Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Cruise through the stunning Akaroa Harbour and encounter some of New Zealand’s most unique marine wildlife, including the rare Hector’s dolphin, NZ fur seals, penguins, and seabirds. Set aboard a spacious, modern catamaran with large viewing decks and indoor seating, this award-winning nature cruise offers comfort, panoramic views, and expert commentary from your knowledgeable skipper. You’ll explore an ancient volcanic crater, marvel at towering 500-foot sea cliffs and vibrant rock formations. Learn about local conservation efforts and Akaroa’s rich Māori and European history. Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and a free postcard. With guaranteed departures (weather permitting), it’s a must-do for nature and wildlife lovers and families alike. As New Zealand’s first eco-tourism operator, we’re proud to support the dolphin protection efforts alongside the Department of Conservation and the NZ Whale & Dolphin Trust. Your ticket directly supports this work.
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
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
See rare Hector’s dolphins up close in the wild, along with NZ fur seals, little blue penguins, albatross, and other native seabirds on this award-winning cruise. Board a spacious, modern catamaran with two open viewing decks, indoor seating, and onboard facilities. Travel through Akaroa Harbour, an ancient volcanic crater, as your expert skipper shares insights into the region’s marine life, conservation, and rich Māori and European history. Marvel at 500-foot cliffs, the vibrant colours of Scenery Nook, and the southernmost grove of native Nikau palms. Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, or hot chocolate and take home a free postcard. Cruises run daily all year (apart from Christmas Day), weather permitting. A New Zealand must-do for nature and wildlife lovers. Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and postcard included.
What‘s Included
2-hour nature cruise
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Wildlife viewing
Postcard
Tea, coffee or hot chocolate
Full on-board commentary
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop off
Options
Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
Reviews
320 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nice
Hannah B,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I liked the service and the commentary on where we were was great and actually interesting! They also communicated about the bad weather, which I appreciated. However, I do think there could have been more protection from rain and falling off the boat in general. I do appreciate the free hot chocolate, tea or coffee included with your ticket.
Fun day
Lisa W,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great 2h trip only problem had was getting pushed around (not that its the fault of the vendor), find a good spot when get on boat and try not to move but other then that it was a worthwhile experience
A must do when visiting Akaroa
MarieE1876,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! Friendly staff and very informative. Highlight of the day was seeing the dolphins. Definitely worth your time and money
Wrong info. Activity lost
Fabiola C,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00The meeting Pont is wrong. We lost the activity. Zero support from viator. Better to book directly with the supplier.
Akaroa Dolphins A must do.
Global22873899851,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We done Dolphin Cruise with Akaroa Dolphins Skipper Joe & crew Hana Elsa & Pia. & Buster. What a fantastic trip. Weather couldn't have been better. Skipper & crew excellent. Lots of Dolphins . We highly recommend Akaroa Dolphins when you visit Akaroa. A must do trip. Phil & Bev
Wildlife wonders
amvAberdeen,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very informative cruise around the huge natural harbour. The rare Hector’s dolphins made several appearances and some lazy fur seals posed for us on the rocks. The coastline is fascinating. There’s plenty room on the boat to move about and get great pictures from all angles.
Great experience and we saw dolphins!
Steeevo2,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well kept stable boat. Friendly and helpful staff, relaxed atmosphere, excellent views. We even got to see some dolphins!
Educational and exciting tour
Face The Elements,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The family and I took a wildlife cruise with Black Cat Cruises. The boat was nice and had a variety of seating options in and outdoors, a bar with complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, toilets, and great educational staff. We were able to see dolphins, seals, and various birds. Definitely exciting day on the water and felt like the two hours just flew by.
Fabulous day on the water
sharoncS3904TB,,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great team onboard. Beautiful day on the water. We were lucky to see some seals and hectors dolphins. So special to see the dolphins.
Breath taking
C3505QHrussellp,,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The weather, the crew, the commentary and the most of all the scenic tour of the harbour and surrounds was unforgettable. Thankyou for such a memorable experience.
From NZ$125.00
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Operated by Black Cat Cruises