Akaroa Harbour Cruises, Canterbury, New Zealand

Black Cat Cruises Introduction

Been for a cruise lately? Just 90 minutes from Christchurch, in New Zealand's South Island, the Black Cat Group cruises the scenic extinct volcanic harbour of Akaroa daily.

Join us on a two-hour nature cruise where we guarantee you will see dolphins or come again another day for FREE, you will also see fur seals, penguins and other marine birdlife.

We offer an unforgettable view of the wildlife including Hector's dolphins as well as the many historical highlights in the area. You can also swim with Hector's dolphins in Akaroa, the only place in the world that offers this unique experience.

From Lyttelton, Black Cat Cruises offer ferry services to Quail Island and Diamond Harbour. Charter cruises are also available.

The company has won many awards, including the Supreme Award, at the New Zealand Tourism Awards 2003/4, making it New Zealand's top tourism operator.

People the world over have told us what a special experience it is to see the dolphins; we guarantee that you'll agree.

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises

Depart the charming historic French township of Akaroa, just 90 minutes from Christchurch aboard the large modern catamaran, Black Cat, into the sweeping scenic splendour of Akaroa Harbour.

Enjoy your skipper's fascinating commentary as you discover playful, rare New Zealand Hector's dolphins, fur seals, penguins and many other kinds of sea birds. Visit the startling volcanic formation of Cathedral Cave, and see everything from relics of the area's Maori and colonial past to a modern working salmon farm of today.

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.

Our Akaroa Harbour cruises depart daily from the main wharf in Akaroa at 1:30 pm all year round. Also at 11:00 am from November to April and 3:40 pm from mid December to mid March.

The price for our Akaroa Harbour cruise is NZ$75 per adult and NZ$30 per child. (prices valid from October 1st, 2016)

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Swimming with the Dolphins in Akaroa

Akaroa Harbour is the only place on the entire planet where you can get up close and personal with New Zealand's playful Hector's dolphin—the world's smallest and rarest species.

Just 90 minutes from Christchurch, depart the historic French township of Akaroa aboard one of Black Cat Cruises safe and comfortable vessels. All year round an unforgettable adventure awaits you, where everything is provided for your pleasure: wetsuits, masks, snorkels, hot showers, hot chocolate, even a free gift pack.

You can also watch the dolphins, along with other seafaring wildlife, from aboard one of our Akaroa swimming with dolphins trips.

All our crew are highly trained on safety and how to maximise your Akaroa dolphin swimming experience. This means that you'll get a great briefing on how to interact with the dolphins and what to expect prior to your journey.

They'll also give you safety instructions and other information to allow you to enjoy your experience. If you are new to snorkeling and using a wetsuit, your crew will be on hand to help you out.

Report time for our Akaroa swimming with dolphins trip is at 6:00 am 8:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm on demand (11:30 am only from May to September).

The price for our Dolphin Swimming in Akaroa trip is NZ$160 per adult ($85 to watch) and NZ$130 per child ($45 to watch). (prices valid from September 1st, 2015)

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