This month marks an extraordinary milestone for our us; Black Cat Cruises is turning 40! Four decades of sharing the beauty of Akaroa and Lyttelton’s marine environments, protecting our oceans, and welcoming adventurers from around the world.
Black Cat Founders – Ron and Durelle Bingham
How it all Began
In 1985, Black Cat Cruises was born from a simple but powerful idea: to offer people a closer connection to our spectacular marine world. What began with one small boat and a big dream in Akaroa has grown into one of New Zealand’s leading eco-tourism experiences and the first eco-tourism certified operator in the country. Our founders Durelle and Ron Bingham were among the first to recognise the significance of the Hector’s dolphin, the world’s rarest and smallest dolphin, found only in New Zealand waters. That sense of guardianship and responsibility has guided us ever since.
One of our skippers giving a classroom talk as part of our School Conservation Program
A Mission of Care
Our 40th birthday isn’t just about adventure; it’s also about care. Care for our oceans. Care for our wildlife. Care for our community, staff, and visitors. We take pride in being active in the conservation of the things we care about. From our respectful interactions with our local wildlife and environment to supporting long-term research with the NZ Whale & Dolphin Trust. We also hope to inspire the next generation through our free curriculum certified school programme, informative school cruises, and the chance to experience our amazing local harbours and wildlife firsthand. Our commitment to kaitiakitanga — guardianship of the environment is stronger than ever.
40 Years of Stories
Over the years, we’ve hosted hundreds of thousands of guests, shared thousands of dolphin sightings, and made countless memories on the water. From surprise marriage proposals to once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters, the harbour has been home to many beautiful moments. We are constantly receiving the most amazing messages or reviews from people wanting to let us know that the experience they had with us was one they and their families will cherish forever. We’ve weathered storms, grown through economic and logistical challenges, and even kept going through a destructive earthquake and global pandemic, always with our eyes on the horizon and our hearts in the water.
Our Crew, Our Whānau
At the heart of Black Cat is our incredible team, past and present. Each year we have new and interesting seasonal workers from all over the world joining us to spend their summer in Akaroa. Usually with a background in marine life they bring interesting perspectives and information and often end up staying with us much longer than they first planned or returning for multiple seasons. Some of our crew have been with us for decades. Their knowledge, passion, and dedication are what make each cruise so special. Whether it’s a hot chocolate offered on a chilly winter’s day or the excitement in spotting a pod of dolphins, it’s the people who make the experience unforgettable. All of our team is chosen for their enthusiasm, knowledge and love for our wildlife and environment.
Stu – One of our beloved Skippers
Our Story – 40 Years of Black Cat Cruises
Today
Today we continue to advocate for the Hector’s dolphins. They are the world’s rarest and smallest oceanic dolphin, and only found around the shores of New Zealand’s South Island. You can find out more about our work and how you can help on our dedicated Protect Hector’s page. For our customers we now offer all of the following experiences; Akaroa Nature Cruise, Swimming With Dolphins, Quail Island Escape, Ripapa Island ferry, Diamond Harbour Ferry We also provide a curriculum grade Schools Education Programme, downloadable Banks Peninsula Guide, Protect Hector’s Membership and our very own Kiwi of The Sea kids book. This video documentary is our story, and we’re delighted to share it with you.
