Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
At the core, we’re a family business with our management team being 6th & 7th generation Banks Peninsula locals. Alongside our family members, we have a passionate team who are committed to you having a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
We keep our passenger groups small so that you have more room to move around the boat, and enjoy your cruise without overcrowding or missing dolphin sightings due to a shortage of viewing space. Our boat has a low-lying profile which means you get closer to the wildlife!
When you board our boat you’ll be offered a complimentary drink. Choose from beer, award-winning local wine or non-alcoholic options. You’ll also enjoy our famous home-baked treats made from our family recipe and served to you by our delightful onboard crew.
We are committed to the conservation of our harbour's environment and wildlife. After all, it’s the centre point of our business.
*Check-in is 30 minutes prior to the departure, with boarding 15 minutes beforehand.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We do not swim with the dolphins
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
As a holder of a New Zealand Department of Conservation Marine Mammal Viewing Permit, we are legally authorized to take guests on dolphin and seal viewing tours. We are proud to be one of only two year-round operators in Akaroa Harbour with this permit, so we encourage you to choose responsibly. Enjoy a 2-hour nature cruise on our luxury catamaran in Akaroa Harbour, a hotspot for Hector's dolphins, White-flippered penguins, and New Zealand fur seals. While we can't guarantee sightings as the animals are wild, we have a high success rate. If you don't see dolphins, cruise with us again for free. Our friendly check-in team, skippers, onboard guides, and expert dolphin-spotting dogs equipped with life-vests will ensure an unforgettable experience. As a conservation measure, we do not swim with the dolphins. To redeem a voucher, promotion code, or Top10 membership card, please contact us directly via phone or email. We cannot offer discounts after a booking has been made online. Please note, check-in is no later than 30 minutes prior to the departure, with boarding 15 minutes beforehand.
What‘s Included
Knowledgeable local skipper and guide
Homemade cookie (family recipe)
Complimentary drink (beer, NZ wine, or non-alcoholic option)
Swimming with dolphins (for conservation reasons)
Transport to Akaroa
Options
Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise
Reviews
2,125 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Thank you so much for a...
Julia A,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Thank you so much for a wonderful trip. We saw amazing wildlife and the crew were funny and helpful.
Amazing scenery and creatures make this a must do!
travelin-camera,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing adventure! Not only dolphins but seals and penguins too! And the scenery and history was second to none. The crew was fantastic, incredibly personal and attentive. And the dolphin finding dog Alibie was so sweet. Absolutely a must do and well worth the trip from Christchurch!!
Lovely tour
shaulal2025,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a lovely time on the boat. The captain had nice things to tell and he did it with a lot of jokes so we were all wearing a smile. We were lucky to see the dolphins, seals and even a penguin ans had a beautiful sunny trip with calm water.
Worth it to see the harbour by water.
MNtraveler1984,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It was an enjoyable boat ride of the harbour. The penguins were pretty difficult to see, but the captain did a great job of trying to find all the creatures we could. We saw sea lions and pups, white flippers penguins and several Hectors dolphins. The history of the area was nice to hear. The crew were helpful and did their best to keep a happy attitude despite the harsh wind and somewhat rough sea.
Great Value- Superb Trip!
Davebarks,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing day out! Booking was easy, greeting was great, boat is comfortable and spacious, and the harbour tour spectacular! We saw plenty of beautiful Hectors dolphins, seals and a Penguin too, along with the Harbour highlights. This is a great value well run experience, and truly deserves high rating
Fantastic tour and dolphin experience
Roam09011834710,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A perfect afternoon - the family run tour was very well run and professional but still very friendly and welcoming. They do not fill the boat and their was lots of room to see lots of dolphins close up. The whole 2 hour tour was a great pleasure.
Brilliant Afternoon with Lots of Dolphins and Seals
923rosiem,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great boat, entertaining and knowledgable captain, engaging crew, beautiful scenery and lots of dolphins and seals, including three adorable baby seals…. What more needs to be said. Our thanks to Joe and of course Dolphin Dog Buster II who was an entertaining companion and great detector of dolphins!
Excelent tour
Miriy R,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excelent tour, very informative, lot of dolfins and sea lions and even a pingguin. We enjoyed it very much.
Excellent harbor cruise!...
Caitlyn T,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent harbor cruise! My family (mom, dad, 4mo baby) enjoyed every minute of this experience. We were able to see dolphins, penguins, and seals. Our captain, George, was personable and provided an excellent tour. We’d recommend this to all ages!
Must Do in Akaroa!
570aprils,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely amazing! George, Hannah, and Lucy (and Wilbur!) were great hosts!! This is a must do if visiting Akaroa! I absolutely love that this is 7th generation family run! Even got to try George’s Uncles amazing wine! We saw a lot of Hector dolphins and even a few babies!! And some seals, and a few penguins! George does an amazing job of explaining all the history and landscape details. HIGHLY recommend!!!
From NZ$130.00
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