Sailing and Wildlife Tour Akaroa Fox II Sailing
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Sail inside the crater of an extinct volcano on a quiet, intimate wildlife cruise with a maximum of 30 guests. This small-group experience offers long, respectful encounters with some of the rarest dolphins in the world, set against dramatic volcanic scenery.
Enjoy a 3-hour eco-friendly sailing adventure aboard a peaceful sailboat, where the absence of engine noise allows close encounters with penguins, seals and albatross in their natural environment. Sail on the Fox II, New Zealand’s oldest ketch, over 100 years old, and be part of living maritime history.
Discover spectacular sea caves, cliffs and waterfalls, then venture into the open Pacific on a safe, serene and unforgettable journey. Low impact, authentic and nature-focused—this is one of New Zealand’s most unique sailing and wildlife experiences.
Additional Info
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
Akaroa Lighthouse
Built in 1880 and moved to this site in 1980. The original lighthouse from Akaroa Heads.
Akaroa
See Akaroa Harbour and all the animals including Hectors Dolphins, NZ Fur Seals, Little Blue Penguins and Albatross
What‘s Included
Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate and Biscuits
Local wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages for purchase
Options
Sailing and Wildlife Tour Akaroa Fox II Sailing
Reviews
74 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience aboard the Fox 2
jamesmB5982SN,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great experience doing the tour of the bay on the Fox 2. Very kid friendly and well worth it! The team were really friendly and very informative. We saw lots of dolphins and seals too!
Absolutely AWESOME trip!
melgresty72,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely LOVED sailing on the Fox II yesterday. Roy and the crew make the trip really fun, regardless of the weather! We saw so many gorgeous Hector dolphins and seals. Roy puts music on which seems to attract the dolphins even more. Sailing on the FOX II is a great experience and we really felt we got closer to the dolphins than we would have on other boats. A great afternoon out which our family would totally recommend! 🐬
Nice and cozy
Passenger59713335103,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Even though our journey began with pouring rain, the crew made it nice and cozy. We saw plenty of dolphins and other wildlife, learned some history of the area and had a great experience of sailing on a genuine old sail boat. Thank guys!
Great Afternoon Sailing Trip
P3518OHnickg,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was such a wonderful few hours out on the water! We saw multiple dolphins and seals on the trip. Experiencing the harbour from the water is absolutely stunning. The crew were kind and welcoming throughout the journey and made the whole experience really enjoyable. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Akaroa.
Great value experience
W7362KSgabrielleg,,Mar 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fabulous trip. Roy had some great stories about the history of this part of the Banks Peninsula and also gave us quiet time to soak up the atmosphere and drama of sailing on the high seas.
A must do!
scubasue09,,Feb 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such an amazing experience! We saw many Hectors dolphins, seabirds and even 2 penguins. The crew was so helpful and the captain gave wonderful history about the area. The most magical moment was when our captain played music and the dolphins headed towards the boat! Highly recommend this tour ❤️
Awesome experience!
Regent90,,May 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome 3hrs on the water - dolphins, seals, bird life, sailing and history of Akaroa and Banks Peninsula. Fab hot chocolate and biscuits on or way back. Thanks Roy for sharing your boat, knowledge and introducing us to the local wildlife!
Best wildlife encounter and sailing experience
Joy H,,Apr 23, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We saw so much wildlife and so many Hectors Dolphins. It was incredible. The scenery was marvelous. Very knowledgeable narration.. knew all the facts.
Terrible company, please be AWARE
Paradise18959442124,,Apr 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We booked this cruise quite some time ago before our trip to New Zealand. I have personally visited Akaroa 10 years ago and took another cruise and saw the Dolphins so this Time hope that my family can also enjoy it. But when we show up at the departure time at the harbor, there was no boat at all, i have to call them with my roaming phone number and was told that cruise was CANCELLED!!!! they said the cancellation is due to bad weather, this was a whole LIE, that day was just perfect weather, 17th April 2024, with shining sun shine and very little breeze. I had to immediately go to BLACK CAT CRUISE to book another boat cruise, that was fantastic. This company just cancelled the trip because there was not much guests, i guess. VERY IRRESPONSIBLE company, i warn all people to take care of this and hope that will not ruin our precious vacation. I travel a lot and normally , for these companies who work for tourists, they must be responsible forntheir clients, like in Iceland , i was the only guest for a fishing trip in a small rainy day.
Informative, relaxing and enjoyable trip with a great captain.
MJB76NZ,,Apr 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing trip on a historic ketch. Informative about the history, geology and current happenings in Akaroa. Brilliant to be under sail for some of the trip too. Saw Dolphins, Seals, marine birdlife and some amazing local geography. All whilst sailing in an old volcanic crater.
From NZ$145.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Fox 2 Sailing Adventures