Creating an Unforgettable Event
Black Cat’s Charter Cruises make it possible for function and event organisers to create a dramatically different event – whether it’s for a social club group, function, conference delegate entertainment or something very special, like a wedding.
You have the opportunity to enjoy the highlights of our Lyttelton or Akaroa cruises in the comfort of our spacious catamarans Black Cat or Canterbury Cat.
We add the option of a fully catered buffet meal, courtesy of Speciality Spit Roast Catering Compnay and you have a complete experience on the water.
Summer evening cruises give you the chance to enjoy the backdrop of a stunning sunset over the water, as you and your guests relax to your choice of music with a full bar and catering on hand. The perfect floating function venue!
TO MAKE A BOOKING CALL US: 03 384 0621 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Testimonials
I would like to extend a huge thank you to yourself, Russell and all your staff for a thoroughly enjoyable evening on Friday. You are an absolute delight to liaise with and the night went off without a hitch. We all had a fantastic time, with some attendees informing me that it was the best staff function they had been to in all their time at Living Springs.
"All of our party thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and we would recommend it to any other companies. It would be hard to fault any part of the experience."
"GDC Communications would like to take this opportunity to thank you very much for a fantastic evening aboard your Black Cat Cruise boat around Lyttelton Harbour. The service and the food were excellent, along with the feeling of being safe while on the water. We would not hesitate to recommend your charter cruises and hopefully experience another enjoyable evening aboard the Black Cat."
"I would like to take this opportunity of extending our sincere thanks to you and your crew for having us on board the Black Cat yesterday. The weather was perfect, the surroundings were breath taking, your crew were absolutely flawless and our clients (and staff) were in high spirits for the whole afternoon. All in all I would say that yesterday was the most successful, and also one of the most uncomplicated client functions I have ever organised. It's always enjoyable to deal with a team as professional and courteous as yours."
Weddings
Create an enchanting and memorable wedding on board one of our catamarans.This is your opportunity to have the wedding you've always imagined - with the setting sun over the harbour as the most perfect backdrop.
You can choose to have your wedding ceremony at a venue in Lyttelton or Akaroa, followed by your reception on the water, or have the whole event hosted on the harbour with Black Cat Cruises.
You’ll have up to four hours on the water with us, plus you can take time prior to departure to decorate and theme the boat to create exactly the atmosphere you are looking for.
Our charter catamarans are among the most unique and affordable wedding venues in Canterbury.
Talk to us about your ideas and our team will be happy to accommodate any special requirements.
Testimonials
"Thank you to you and your staff for a great time with our wedding on Saturday. Carla, Brian and Paul had things well sorted. The catering was lovely - just the kind of thing we were wanting. Would you please pass on our thanks to the staff and catering firm. We would certainly use and/or recommend this again in the future. Once again thanks for all your time and efforts."
Dinner Cruise
The dinner cruise is one of our most popular charters – a great way to create something different for an end of year event, or a special occasion.
You begin your cruise with a one hour voyage around the harbour keeping an eye out for Hector’s Dolphins, as well as other marine life, and then anchor in a sheltered bay to enjoy a 2 course buffet meal.
This is normally a three hour booking, but you can talk to us to arrange additional time on the water.
Testimonials
"All of our party thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and we would recommend it to any other companies. It would be hard to fault any part of the experience."
"GDC Communications would like to take this opportunity to thank you very much for a fantastic evening aboard your Black Cat Cruise boat around Lyttelton Harbour. The service and the food were excellent, along with the feeling of being safe while on the water. We would not hesitate to recommend your charter cruises and hopefully experience another enjoyable evening aboard the Black Cat."
Chartered Boat Cruise
If you don’t want to have a catered meal, you can charter the boat for a 2 – 3 hour harbour cruise experience.
You are welcome to bring your own food, but still have access to our full bar service. We can supply platters of nibbles for your guests if required.
Passenger numbers for chartered cruises are a minimum of 30 people, however if you have a smaller group, please contact us as we may have another group who would like to share the boat with you.
Testimonials
"Thank you to you and your staff for a great time with our wedding on Saturday. Carla, Brian and Paul had things well sorted. The catering was lovely - just the kind of thing we were wanting. Would you please pass on our thanks to the staff and catering firm. We would certainly use and/or recommend this again in the future. Once again thanks for all your time and efforts."
"All of our party thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and we would recommend it to any other companies. It would be hard to fault any part of the experience."
"GDC Communications would like to take this opportunity to thank you very much for a fantastic evening aboard your Black Cat Cruise boat around Lyttelton Harbour. The service and the food were excellent, along with the feeling of being safe while on the water. We would not hesitate to recommend your charter cruises and hopefully experience another enjoyable evening aboard the Black Cat."
"I would like to take this opportunity of extending our sincere thanks to you and your crew for having us on board the Black Cat yesterday. The weather was perfect, the surroundings were breath taking, your crew were absolutely flawless and our clients (and staff) were in high spirits for the whole afternoon. All in all I would say that yesterday was the most successful, and also one of the most uncomplicated client functions I have ever organised. It's always enjoyable to deal with a team as professional and courteous as yours."
Menu
2-Course Buffet Spit Roast Menu
Speciality Spit Roast Company provide one staff member who is professionally trained in the art of food handling and preparation, carving the spit roasts, as well as preparation and layout of the buffet tables.
Main Course
- Crackling Roast Pork with Apple Sauc
- Aged Beef with Wholegrain Mustard
- Gourmet Potatoes tossed in herb butter or Jacket Potatoes
- Seasoned Chicken with Cranberry Sauce
- A choice of up to six salads and vegetables
- Optional add on of NZ Lamb or Ham off the bone for an extra $2 per person
Dessert
- Classic Kiwi Pavlova
- Fresh Fruit Salad
- Please talk to us if you would like to add more desserts or make any changes.
Testimonials
"Thank you to you and your staff for a great time with our wedding on Saturday. Carla, Brian and Paul had things well sorted. The catering was lovely - just the kind of thing we were wanting. Would you please pass on our thanks to the staff and catering firm. We would certainly use and/or recommend this again in the future. Once again thanks for all your time and efforts."
"All of our party thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and we would recommend it to any other companies. It would be hard to fault any part of the experience."
"GDC Communications would like to take this opportunity to thank you very much for a fantastic evening aboard your Black Cat Cruise boat around Lyttelton Harbour. The service and the food were excellent, along with the feeling of being safe while on the water. We would not hesitate to recommend your charter cruises and hopefully experience another enjoyable evening aboard the Black Cat."
"I would like to take this opportunity of extending our sincere thanks to you and your crew for having us on board the Black Cat yesterday. The weather was perfect, the surroundings were breath taking, your crew were absolutely flawless and our clients (and staff) were in high spirits for the whole afternoon. All in all I would say that yesterday was the most successful, and also one of the most uncomplicated client functions I have ever organised. It's always enjoyable to deal with a team as professional and courteous as yours."
Beverages/Bar
| Beer (Heineken, Speights, Steinlager Pure, Steinlager Light) | $7.00 | per bottle |
| Wine (Torlesse - Sav Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir) | $8.00 | per glass |
| Sparkling Wine (Lindauer Brut) | $8.00 | per glass |
| RTD's (Coruba & Coke; Gordons Gin & Tonic; Smirnoff Ice Vodka & Lemon) | $8.00 | per bottle |
| Non-alcoholic (Soft drinks and orange juice) | $3.00 | per bottle |
Testimonials
"Thank you to you and your staff for a great time with our wedding on Saturday. Carla, Brian and Paul had things well sorted. The catering was lovely - just the kind of thing we were wanting. Would you please pass on our thanks to the staff and catering firm. We would certainly use and/or recommend this again in the future. Once again thanks for all your time and efforts."
"All of our party thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and we would recommend it to any other companies. It would be hard to fault any part of the experience."
"GDC Communications would like to take this opportunity to thank you very much for a fantastic evening aboard your Black Cat Cruise boat around Lyttelton Harbour. The service and the food were excellent, along with the feeling of being safe while on the water. We would not hesitate to recommend your charter cruises and hopefully experience another enjoyable evening aboard the Black Cat."
"I would like to take this opportunity of extending our sincere thanks to you and your crew for having us on board the Black Cat yesterday. The weather was perfect, the surroundings were breath taking, your crew were absolutely flawless and our clients (and staff) were in high spirits for the whole afternoon. All in all I would say that yesterday was the most successful, and also one of the most uncomplicated client functions I have ever organised. It's always enjoyable to deal with a team as professional and courteous as yours."
More information about Black Cat Charters
Music
We have a large range of music that we can play or you are welcome to bring your own for us to play.
Entertainment
Looking for something to liven up your party? We can arrange both a professional DJ with suitable sound and lighting or a "one-man-band". Call us for more details.
Boat crew
Minimum of 1 skipper and 1 crew person. 1 Speciality spit roast staff member (dinner charter).
Cruise departs
Departures are from B Jetty, Lyttelton or from main wharf, Akaroa.
Transport
If required we can organise bus transport to and from Lyttelton or Akaroa from a pick up point. Please let us know if you would like us to get a quote for you.
Where do the cruises go?
Our charters cruise the internal harbour and out to the heads, weather permitting.
If you have specific requirements please let us know at the time of booking.
Bar
All of our vessels are fully licensed however our liquor licence does not allow for BYO. Payment for the purchases made on the bar can be made by visa, mastercard, or cash. A tab can be arranged but must be paid for in full at the end of the charter.
Tailor-made cruises
Our standard charter packages have been put together based on our cruise experience. However if they are not what you are after please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sea sickness
We are so confident you will not have a problem with seasickness we are prepared to give the person who is sick their money back!!
what happens if the cruise has to be cancelled due to bad weather?
Unfortunately weather is something out of our control but you can be secure in the knowledge that we have to cancel due to weather on approximately 5% of our cruises so you would be very unlucky!!. We are still able to hold the event inside the boat and tied to the jetty if necessary
Testimonials
"Thank you to you and your staff for a great time with our wedding on Saturday. Carla, Brian and Paul had things well sorted. The catering was lovely - just the kind of thing we were wanting. Would you please pass on our thanks to the staff and catering firm. We would certainly use and/or recommend this again in the future. Once again thanks for all your time and efforts."
"All of our party thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and we would recommend it to any other companies. It would be hard to fault any part of the experience."
"GDC Communications would like to take this opportunity to thank you very much for a fantastic evening aboard your Black Cat Cruise boat around Lyttelton Harbour. The service and the food were excellent, along with the feeling of being safe while on the water. We would not hesitate to recommend your charter cruises and hopefully experience another enjoyable evening aboard the Black Cat."
"I would like to take this opportunity of extending our sincere thanks to you and your crew for having us on board the Black Cat yesterday. The weather was perfect, the surroundings were breath taking, your crew were absolutely flawless and our clients (and staff) were in high spirits for the whole afternoon. All in all I would say that yesterday was the most successful, and also one of the most uncomplicated client functions I have ever organised. It's always enjoyable to deal with a team as professional and courteous as yours."
Terms and conditions
A $300 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking. Bookings are confirmed on receipt of this payment.
Final numbers and remainder of payment are required 7 working days prior to cruise date. After this time catering numbers can be increased not decreased.
We do not accept personal cheques at the bar.
The vessel used and the departure point is at the discretion of Black Cat Cruises and may be subject to change.
All prices are inclusive of GST unless otherwise stated. Black Cat Cruises reserve the right to cancel the cruise due to unsuitable weather conditions with full refund or agreeable alternative on the night.
Testimonials
"Thank you to you and your staff for a great time with our wedding on Saturday. Carla, Brian and Paul had things well sorted. The catering was lovely - just the kind of thing we were wanting. Would you please pass on our thanks to the staff and catering firm. We would certainly use and/or recommend this again in the future. Once again thanks for all your time and efforts."
"All of our party thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and we would recommend it to any other companies. It would be hard to fault any part of the experience."
"GDC Communications would like to take this opportunity to thank you very much for a fantastic evening aboard your Black Cat Cruise boat around Lyttelton Harbour. The service and the food were excellent, along with the feeling of being safe while on the water. We would not hesitate to recommend your charter cruises and hopefully experience another enjoyable evening aboard the Black Cat."
"I would like to take this opportunity of extending our sincere thanks to you and your crew for having us on board the Black Cat yesterday. The weather was perfect, the surroundings were breath taking, your crew were absolutely flawless and our clients (and staff) were in high spirits for the whole afternoon. All in all I would say that yesterday was the most successful, and also one of the most uncomplicated client functions I have ever organised. It's always enjoyable to deal with a team as professional and courteous as yours."
Our Charter Vessels
| Vessel: |  Canterbury Cat Open/Closed rear deck. Open top deck and front deck. 2 toilets. |
| Harbour based in: | Lyttelton |
| Licensed capacity: | 92 pax |
| Comfortable cruising: | 80 pax |
| Dining Cruising: | 70-80 pax depending on style of cruise |
| Enclosed seating: | 60 pax |
| Sound System: | Yes |
| Vessel: |  Black Cat Catamaran with fully enclosed cabin. Open/Closed top deck and rear deck. Open front deck. 2 toilets. |
| Harbour based in: | Akaroa |
| Licensed capacity: | 99 pax |
| Comfortable cruising: | 80 pax |
| Dining Cruising: | 60 pax |
| Enclosed seating: | 70 pax |
| Public Address System: | Yes |
| Sound System: | Yes |
You can download our most recent Charter brochure here.
Our Exclusive Charter Cruises Are Available Now
There are 3 ways to make a booking with us. Firstly and most easily, just send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . A member of staff will contact you within 48 hours to confirm availability. Secondly we have a 24 hour phone line available (64) 3 328 9078, however to check availability for cruise dates, you will need to phone during working hours. Finally you can fax us on (64) 3 328 8699. Book your date now before it’s too late.
Testimonials
"Thank you to you and your staff for a great time with our wedding on Saturday. Carla, Brian and Paul had things well sorted. The catering was lovely - just the kind of thing we were wanting. Would you please pass on our thanks to the staff and catering firm. We would certainly use and/or recommend this again in the future. Once again thanks for all your time and efforts."
"All of our party thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and we would recommend it to any other companies. It would be hard to fault any part of the experience."
"GDC Communications would like to take this opportunity to thank you very much for a fantastic evening aboard your Black Cat Cruise boat around Lyttelton Harbour. The service and the food were excellent, along with the feeling of being safe while on the water. We would not hesitate to recommend your charter cruises and hopefully experience another enjoyable evening aboard the Black Cat."
"I would like to take this opportunity of extending our sincere thanks to you and your crew for having us on board the Black Cat yesterday. The weather was perfect, the surroundings were breath taking, your crew were absolutely flawless and our clients (and staff) were in high spirits for the whole afternoon. All in all I would say that yesterday was the most successful, and also one of the most uncomplicated client functions I have ever organised. It's always enjoyable to deal with a team as professional and courteous as yours."
Conferences and Events
With the current unavailability of many conference and meeting venues in Christchurch city as a result of the recent earthquakes, the team at Black Cat are happy to work with anyone planning a conference, meeting or other events around using the Canterbury Cat in Lyttelton Harbour. Because we have suspended the Lyttelton Harbour Wildlife Cruises for at least 6 months, we have additional capacity on the Canterbury Cat.
As a venue, the Canterbury Cat can accommodate up to 60 or 80 people depending on how you wish to use the venue. There is a full bar available, and catering can also be organised as part of your event. BYO alcohol is not available under the terms of our liquor licence.
You can also theme the boat if required.
A minimum of 20 people is required for any charter booking.
Please contact us directly to discuss your options if you have a meeting or event to plan.
