Akaroa Tours
Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
5

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

By Black Cat Cruises
Recommended by 95% of travellers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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About
Search for Hector’s dolphins, the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins, on a narrated catamaran cruise of Akaroa Harbour. The skipper provides on-board commentary on New Zealand’s South Island scenery.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 5-99, max of 99 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More

Highlights
  • Akaroa Harbour nature cruise by luxury catamaran
  • Likely to see Hector’s dolphins—bring your camera
  • Skipper explains sea caves and volcanic cliffs
  • Tea and coffee served on board to keep you warm

  • 2-hour nature cruise
  • Full on-board commentary
  • Tea and coffee
  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
What's not included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop off


Start:
  • 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:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Pushchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • Infants must sit on laps
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3661AHC

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Most travellers can participate
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 99 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3661AHC

    From
    $109.00
    per adult
    Select date and travellers

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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Black Cat Cruises
      1,559
      Akaroa, New Zealand
      Joined in October 2008
    • lkrocks
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A great experience
      Awesome tour and crew!!! Derek, max, Abi all rocked it…wonderful views and easy boat to see them from, great narration too.
      Written 21 May 2024
    • Z7816NLstephanier
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great experience
      Friendly staff who looked after us well and answered all of our questions. They worked hard to make sure we had a good experience! Loved our experience swimming with the dolphins.
      Written 25 April 2024
    • castiron135
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      This is the real McCoy when it comes to swimming with dolphins
      Fantastic Crew with attention to detail. They take care of customers while teaching and protecting Hector’s Dolphins
      Written 2 April 2024
    • nickwC2353UM
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      What a great trip!
      The whole experience was excellent from seamless check-in, excellent equipment, great crew (big shout out to Chris and Nicole 👏) and a very professional outfit.
      Written 1 April 2024
    • gabbybisschops
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best Akaroa experience
      Such a fantastic cruise. The staff were so friendly and kind. They really care about the animals and the nature. We didn't get to swim with any dolphins but I was so happy to have been able to see them and I love that the company cares about ensuring the dolphins are comfortable before putting people in the water with them rather than just getting people in the water regardless. Despite not swimming we got to see dolphins, seals and a lot of bird life. Would highly recommend.
      Written 29 March 2024
    • HackswithRak
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Excellent day with Black Cat
      I was booked on the 0930 Dolphin Swim. Black Cat is very professional, setting us up with a briefing, wet suits that fit, complimentary lockers for our belongings and dry bags to take along cameras and phones. We set out to find a playful pod of Hector's dolphins. Black Cat guarantees that if you're not able to swim with the dolphins, they will provide a partial refund. The boat captain, Des, and his assistant, Harriet, were very knowledgeable and ensured the comfort of all participants, including warm blankets, hot chocolate and home made ginger snap cookies. Well worth the experience!
      Written 24 March 2024
    • DenaF343
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic!!!
      Great experience. Safety and explanation of the whole experience was clear. We LOVED our experience. Granted that you cannot control nature, however we lucked out and dolphins were everywhere. Bonus included penguins and fur seals. Truly a memorable day. Staff and skipper were top-notch.
      Written 14 March 2024
    • j_durban
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fun morning out
      Great tour company. Guides were informative and entertaining. Unfortunately we didn’t get to swim with the dolphins as they weren’t in an interactive mood but it was great to see them swimming beside the boat. Also added bonus was penguins and seals.
      Written 26 February 2024
    • 656kristianb
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      A fun time
      It was an adventure no doubt. We saw several pods of dolphins but when we got in the water they disappeared. We had fun and I got shots of our group rising and falling with the ocean swells, but in the water no shots of dolphins. Because the outing didn’t meet their standards of a dolphin encounter they refunded us all a percentage of our fee and we didn’t have to ask. I thought that was pretty stand up of them.
      Written 16 February 2024
    • 907JLeMay
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fabulous fun!
      It was a gorgeous and hot day when we visited. We enjoyed being out on the water. The crew were attentive and friendly. The color of the water was absolutely magnificent. Hector’s dolphins put on quite a show at multiple points of our cruise. We went out into the ocean and marveled at the towering sea cliffs and geological formations. The only downside was that there were too many people on the boat and the journey felt a bit crowded. Other than that, it was a fun adventure.
      Written 5 February 2024
    • petersfun
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great experience
      Thanks for all, we booked the snorkelling tour with dolphins but as snorkelling was not possible on the previous two tours we were asked if we wanted to change to the harbour tour. That was the best decision ever - we saw at least six groups of 2-6 dolphins right next to our boat - simply wonderful.
      Written 5 February 2024
    • Michele F
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic trip and wonderful staff
      It was absolutely brilliant the staff were amazing. The dolphins were beautiful to see. I’d recommend this company without doubt
      Written 2 February 2024
    • Jessica F
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing Experience
      We had a fantastic time! Even though we didn't get to swim with the dolphins, we spotted many! One of the dolphins gave us a little acrobatic show, which they aren't really known for. We saw an moma and a calf! Our guide Dani and skipper Chris were informative and engaging. Made the whole experience of feeling like an over stuffed sausage in the wetsuit absolutely worth it.
      Written 31 January 2024
    • FarAway64334004418
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing family outing with nature.
      Dani and our captain went above and beyond to make our family experience one we won’t soon forget. The dolphins are amazing creatures.
      Written 31 January 2024
    • 543victoriae
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Dolphin swim
      Great day out. Amazing staff. We had great fun with Thomas and Harriet. Very knowledgeable and respectful of the dolphins.
      Written 31 January 2024
    See all 1,559 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles196 reviews
    Excellent
    169
    Very good
    18
    Average
    2
    Poor
    3
    Terrible
    4

    Stacie
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2020 • Family
    We had a lovely cruise of the Harbor. The captain was very experienced at spotting and attracting the wildlife. He'd play with the engines to churn the water to encourage the dolphins to play nearby. At one point we had 13 dolphins swimming around the boat. We saw penguins, seal pups, orange krill and a jelly fish. The captain was informative and entertaining without talking too much. The woman working below was helpful with my daughter who was dealing with motion sickness.
    Written 25 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi Chocolateer, Thank you for your great review and for your kind words about our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise. We are proud to say that our skippers are professional and dedicated to providing an entertaining, informative and safe trip for our guests all the while manoeuvring the boat to maximize viewing potential (hence the churn of the engines). Thanks again for sharing your experience and we hope to see you again soon!
    Written 6 April 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Phil C
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2020
    A great day out - with a friendly and welcoming crew.

    The guide kept us entertained the whole trip with historical and ecological highlights as well as the odd Dad joke.

    The skipper handled the vessel confidently and expertly and allowed people into the wheelhouse at one point.

    We were really fortunate that the weather was good and there were dozens of Hector's dolphins about as well as fur seals and albatrosses, including the Southern royal albatross.

    We highly recommend this tour.
    Written 10 October 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi caughleyp, Thanks a lot for your review and for recommending us! We love hearing about our guests experiences out on the water with us and we are so pleased that yours was great! Lucky you, seeing a Southern Royal Albatross! We hope you will visit us again one day.
    Written 22 October 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    eater2016
    Christchurch, New Zealand94 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great couple of hours of entertainment and relaxation with a bit of education thrown in as well.

    Dolphins, seals and even krill! Plus a range of bird life...even a Fletcher top dressing plane doing its thing. Informative commentary complete with a good range of tour guides dad jokes...some of them even made you crack a smile. The 2 hour trip was discounted to $67.00 when we visited and they even throw in a free hot drink and a postcard so in reality you're paying a little over $30/Hour per adult head for entertainment and fresh air. That has to be good value.
    Written 21 October 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi Terry L, Thank you for your great review. We are so pleased that you got to take advantage of our awesome deal on the Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise. Even more awesome is that you got to see the wonderful wildlife that we have here. Thanks again for choosing to cruise with us and we hope to see you again soon!
    Written 22 October 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Barry5252
    Christchurch, New Zealand361 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Skipper Kate and her all-girls crew were great hosts for our 2 hour tour.
    Kate provided an informative commentary covering the historical, geological and wildlife of the harbour. We were fortunate to see some hector dolphins fairly early into our cruise, although most sightings did not last for long. Further down the harbour we stopped at areas where shags, gannets and seals we’re residing.
    I recommend you take a jacket whatever the weather. We left the Akaroa wharf on a warm sunny afternoon with almost no wind. A couple of kilometres down the harbour there was a cool wind which got stronger and colder as we went. Well before the harbour entrance we came into sea fog which lowered the temperature further.
    A great adventure exploring the richness of nature in the harbour.
    Written 27 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi Barry5252, woohoo go the all girl crew - that's so awesome! We are so glad you had such a great time out with us. Thanks for also recommending for other potential passengers to wear warm clothes, the weather is always a little unpredictable out on the water, so it's a great reminder! We hope you can join us again one day soon.
    Written 9 March 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Craigie
    Christchurch, New Zealand16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing Experience! Set off from Akaroa and within minutes we had spotted an hector dolphin, Everyone was in high alert to spot more. The crew did a great job to ensure social distancing and the commentary was excellent by the skipper. We managed to spot some Penguins, NZ fur seals and a pod of Hector dolphins at the harbour head - AMAZING..as we headed back to akaroa we spotted an hump back whale. Amazing trip
    Written 24 May 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Wow craigieb16! Such an amazing experience you have had on our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise! Dolphins, Seals, Penguins and a Humpback Whale! We are thrilled that you got to join us out on the water and even more thrilled that you got to see so much of the wildlife. Thank you for choosing to cruise with us and we hope you will be able to visit again soon!
    Written 24 May 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    TamKL
    Hertfordshire23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2020
    Friendly and helpful crew led by the wonderful Kate. Saw dolphins, penguins (which apparently are rare but on that day there were quite a few) and seals. The only thing I would recommend is taking binoculars for the seals (not that near) and the penguins (very small!).
    Written 11 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi TamKL, thanks so much for taking the time to write us review on your tour! I've certainly pass your lovely feedback on to Kate - she'll be thrilled! Great recommendation about bringing binoculars, awesome idea! We hope to see you out with us again soon.
    Written 20 March 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    travlndon
    Aurora, CO5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2023 • Couples
    A very succussful cruise.
    We found pods of a few Hector dolphins close to the headlands to the Pacific Ocean. They circled, chased, and ducked under our boat in numbers from 2-4. My wife observed a trio of dolphins breach as if performing a synchronization routine, an image of a lifetime.
    I was able to catch (barely) photos of them cavorting but neither saw nor had the opportunity to capture this wild, spontaneous action. I did get a number of good images of the other sea life and of the headlands landscapes which were partially trapped in sea fog banks.
    Thanks to the advice of the reservations desk, we avoided a mob scene of school children on the similar morning cruise. We fit in well with our co-cruisers who were practically all adults.
    After Seasickness issues on a whale seeking cruise, I began taking seasickness pills 2 hours before departure, kept taking per instructions, and avoided wearing to much clothing to avoid overheating. Also, this cruise was in better protected waters with much smaller swells.
    Written 2 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thanks for the great review. If possible we do try to group people on cruises and swims that will go well together, it works better for everyone. Akaroa harbour is amazing, it can look different every day with the way the fog sits or the sun shines, it is truly beautiful! So glad you enjoyed the trip and the Dolphins were keen to put on a show!
    Written 28 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Mimi-and-Steve
    Mermaid Waters, Australia10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We are avid wildlife & natural history travellers and as such have done many tours and trips around the world based on these interests. Therefore we understand that wildlife viewing can be a hit & miss affair based on the day. But our Black Cat wildlife cruise was exceptional in that we had terrific weather, sightings of large numbers of Hector Dolphins and young approaching the boat, white flipper penguins, sea lions and were able to venture into the Pacific to see a number of albatross. The commentary was great, the skipper & crew had a good knowledge of the area, history, landmarks & wildlife, plus the boat was large comfortable and stable for photography. Would highly recommend to anyone finding themselves in Akaroa looking for a quality tour. Thanks for a great experience.
    Written 30 December 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Belsara
    11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2020 • Family
    Black Cat deliver a fantastic tour which I highly recommend. Over the course of two hours we saw multiple dolphins, fur seals and one penguin and we received fantastic commentary on the area and the formation of the caves and inlets. Our family of five loved the experience.
    Written 12 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    HI Belsara19, thanks very much for your review on TripAdvisor! So glad you had such a great time with our team on the Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise - sounds like you saw so much of our fantastic Akaroa wildlife! We hope you can all join us again one day soon.
    Written 20 March 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    HCEPCDC
    28 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2023
    A wonderful trip with beautiful scenery and fantastic wildlife including seals and dolphins. The staff on the boat and booking desk provided excellent customer service and great commentary on the boat trip. Would highly recommend.
    Written 29 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you, we have an amazing team, we are very proud of them. We cannot take credit for the scenery or the wildlife but we are very lucky to get to take people out to see it all. Thank you for your lovely comments.
    Written 14 January 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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