needs and the boat is very modern and perfectly designed for the cruise. The dolphin guarantee makes it more worthwhile so will definitely be back.