I am often asked whether we operate all year round; and of course we do subject to weather conditions. The South Island winter can bring amazing bright clear and cool days and of course there will always be a few we’d rather forget. It is a very busy time for us behind the scenes and you’ll see in this 49th edition of the Breeze our latest news and promotions – ranging from winning the ferry contract and an enviro-silver award to some interesting visitors (the coolest boat in the world and an Orca called Corkscrew). There’s also news of the dolphin sanctuary and our efforts to eliminate penguin predators from the Harbour.
Cheers, Paul.
Black Cat wins again
We’ve been awarded the contract to run the Diamond Harbour ferry for the next 5 ½ years. Environment Canterbury, the regional council, announced the successful winners of the ferry and bus routes recently. The ferry services are very important to because it provides year round business and is not as susceptible to international tourism movements. The new contract starting on November 1st will require Black Cat to purchase a new vessel, though the main ferry will be the existing Black Diamond.
Corkscrew the Orca
A lone Orca called Corkscrew was sighted in Akaroa Harbour on 11 June. Customers on board an Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise were able to get a close up look. The Orca can be identified by his dorsal fin markings and is well know by Ingrid Visser of the Orca Research Organisation. The big male is thought to be over 15 years old. To hear Orca sounds and for more information click here http://www.orcaresearch.org.
Staff swim to set traps
The white flippered penguin is the Canterbury cousin of the more abundant Little Blue Penguin. Over the last 20 years it’s estimated that around 70% of the local population has been lost. This is mainly due to predators including cats, rats, stoats and ferrets. Black Cat has been working on trapping these predators around the entrance to Akaroa Harbour for the last 6 months. Setting traps where the penguins nest is tricky business because they nest in some seriously out of the way places! These areas require staff to swim from a boat with the traps and bait as they are not accessible by land. Already we have succeeded in catching some rats and stoats and will continue this project to create a safer habitat for the penguins.
Marine mammal sanctuary under fire
Fishing groups are challenging the recently announced extensions to the marine mammal sanctuary which provides vital protection for Hector’s dolphins. Click here for a TV3 news story on the developments.
http://www.3news.co.nz/Changes-to-commercial-fishing-laws-threaten-dolphins/tabid/423/articleID/108714/cat/41/Default.aspx
Hector’s dolphin stories have also featured in the Air New Zealand magazine and will feature soon in the Virgin Blue magazine and National Geographic.
Qualmark green rating
Black Cat Group has received an enviro-silver Qualmark rating. The rigorous assessment looks at a company’s sustainable business practices and efforts put into local conservation and its overall commitment to the environment.
Coolest boat in the world visits Lyttelton and Akaroa
They call it the coolest boat in the world. In June 2008, the amazing Earthrace vessel set a new world record for a powerboat to circle the globe, and she did this with 100% renewable biodiesel fuel, and a net zero carbon footprint. The voyage was over 24,000 nautical miles and took 60 days, 23 hours and 49 minutes, smashing the old record by over two weeks.
www.earthrace.net
Dry suits
We have dry suits for dolphin swimmers now through to September. Dry suits are great – as the name suggests, you don’t get wet! Customers wear normal warm clothes underneath and the dry suits do the rest. One size fits all. Please note wet suits are used from October to April.
Quail Island treasure hunt winner
The winner of the Great Quail Island Treasure hunt was Jack Carswell, aged 5. Jack and his family are off to another island – Stewart Island in September on an all expenses paid holiday.
Kids cruise free
These school holidays during Kidsfest we have a special offer. All kids aged 5 - 15 cruise for free with every paying adult. Kids under 5 are free too of course. The free cruises apply to both the Christchurch Wildlife Cruise in Lyttelton and the Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise in Akaroa. Join us on a magical adventure exploring Lyttelton or Akaroa Harbour, discover the Hector’s dolphin - unique to Bank’s Peninsula and NZ, you will also see little blue penguins, seals and marine birdlife. Learn about the area’s history while you cruise inside an extinct volcanic crater. FREE Hector’s fun activity book for every child too.
Tourism Speed Dating
Black Cat was again represented at Trenz. The tourism trade show showcases the best of New Zealand with 250 buyers from around the world setting up 15 minute appointments, rather like speed dating.
Great Feedback
Gary and I had a fab time out on the Canterbury Cat over the weekend. The weather was gorgeous and we saw a lot! It doesn’t matter how many times you see those Hectors, they still bring a smile to the face 
It was Gary’s first time over in Akaroa and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. Samantha at reception was lovely! The other staff onboard were also very helpful. Thank you so very much for having us, we loved it and have no hesitations in sending people your way! Rebecca
I swum with ‘Black Cat’ on 17th March 09 and am told I left my gold necklace in the changing rooms/box. On returning from the swim the necklace was produced by the staff on the desk. I was unaware at that time the necklace was missing. I truly appreciate your honesty and care you take of customers/visitors. I am very grateful and sincerely thank you for the return of my gold necklace. Joan Clubbs
Did you know?
White flippered penguins are the smallest penguins in the world – only 30 cm tall. They are only found in Canterbury on Banks Peninsula, confined to inaccessible headlands, caves and rock jumbles. They breed from July to December, usually underground in burrows or natural holes but will also make use of any man-made cavity or nest under buildings. Nests can be more than 500 metres inland and 200 metres up hillsides.
