Welcome to Banks Peninsula, home of The Hector’s dolphins and eco-tourism pioneers Black Cat Cruises

Tag Archives: akaroa

Is it OK for 20 dolphins to die in nets around Banks Peninsula next year?

How did we get here? Hector’s dolphins (Upokohue) are NZ’s own native dolphins. They are a ‘nationally vulnerable species’ with the population hovering around 15,000. For reference there are about 68,000 kiwi (birds) in NZ. The government through MPI (ministry for primary industries) has been consulting with interested parties on a ‘Threat Management Plan’ (TMP). […]

Hector’s Dolphin Movement in Akaroa

hectors dolphins akaroa

Research shows Hector’s dolphin sightings have moved further down Akaroa Harbour This week, the Department of Conservation have released research into the distribution of the Hector’s dolphins within Akaroa Harbour.  The research concluded that over the past 20 years, the local Hector’s dolphin population is sighted less frequently in the inner harbour region, and more […]

How effective are the government’s new fishing rules at saving the endangered Hector’s Dolphins?

What is this about?   Just under a year ago, a very important matter regarding the future of Hector’s dolphins was opened to submissions from the public.   The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) was trying to decide how to further protect Hector’s and Maui dolphins from ‘Bycatch’. Bycatch refers to accidentally catching one species […]

Meet Our Sonya – Black Cat Team Mate and Akaroa Fudge Maker Extraordinaire

akaroa fudge

Did some-one say Akaroa fudge? Sonya Watts is a most loved Black Cat Team member based in our big blue building on the main wharf of Akaroa. Her hospitality and quick wit humour is second to none. In the last couple of years Sonya (or Sonni to her friends) has branched out into making what […]

KIDSFEST FUN – TICKETS ON SALE

    Make the most of the school holidays and some awesome family time with us in Akaroa. 2 Kids cruise for free in Akaroa, with one full price adult, this Kidsfest. Pay $95 and save $80! And don’t forget we offer a Hector’s Dolphin guarantee and under 5’s cruise for free all year round […]

WORLD OCEAN DAY

Today, June 8th, is World Ocean Day   The theme for 2022 is Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean. WIN A PROTECT HECTOR’S MEMBERSHIP To celebrate World Ocean Day we are giving away a Protect Hector’s Membership to one lucky winner. To enter visit our latest Facebook post with the above image and tag yourself or a […]

Department of Conservation Business Spotlight

  Business Spotlight A huge thank you to the Department of Conservation for taking the time to visit and speak with us as part of their Business Spotlight series. The series aims to highlight how businesses can get involved in the conversation, and play a part by taking action. Tiaki Promise Kaitiakitanga of New Zealand’s […]

Qualmark Gold in Akaroa and Lyttelton

qualmark gold

We are so so pleased to confirm that Black Cat Cruises has just had its Qualmark Gold award renewed. This award is reviewed annually, and is something we are proud to maintain as we continually strive to be a sustainable, world class operation. ” Your award can be proudly displayed as evidence that Black Cat […]

Top Free Things To Do In Banks Peninsula – Spend $0 while having a great time

The top free things to do in Banks Peninsula are listed right here. No one gets through a holiday richer than they were before. Here’s the dilemma; you have time off work and want some quality time with your family. Well, look no further than Banks Peninsula. The place is brimming with things to do, […]

CELEBRATING SEAWEEK

seaweek akaroa

What is Seaweek and why do we celebrate it? How much do you know about the seas surrounding our little Island? Are you aware of just how important the ocean is to us humans, no matter where you live? Whether you know very little or a lot, you’ll learn something valuable through the NZ Association […]