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Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
Badge of ExcellenceAkaroa, New Zealand
- 2 hours
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Experience majestic scenery and stunning wildlife, including Hector’s dolphins, blue penguins and birdlife, on a narrated 2-hour Akaroa Harbour cruise. Ride a spacious luxury catamaran with prime views of the harbor’s sea caves and volcanic cliffs. Your skipper stops at a salmon farm in Lucas Bay and takes you past a New Zealand fur seal colony at Seal Bay.
- 2-hour Akaroa Harbour cruise by luxury catamaran to see the worlds smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hector's dolphin
- See fur seals as you cruise past Seal Bay
- Stop at Lucas Bay to see a salmon farm
- Stunning scenery and plenty of photo opportunities
- Fully narrated by knowledgeable skipper
What's Included
- 2-hour nature cruise
- Full on-board commentary
- Tea and coffee
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Akaroa, Akaroa, Canterbury Region, South Island
Please check in to the Black Cat office, on the Main Wharf, in Akaroa (big blue building!), at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Departing from Akaroa's main wharf, board a modern 60-foot (18-meter) catamaran to explore the natural wonders of Akaroa Harbour during your 2-hour cruise. The luxurious vessel provides plentiful inside seating on its two decks for uninterrupted viewing of landmarks such as Akaroa Lighthouse.
Sip complimentary coffee and tea as you listen to live narration by the skipper, who has extensive knowledge of Akaroa Harbour. Pass sheer volcanic cliffs and sea caves such as Cathedral Cave, and see the breathtaking volcanic amphitheater of Scenery Nook.
Encounter wildlife such as white-flippered penguins, the smallest penguin in the world, and spot New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks at Seal Bay. Sight inquisitive Hector’s dolphins, also known as New Zealand dolphins, whose calves can be seen between October and March.
Make a stop at at a salmon farm in Lucas Bay, pass a colony of spotted shags, and glimpse other seabirds including cormorants, white-fronted terns and occasionally gannets, petrels and albatross, before your cruise returns to the wharf.
Sip complimentary coffee and tea as you listen to live narration by the skipper, who has extensive knowledge of Akaroa Harbour. Pass sheer volcanic cliffs and sea caves such as Cathedral Cave, and see the breathtaking volcanic amphitheater of Scenery Nook.
Encounter wildlife such as white-flippered penguins, the smallest penguin in the world, and spot New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks at Seal Bay. Sight inquisitive Hector’s dolphins, also known as New Zealand dolphins, whose calves can be seen between October and March.
Make a stop at at a salmon farm in Lucas Bay, pass a colony of spotted shags, and glimpse other seabirds including cormorants, white-fronted terns and occasionally gannets, petrels and albatross, before your cruise returns to the wharf.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
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Featured review
JohnFrederick_G
Akaroa Harbor nature cruise was great! A highlight of our whole trip. Boat captain very knowledgeable about many different types of wildlife as well as rock formations & the whole area. Black Cat Cruises staff were all great, very friendly & helpful. Weather was perfect too! Definitely recommend Black Cat & the Akaroa nature cruise!
Reviews
4.5
252 reviews
miki_h, Apr 2024
The captain and crew did their best to ensure we see as much as possible , they were professional and friendly
Aniko_J, Apr 2024
The tour was great. We got to see dolphins and sea lions and some spectacular cliffs. The waters were fairly calm so it made the trip enjoyable. The only suggestion I would make is that it was really hard to hear the skipper through the speakers for those sitting in the back of the boat. We missed a lot of the commentary. Otherwise it was a great tour and I would recommend it.
Gracie_M, Apr 2024
This was such an awesome experience- worth every cent! The skipper was very informative and we got to see dolphins, seals, and penguins!
Craig_S, Mar 2024
Awesome trip loved seeing the dolphins and penguins etc. Good value and good amenities. It is a must do if you are in Akaroa.
PHILIP_B, Feb 2024
In all a great experience, especially liked seeing the seals .
Excellent tour.
Would recommend to everyone.
Graeme_W, Feb 2024
I was very disappointed as i was sitting to take photos because I have a very large camera and all the Asians would stand in front of you and could not take photos
Nancy_A, Jan 2024
We have done several "cruisses" looking for wildlife and this cruise did not disappoint! The captain was entertaining! The crew was very helpful! We had great weather, although a little windy. We saw many Hector dolphins-even a young calf, a couple of Fairy Penguins and, a mama fur seal with her baby!! The Trifecta! The area is beautiful too. Highly recommend!
Natacha_G, Jan 2024
Wonderful cruise , saw a lot of dolphins, pinguins and seals.
The captain and crew super nice explaining all details about habitat .
The views are amazing as well.
Christine_R, Mar 2023
Great cruise. Beautiful clear day. Had to buy a hat and sunscreen. Skipper entertaining and informative. Saw dolphins and penguins. Unfortunately some other passengers selfishly hogged the views and didn't supervise their children.
Di_M, Mar 2023
Going out on the boat in Akaroa with some of my family and seeing the beautiful little dolphins, seals and bird life makes for a memorable moment in our beautiful country of New Zealand.
...
From $66.22
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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