Vision Statement
To lead sustainable marine tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand by protecting our environment, supporting our people and inspiring conservation through every cruise.
What we use
We operate vessels and facilities that require fuel, water, and electricity. We actively work to reduce our energy and water consumption per person by at least 1% each year. This is achieved through energy-efficient engines, LED lighting, low-flow fittings, EECA-supported heating, and by partnering with a climate-positive electricity provider. Our proactive maintenance and internal tracking systems ensure we’re operating efficiently across the board.
Recent Improvements:
- Transitioning to Hybrid work vehicles
- Reduced boat engine idling time which decreased our Carbon output by 20%
- Installed new propellers which are 20% more fuel efficient
What we give back
We proudly support the NZ Whale and Dolphin Trust and contribute to marine protection, research, and education. A portion of every fare goes towards conservation and community projects. We work alongside the Department of Conservations and other partners to advocate for Hector’s dolphin protection and broader environmental outcomes. We also support local schools, host educational cruises, and contribute in-kind support to environmental events and initiatives. We employ local staff and use local products and services when available.
So far we have donated over $20,000 dollars to the Whale and Dolphin Trust. We also collect valuable information daily on the dolphins we see, including numbers, pod sizes and location, this is passed onto DOC and helps monitor the wellbeing and movements of the Hectors Dolphins in our area.
Learn more about our advocacy and conservation efforts, and how you can contribute.
What we leave behind
We aim to minimise our footprint by lowering carbon emissions, eliminating single-use plastics, and prioritising recycling and reuse. Our vessels have holding tanks to prevent discharge, and we maintain paper-only retail practices. Waste is separated and recycled both onshore and onboard, while staff are trained in pollution prevention and environmental safety.
OUR COMMITMENT
We comply with all environmental legislation and aim to go further. Our environmental policy is embedded in our operations, culture, and customer experience. We are proud to be a DOC-certified SMART Operator and hold a Qualmark Gold Award. We remain committed to reducing resource use, cutting emissions, preventing pollution, and investing in sustainable technologies, while inspiring others to do the same.
Awards we hold and Idiologies we work by
Smart Operator
This is a voluntary education and awareness collaboration between marine mammal permit holders and DOC, encouraging safe viewing practices by all water users.
To be involved with this programme we must commit to a high level of staff training, use responsible advertising and promote safe viewing practices to the public and our guests. Our wildlife skippers and crew attend SMART courses regularly to ensure we are following best practises.
Qualmark Gold
We have worked very hard, and we are very proud, to have been awarded a Gold rating from Qualmark. A Gold business is a best-in-class sustainable tourism business in New Zealand, delivering exceptional customer experiences, an integral part of everything they do. A Gold Sustainable Tourism Accreditation identifies those businesses leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world-class sustainable visitor destination.
Doc Approved
The DOC Approved label symbolises the significant contribution tourism and recreation businesses make to conservation in New Zealand. It shows the value of our business to DOC and illustrates that our business contributes to DOC to support conservation.
It also shows that we have passed the environmental standards set by DOC, as well as safety standards set by an independent auditor, and been approved to operate in public conservation areas.
Tiaki
Care for New Zealand was created through a collective desire to share a connection to the natural world, inspiring and helping visitors to travel safely and conscientiously.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, people have a strong connection to the place around them. Tangata whenua (people of this land) see nature as something intrinsically intertwined with their own lives. For Māori, every mountain, every river, every tree has a story. These stories form part of their own identities and help to shape their place in the world.
Tiaki invites us all to look at the world through this indigenous lens. To form a deeper connection with place, and to reflect this in our attitudes and behaviours.
To commit to travelling in this way is to take the Tiaki Promise.
ABOUT US
The award-winning Black Cat Cruises is not only an acclaimed success in New Zealand's tourism industry but also internationally recognised as an eco-tourism pioneer. We hold the honour of being the first to introduce cruises in Akaroa, and we're proud to New Zealand's very first eco-tourism operator.
OUR LOCATIONS
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, Quail Island ferry and Ripapa Island trips depart from the Lyttelton Wharf in Christchurch.