Journey through our culture and heritage to the historic French village of Akaroa, the gateway to our daily expeditions. Encounter Hector’s dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, coastal birds and more.
Dolphin Guarantee; if you don’t see any Hector’s dolphins you can cruise again for free.
Bring your camera and sense of adventure as you cruise aboard Akaroa’s largest, most spacious and stable catamaran and enjoy free tea and coffee.
Allow 2 hours for your Akaroa Nature Cruise.
SCHEDULE & PRICE$90
$90
Adult 16 years and over
$35
Child 5-15 years
(Under 5’s cruise for free)
ENQUIRIES
For all enquiries please callus on0800 937 946 or
email us on [email protected]
OTHER PACKAGES
QUAIL OR RIPAPA ISLAND ESCAPE
Adult $30 Child 5-15 years $15
(kids under 5 free of charge)
Valid until September 2022
SWIM WITH DOLPHINS
Adult $185 (spectator $95)
Child (8–15 years) $155 (spectator $55)
Valid until September 2022
HOW TO FIND US
We operate from the main wharf in Akaroa, only 80 minutes (82 km) drive from Christchurch on State Highway 75. Once in Akaroa
follow the main road until you see a wharf on the waterfront with a large blue building half way down. This is where you check in.
HOW TO GET TO AKAROA
Akaroa is located around 0 to 90 inutes drive from Christchurch city and Christchurch InternaDonal airport. It is an easy drive in a car through eealand farland and
then oer the stunning anks Peninsula hills to Akaroa. See httpmapsgooglecom for detailed direcDons of how to get from Christchurch to Akaroa.
Once in Akaroa conDnue along Rue aaudhich turns into each Rd. look for the long wharf in the centre of the town. oull see our large blue building on the wharf with a dolphin navigate. ou can also nd us at 1 each Road.
CRUISE SHIPS
Cruise shi assengers ill diseark directly onto the ain wharf in Akaroa. his is where our main booking oce and gi shop is located. Please allow enough Dme for you tender boat to reach the wharf in Dme for your acDity check in.
NEED HELP GETTING TO AKAROA?
Click here for transport opDons.
your award winning Akaroa cruise is packed with highlights Voted the number 1 wildlife activity in New Zealand, your award winning cruise is packed with highlights including the rare, NZ native dolphin – the Hector’s Dolphin, as well as penguins and other sea birds. And you’ll see giant volcanic sea cliffs and hear about Akaroa’s fascinating past. Cruises depart every day, weather permitting.. Also on the trip you will catch glimpses of the White Flippered Blue Penguin, the smallest penguin in the world. There are many different bird species in the harbour, including five different cormorant (shag) species and the endangered yellow-eyed penguin. You’ll also see New Zealand Fur Seals sunning themselves on the rocks near Seal Bay. Your modern catamaran, the 60 foot /20 metre Black Cat On each two-hour cruise we will endeavour to show you wildlife plus the many sea caves and volcanic cliffs. As Akaroa Harbour was a live volcano millions of years ago, there are many spectacular ancient lava flows to be seen. One cliff has a sheer 500-foot face and a fascinating history, while Nikau Palm Gully is the southernmost limit for these tropical palm trees. There is also the incredible Scenery Nook, an amazing pink, purple and red volcanic amphitheatre that will take your breath away. YOUR QUESTIONS
We suggest you wear warm clothing. Even on warm days, there may be a cool sea breeze blowing. Sun screen and a hat is a must even if it’s cloudy. Bring your camera – there are incredible views.
We suggest you wear warm clothing. Even on warm days, there may be a cool sea breeze blowing. Sun screen and a hat is a must even if it’s cloudy. Bring your camera – there are incredible views.
We suggest you wear warm clothing. Even on warm days, there may be a cool sea breeze blowing. Sun screen and a hat is a must even if it’s cloudy. Bring your camera – there are incredible views.
We suggest you wear warm clothing. Even on warm days, there may be a cool sea breeze blowing. Sun screen and a hat is a must even if it’s cloudy. Bring your camera – there are incredible views. The award-winning Black Cat Cruises is not only an acclaimed success in New Zealand’s tourism industry but also internationally recognized as an eco-tourism pioneer. We hold the honour of being the first to introduce cruises in Akaroa, and we're proud to be acknowledged as New Zealand’s very first eco-tourism operator. Our Nature Cruises and Dolphin Swimming experience depart from the stunning Akaroa harbour which is only a 90 minute scenic drive from Christchurch. The Diamond Harbour and Quail Island ferry depart from Lyttelton in Christchurch.TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Voted the number 1 wildlife activity in New Zealand,
HIGHLIGHTS
WILDLIFE
TRAVEL IN STYLE
(previously the Canterbury Cat), is perfect for viewing the natural wonders of Akaroa Harbour. Our vessel is the largest and most luxurious on the harbour. There’s lots of room on the two decks for unimpeded viewing and plenty of covered seating, for shade and shelter. Inside there’s a bar and toilets. And the Black Cat is both stable and safe. Relax, stretch out and discover the harbour with our award winning Black Cat Cruise team. Each cruise is fully narrated by your skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour.HOW TO GET TO AKAROA
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