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‘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
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
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.
Options
Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
Reviews
310 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing despite the rain and wind
517carysp,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went out in some pretty miserable weather and the Black Cat people really looked after us. Hot drinks brought to us and blankets offered. But to top it all off, we found seals, an albatross, petrels and many dolphins. It could have been a grim trip but it was great. Can't recommend highly enough.
Excellent Cruise
Adrian B,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent cruise with engaging commentary. We saw dolphins, seals and many birds. Highly recommended
Would absolutely do again
Journey10963170328,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a lovely day out on the boat - saw heaps of dolpins and even a penguin. The staff were lovely and helpful. Absolutely 100% recommend.
An experience for life
220anya,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nothing beats experiencing Akaroa on water. The scenery is absolutely amazing, its beauty breathtaking, and the crew will tell you about the history of Banks Peninsula and more. Every time I've been out I've encountered dolphins, seals, penguins. An experience that will leave you wanting to come back.
Awesome boat cruise
Adventure30229788020,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really nice cruise of 2-hours with commentary and complimentary drinks, saw lots of wildlife close-up. Well worth attending, thanks team!
The cruise to do
FFCharliesm,
Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent cruise. Knowledgeable staff. Went with and 8 month old that was so excited he wore himself out in 10min and slept the whole trip. A 10 year old and my hubby who loved exploring on different areas of the boat. Saw some albatross, a colony of baby seals. Unfortunately no dolphins which is rear. With ease they immediately gave us more tickets which we will use on our next trip to NZ. Still such a lovely cruise we didn't mind. The hot chocolate on the boat kept the 10 year old happy too. The only thing I struggled with was hearing the staff commentary but the bits I did get were very educational or made me chuckle. Staff at the ticket shop were a bundle of joy !!!! I've never seen service like it. Well done team black cat!!
The awe of nature from the best sea view
GrandTour09665703591,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a lovely cruise on Akaroa Harbour with Black Cat. The staff were helpful, friendly & gave us lots of information about the natural environment & history. We were lucky enough to have a brilliant encounter with a pod of Bottlenose dolphins who gave us a beautiful show of play right next to the boat. We also saw some fur seals & experienced the awe of ancient volcanic caverns. The scenery is phenomenal & there’s no better way to experience it than from the sea. Highly recommend this Black Cat cruise.
Had an amazing time - Alex was amazing
Discover00285956168,
Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alex is the best tour guide ever. He is DA coolest and most helpful tour guide ever 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Would recommend a million times over. I had the best time ever.
Great family friendly wildlife cruise
S5644GWkylek,
Aug 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing cruise, very knowledgeable, professional and accommodating staff. During the cruise we saw dolphins, sea lions/fur seals, penguins and a variety of other birds, and the scenery was amazing. Especially with the captain explaining all the geography as we went.
Getting up close with the dolphins
X9999JZheatherj,
Aug 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The cruise took us just outside the harbour heads, where we saw dolphins and on the way back, some sea lions basking on the rocks. The scenery was fantastic and the captain and crew were very friendly and knowledgeable. A great few hours.
From NZ$125.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Chat with us on social
Related Experiences
Operated by Black Cat Cruises