Our Award-winning Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise Offers an Unforgettable Ocean Adventure.

Each cruise is a little different, depending on the weather, sea conditions, and wildlife on the day. You’ll spend around two hours exploring Akaroa Harbour, with the chance to see endangered Hector’s dolphins, fur seal colonies, marine birds, and dramatic volcanic sea cliffs. Your skipper will also share stories about Akaroa’s unique history and environment throughout the journey.

We recommend bringing layers of clothing, as the weather can change quickly on the water. A waterproof or windproof jacket is highly recommended. Don’t forget your camera for amazing photo opportunities, sunglasses, sunblock (especially in summer), and any personal medication you may need.

We are proud to be New Zealand’s original eco-tourism operator, with 40 years of experience sharing the magic of Akaroa Harbour. As one of the few companies licensed to operate within the Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary, we offer unforgettable encounters with rare Hector’s dolphins, NZ fur seals, and penguins set against dramatic volcanic cliffs.

Your experience is enhanced aboard the Canterbury Cat, a spacious and stable catamaran designed for comfort and wildlife viewing. Guests enjoy two viewing levels with panoramic harbour views, a comfortable indoor cabin with large windows for all-weather cruising, and a smooth ride ideal for photography and relaxed sightseeing.

Every journey is led by passionate local skippers who bring the harbour’s history, wildlife, and geology to life. By cruising with us, you also directly support local marine conservation and community projects.

Yes! We offer complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and water during your cruise. Our vessel also features a fully licensed bar where you can purchase local beer, wine, and additional snacks while enjoying the view from our indoor or outdoor decks.

Our Akaroa Nature Cruise is a 2-hour tour. This duration allows ample time to explore the stunning volcanic harbour, discover sea caves, and encounter the incredible wildlife and dolphins without feeling rushed.

Definitely. In addition to Hector’s dolphins, we regularly encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, Little Blue Penguins (White-flippered), and various native seabirds. We also cruise past incredible volcanic formations, sea caves, and a local salmon farm.

Live! Our Akaroa Nature Cruises are led by an experienced skipper and a passionate crew who love sharing their knowledge. Throughout your journey, our Black Cat Cruises team provides engaging live commentary, bringing Akaroa’s rich history, unique geology, and incredible wildlife conservation efforts to life. You’ll hear fascinating insights about Hector’s dolphins, local seabirds, fur seals, and the harbour’s volcanic origins, making your cruise both memorable and informative.

Absolutely and children under 5 are free! Our Akaroa Nature Cruise is a fantastic experience for all ages from babies to seniors and is very family-friendly. Children particularly love seeing the dolphins and seals. Our crew is experienced in engaging younger passengers and ensuring a safe and enjoyable time for the whole family. There are also fun kids activities available onboard such as colouring in.

No, prams are not permitted on board for safety reasons. Our vessel has multiple viewing levels and narrow passageways; keeping these clear is essential for safe movement and emergency access. We highly recommend using a front pack for your cruise instead. If you do arrive with a pram, we can store this safely for you at our check-in area.

You can book directly through our website 24/7 for instant confirmation. Alternatively, you can visit one of our booking offices or call us on 0800 436 574 (within NZ).

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and JBC credit cards for online bookings. At our physical ticketing offices, we also accept EFTPOS and cash.

No, you can simply show your digital booking confirmation on your phone at check-in.

If you need to change or cancel your booking, please notify us at least 24 hours prior to your check-in time. Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable.

Your safety is our highest priority. If the forecasted sea conditions are deemed unsafe by the Skipper we will strive to contact you as soon as possible. In this case we offer a full refund or you can transfer your booking to another date.

Refunds are not provided for "no-shows." We recommend arriving at least 15–20 minutes early to ensure you have plenty of time for check-in and boarding.